Products For Your New Cat or Kitten

So you've got a new cat or a kitten and you were wondering what you needed. The following is a list of the equipment required for looking after your new pussy.

Cat carrier: These are now usually made of plastic, with a vented door made from plastic, metal or wicker. Plastic carriers are easy to clean and come in different sizes. Cat carriers are a must for taking your cat from the breeder, or rescue centre to its new home or for trips to the vets.

Litter Tray: Even outdoor cats will use a litter tray when the weather is bad.

Food and Water Bowls: These should be easy to clean and preferably unbreakable. The best are made of light-weight metal or plastic.

Combs and Brushes: Exactly what you need will depend on whether your cat is shorthaired, longhaired or semi-longhaired.

Scratching Post: I think these are a must, especially if a cat is to spend most of its time indoors. If your new kitten is presented with a scratching post as soon as it arrives it will get used to the idea of clawing this rather than your best furniture. If you delay the kitten scratch your furniture and may be reluctant to use the scratch post later.

Toys: Kittens love toys especially ones impregnated with catnip. These will help keep the cat occupied and healthy.

Collar and disc: If your cat is going to go outside it must wear a collar and disc in case it gets lost. The collar should be partly elasticated to help prevent strangling if the cat or kitten gets caught somewhere. The disc should show your telephone number and address so you can be contacted.

Bed: These are not vital as most cats and kittens are happy to sleep anywhere. If you do want a bed for your cat, there are many designs to choose from, but don't expect your cat to sleep in it all the time.

Food: Cats are carnivores and need a meat based diet.

Young kittens have small stomachs, but need a lot of protein and other nutrients to grow and develop. Because of this, a kitten has to be fed a concentrated diet, which usually means special kitten food.

If you attempt to feed home cooked foods to your cat check recipes carefully and research ingredients carefully to ensure your cat is getting the correct nutrients. Always seek advice from your veterinary.

When using commercial food whether wet or dry always use a quality brand, as a cheap cat food often contains too much cereal and not enough protein.

A kitten up to the age of six months will need for meals a day. From six to nine months three meals a day should be served. Two meals a day will be fine once the cat has reached nine months and becomes an adult.

It is best to provide weaned kittens and adult cats water to drink as they have no need for milk. If feeding dry food extra water should be made available. Do not give cows milk as this will often upset a cats stomach.

Terry King runs Parcel Pets [http://www.pets2home.co.uk], a leading UK pet supplies [http://www.pets2home.co.uk] web site and has had pets all his life. He lives with his wife Louise, dog Sam, Cat Sabrina and 5 fish!