The very first thing to do after you pick out your new kitten is to make your home a safe place for the kitten to live. To do that, you need to remove all things a kitten could get into that could be dangerous. The first rule of preparing a home : Kittens get into everything: closets, drawers, cabinets, potted plants, garbage cans, Christmas trees, toilet bowls, refrigerators, drapery, sofa cushions, garages, and much more. I know I'm making them sound like little Terminators, but it is true. Kittens get into places you have never given a second (or first) thought.
Select a quiet spot where your kitten can go in peace. Litter boxes come in several types: flat trays, deep dish, covered, and potty seats for the toilet. The best is the uncovered tray, at least two inches deep. Your kitten can easily hop into such a box, and he kicks minimal litter out on the floor. There are three basic types of litter on the market: some clay litter comes with deodorizers, while some does not; some clay litter brands are dust free. Clumping litters are so named because they clump with moisture so that you can scoop out the soiled litter but leave the rest.
Basically, all the litter has to do is able to absorb moisture from the urine and stool and give the kitten something to scratch in. Additional properties that litter can feature include deodorizers, fresh scents, dust free formulas, and environmentally friendly litter.
You want to make sure the breeder is registered with a national cat registry and has been breeding cats for at least five years. They should be able to give you a certificate of pedigree with the kitten to prove it's a pure breed. Find out whether they offer a written guarantee for the kitten's health, and make sure they will give you a refund or exchange if the kitten develops a disease or genetic problem within the first year. Reputable breeders are more than happy to meet these conditions. If they are reluctant, or refuse, you do not want to do business with them - find another breeder.
Kittens are naturally curious and tend to seek high places. You might find your kitten on top of cabinets, refrigerators, wood piles, rafters, or curtain rods. Because is nearly impossible to keep them away from these spots, make sure your windows are screened or closed.It is common for cats and kittens to fall out of unscreened windows in urban apartments. In fact, the injuries that occur from such falls are called "High Rise Syndrome".
Pick a spot for the food and water bowls. Most people use the kitchen floor. Notice I said food and water. Some people erroneously think kittens do not drink water. All animals need water-fresh, clean water, changed several times daily. Keep the water bowl within two feet of the food dish, so your kitten will learn that where there's food, there's also water. Do not be surprised if your kitten prefers your faucet for his water. Most cats instinctively know that cold, running water is cleaner than warm, stagnant water.
