New kitten preparation/best food

NewKittenHelp

We decided finally(!) to get a kitten after discussing it for over a year. We went today to our local animal shelter to see if they had any in in need of homes, not expecting to find one at all because they are notoriously strict about matching the animals to prospective owners. Anyway, after chat with one of the volunteers, we found our perfect kitten - they matched her to us perfectly, with ways I don't understand. She's completely amazing. She was abandoned at 2 weeks, being hand-fed since then. Now 9 weeks old. She's just incredible. So we gave a donation and signed the papers.

We are going back tomorrow to pick her up as our zooplus delivery isn't due until either tomorrow or Tuesday, but luckily we've been lent a bed and litter tray for her until then.

I just hope that someone may be able to point out things that I've forgotten if I put down what I've ordered.

• Cat Bed Cozy Marine
• LED Pointer Catch the Light
• Trixie Feather Waggler Cat Toy
• Savic Nestor Covered Litter Tray - 1 replacement carbon filter
• Olga Scratching Post
• Trixie Fleece Blanket Beany x2
• Savic Nestor Covered Litter Tray
• Silver Cat Toy
• Wicker Den XXL - bed and basket for vet trips/travelling

As for food, we nipped to PAH and got a week's worth of Applaws kitten food, wet and dry - is this OK? The shelter said that she eats anything but my thinking is that as she's so young and been without natural nutrients that the best quality food is best, I'm just a bit concerned that there's only one flavour of the kitten food, so won't she get bored of it? Can I mix and match with other best quality food and if so, do you have any recommendations?

Does anyone have any recommendations about insurance too?

Many many thanks! Sorry if it's all a bit of a jumble - still so excited!

edit: got food and water dishes too.:)

gettingready

skip the cat bed.. she will not use it - do not know a at that does

dishes for food and water (you have food but no dishes on your list)
cat litter (you have tray but no litter on your list)
little fluffy balls - they like balls LOL

NewKittenHelp

gettingready wrote: »

skip the cat bed.. she will not use it - do not know a at that does

dishes for food and water (you have food but no dishes on your list)
cat litter (you have tray but no litter on your list)
little fluffy balls - they like balls LOL

I forgot to add them too. Got litter today - silicon(?) one? It's in the boot still or I'd check.

I'll get her some balls tomorrow haha!

Thank you so much!

Fridaycat

Four of my five cats use beds quite frequently - they have a large dog bed that can fit two or three of them in there at a time, and they love cuddling up in there, particularly in winter

Your list looks very comprehensive. You might want to add a comb/brush at some point in the future (probably not a huge priority at the moment) - but even short haired cats should have a groom at least once a week and the earlier they are started, the more they will accept it. I use a fine toothed flea comb on mine (they don't have fleas, but they would soon show up if they did!)

Being as kitty is 9 weeks old, they'll be ready for their first vaccination once they've settled in (usually done at 9 and 12 weeks), so might be worth making a vet appt. for a week or so's time.

As for insurance, my two pedigrees are with PetPlan - not the cheapest but they have a very good reputation and are specialist in the pet insurance field.

Fridaycat

Meant to say also, don't mix the food too much - you may upset kitty's tummy. Applaws is a good food (though the adult pouches are complementary, not a complete food: something to consider later) - so if kitty likes it, then by all means feed her on it.

Be aware also that hand reared cats have their own little quirks and foibles being as their mummies weren't around to teach them "cat" things! Our Harry was a hand rear (he's nearly 8 now) and he has a liking for playing with hands and has lots of other little habits that none of our other cats have had

gettingready

my lot just take over my bed ....

Fridaycat

gettingready wrote: »

my lot just take over my bed ....

Aha! I don't let them . Well not at night anyway when we want to sleep in it, they can go on there in the daytime

gettingready

OP- silica litter... hope kitty likes it, not all cats are keen, especially when used to "normal litter"

photome

It seems to me that you have more than enough "equipment" Our cat (she was 4 2 days ago) has never used her cat bed, during the day she is usually found on my sons bed and at night on top of the tumble drier in the kitchen, she isnt allowed past the kitchen door during the night.

Have you got a cat flap?

we have never had insurance, touch wood been ok so far

penny_pincha

photome wrote: »

Have you got a cat flap?

You won't need a cat flap yet as you shouldn't allow your kitten out until it is much older. Definitely not before 6 months old and preferably wait until it is 8 or 9 months. Kittens are very curious and will end up being hurt falling off or out of something. Also you should neuter your kitten before it goes out.:)

NewKittenHelp

photome wrote: »

It seems to me that you have more than enough "equipment" Our cat (she was 4 2 days ago) has never used her cat bed, during the day she is usually found on my sons bed and at night on top of the tumble drier in the kitchen, she isnt allowed past the kitchen door during the night.

Have you got a cat flap?

we have never had insurance, touch wood been ok so far

Thanks. No catflap but I work from home so I'll be here all day anyway for when she wants to go out.

I don't want to take the risk without insurance - the bills can soon mount up and because she didn't have the best start I think it's necessary.