So, you’re about to have a new feline housemate? How exciting!

While the Cat or Kitten you’re about to introduce to your home is unlikely to do the dishes, they’re more likely to excel in the cuteness department. And that’s purr-fect!

But before the purring party can begin, there are a few essentials you’ll need to make sure your new arrival stays healthy, entertained, and feels safe.

Nutrition

Whether you’re homing a bouncing bundle of kitten energy or a fully grown cat, nutrition is vital. This means combining a diet of both wet and dry food. Wet food aids your kitty’s water intake, while dry food supports oral health. And a combination of both can make a kitten’s transition from their mother’s milk easier too.

Feeding your feline the right stuff will help them to maintain their optimal weight and keep them bright-eyed and energised. Despite their size, kittens actually need to eat more than adult cats and require more protein and fat than their mature counterparts. So, it’s recommended you feed your fluffy sidekick special kitten food to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients.

If your new companion is a kitten that’s been orphaned, rejected or early weaned, you may need to consider a nutritional protein and vitamin supplement. These can also be suitable for older cats, supporting muscle development and repair!

Feeding guide:

Kittens should be offered food at least 4 times per day, while older cats should have two meals a day.

Take care not to overfeed or underfeed your kitten. Your vet will be able to weigh your kitten, assess your kitten’s body condition score and provide advice.

Please ensure clean fresh drinking water is available at all times but do not provide milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets

We suggest talking to your breeder, adoption centre or vet about the current diet of your Cat before making any significant changes as these can result in tummy upsets and constipation.

Our Top Picks:

ZIWI Peak’s wet food offers a wide range of flavours and are crafted to meet your cat’s biological needs.

Feline Natural’s premium freeze-dried cat food range. It makes use of high quality and flavoursome ingredients to please your pussycat.

Royal Canin Kitten Dry Cat Food is a complete feed for young cats under the age of 12 months – choc full of essential nutrients to get your Kitty purring.

Di-Vetelact Original DV a delicious milk replacer packed full of nutriental protein supplements and vitamins

Toilet training

We reckon the journey of cat ownership is a joy. There’s even beauty in finding the right cat litter solutions! It can be a bit dirty but luckily, cats are quick learners that appreciate cleanliness.

If you’re introducing a kitten to your home, expect there to be a few accidents. It’s normal for a fresh-faced feline to make a furr-pas or two. All you need are the right tools and a sprinkle of patience.

Initially, we suggest trying to limit your kitten’s access to just a couple of spaces. This way they can gradually acclimatise to their new surroundings and the litter box will always be close by. If you’re able to intercept a kitten while your floor is being redecorated, gently pick them up and pop them in the litter box.

And should your kitty’s litter skills fall short, Wee Off™ Bio-Bacterial Stains & Odour Remover has you covered. Wee Off can fix most accidents including vomit, urine, and faeces. Plus, removing the evidence will discourage your kitty from making the same mistake twice.

In the litter stakes there’s lots of options to choose from and you might need to try a few out before you find one you and your kitty loves best.

Our tops picks:

Affordable, practical and sustainable we love Oz Pet’s Cat and Pet Litter and you can purchase this in a ready to go kit that comes with all the necessary components such as trays, litter and even a scooper, making it ideal for owners and cats alike.

Trouble & Trix Lavender Cat Litter. Everyone loves the smell of lavender, even your Kitty. So this odour netralising litter is perfect for those who want nothing but a fresh scent!

Breeders Choice Cat Litter Paper. Made from recycled paper and proudly made in Australia this environmentally friendly cat litter is highly absorbent, contains no chemicals or additives and is biodegradeable.

Cat Mate’s eco-friendly wood pellet kitty litter is not only sustainably sourced, but it’s absorbent and stops smelly bacteria from growing.

Rufus & Coco Clumping Corn Cat Litter, this award-winning product is super-absorbent and clamps down fast on odours.

Accessories

With a new (and probably very cute) addition to the home, we understand the temptation to accessorise. And there are plenty of options when it comes to buying all the bits and pieces your new housemate might need.

For most fur-parents, kitting out their kitty with a collar is a no-brainer. Attached with a tag, they help to identify missing cats and even add a pinch personality.

Be sure to choose a collar appropriate to the age of your kitty. Kittens should ideally have a breakaway collar to ensure they stay safe if it catches on an obstacle and while a breakaway collar isn’t a deal breaker for older cats you still need to make sure it’s a good fit – not too tight, not too loose.

We love the Rogz Alleycat Safeloc Collar. Complete with a small bell to help you locate a hiding cat, this collar is designed to separate should your feline become snagged.

Tommy & Bella have a Luxury Pink Tan collar features premium leather, gold plated hardware and a plastic break-away safety feature, the picture of class & caution.

And if you’re looking to accessorise, you might also consider a cat harness and lead. Perfect for those indoor kitty’s looking to get some outside time.

And when your cat isn’t exploring the world, they’ll need a cozy spot to rest. So don’t forget to add a bed to that list of essentials.

Cat Beds

We all know your Cats can fall asleep on anything from your $3,000 couch to an old pair of runners – but that doesn’t mean they have to!
Finding right Cat bed can be a real game changer for those delightful Cat-nappers.

Our tops picks:

The SNOOZA Cocoon Storm Pet Bed looks fit for a king. The cave-like design creates a safe and snuggly space for cats of all ages to enjoy. Our only regret is that they don’t come in human sizes!

The Pet Igloo Triangle avaliable at Pet Circle have a gorgeous velveteen cover, perfect for comfort (and easy to clean…)

Lexi & Me Speckled Stone Plush Cocoon will help your Cat’s dream come true by providing a snug, warm & comfortable space to relax.

Toys

When welcoming a cat into your home, it could take some time for them to feel comfortable. But a great way to entertain and enliven a cautious kitty is with some exciting cat toys.

Playing with your lovable kitty is more important than you might realise! Cat’s thrive when they’re mentally stimulated. Their instincts are to stalk, chase, and trap prey. Keeping these behaviours sharp will help your cat to behave and naturally express themselves.

Play also helps your cat to exercise and be physically engaged. Interacting with your kitty will keep them from becoming bored, as well as aiding them to be active and maintain a healthy weight.

And importantly, regular play with your kitty will help you to bond together. And is there any better feeling than that?

Our top picks:

The Trouble and Trix Towel Wand Cat Toy Designed for hours of safe and interactive fun together, and is a great option to keep your kitty active and ensure they spend time with you.

Rufus & Coco’s Rocking Feathers Cat Toy will delight your cat for hours as they chase and pounce upon the feathered egg-shaped ball.

Meow or Never Knitted Mice Cat ToyPlus will also keep your kitty absorbed as they chase a knitted mouse across the room.

A new and exciting chapter

Congratulations to you and your soon-to-be purring pussycat!
We’re sure that you’ll find endless happiness and comfort together. And as you embark on this new chapter, what better way to learn about your kitty than the 2022 Cat Lovers Festival?