Kitten essentials: getting ready for your kitten

Space and comfortable access matter most. You can choose a conventional, top-entry or automatic litter box. Our kittens learn to use all these types. For an automatic model, check its safety features, minimum age and weight limits, and the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep a conventional litter box available, especially at first.

With covered litter boxes, avoid a swinging flap if it makes entry difficult or uncomfortable. For top-entry boxes, check that openings and gaps cannot trap a toe or claw.

At Aggio Cat*PL, we use different types of fine bentonite litter. Start with a similar litter when your kitten comes home. Tofu litters are also available, but introduce any change gradually and check that your kitten remains comfortable using the box.

I recommend unscented litter. Fragrance does not remove the smell of urine: it mixes with it. A strong scent may also discourage your cat from using the litter box.

A carrier should be sturdy, easy to clean and securely fastened. A top opening often makes veterinary examinations easier. I recommend glass, porcelain, stoneware or metal bowls. Avoid plastic bowls. They are harder to clean and disinfect thoroughly, and using them may contribute to blackheads on a cat’s chin.

Sphynx cats love cosy places where they can hide and burrow. Soft covered beds, sleeping bags, cocoons and blankets work well.

If your home is comfortably warm, I do not recommend heating mats for everyday use. Your cat should be able to choose where to rest. It should not be kept constantly warmed by an additional heat source.

For travel on cold days, consider an insulated carrier cover and a microwaveable heat pad. Some pads stay warm for eight to ten hours. Always cover the pad properly to prevent burns.

Clothing can help during outings in cold weather. It can also be worn briefly after a bath, for example for about half an hour, or to absorb excess sebum. Choose soft clothing that allows free movement and does not cause overheating.

Keep a few basic items handy. There is no need to buy a whole collection of grooming products straight away.

• Hypoallergenic wet wipes, including suitable baby wipes. Prefer fragrance-free, alcohol-free products with a short, simple ingredient list.
• Gauze and cotton pads.
• Cotton buds for the outer parts of the ears only. Never insert them into the ear canal.
• An ear-care product, such as Enasel, used as directed.
• Nail clippers.
• A fast-reading thermometer with a soft tip.
• Saline solution.

Choose products to suit your individual cat. If your cat has skin or ear problems, ask your veterinarian about suitable care.

Your kitten’s starter pack includes enough food for the first few days. Before collection, ask what your kitten currently eats and have a suitable supply ready.

I do not recommend changing food immediately after a move. A new home is already a big enough experience for a kitten. Introduce any dietary changes gradually, watching appetite, general wellbeing and the appearance of stools.

Remember: the litter box always tells the real story!

Secure windows, balconies, cables and dangerous objects in advance. Start with a quiet room containing a litter box away from the bowls, a bed and a hiding place. Do not change the food immediately or invite visitors over. You can read more in the article ‘Your kitten’s first days in a new home’.