Preparation

Welcoming a new kitten into your home requires a lot of love, patience and preparation. With the right equipment and expert tips you can make sure the introduction to your home and family runs smoothly. Your new kitten needs to feel safe. If you have other pets, keep them away from the kitten for the first few days, until the kitten adjusts to the new surroundings.

Tips for choosing a name

Cats find it easier to hear names consisting of one or two syllables and react especially well to names ending with “ie” or “y”. Popular British cat names include Sooty, Charlie and Lucky.

Bed time

Kittens need their own bed. Put it somewhere where there are no draughts and where they can enjoy some privacy. Kittens like to feel cosy, warm and safe – especially when sleeping. They like to have a snug backing to mould into. Don’t be swayed into buying a bed that is too large for them with the notion that they will grow into it. It’s best to select a bed that reflects the size of your cat now and buy a bigger bed at a later date.

Feeding

Your kitten’s first few meals at home are very important. Find out what food your kitten has been eating and continue feeding this food for a day or two after you have taken them home. If you want to change his diet to a nutrition centre food.

Click here to find out more about our recommended nutrition centre foods such as Pets at Home Kitten Complete, then do it gradually, over a period of a week or two. Mix increasing proportions of the new food with the old to make the transition easy on your kitten's digestive system. High quality complete dry cat food is not only healthier for your cat, it also yields much smaller and tidier poop piles.