Checklist for your new cat or kitten

It is important to get your new kitten off to a good start because the future of your pet's life depends greatly on its first year. To help your new kitten grow into a happy healthy adult you can achieve this with regular veterinary visits, the right nutrition and excellent care at home. If you have chosen to take in an older cat, they still require excellent care in order to live out their lives as happy and healthy cats as well.

Pets provide a special loving bond. They depend on us for food, warmth, love and security. In return they provide us with their special love and attention.

To help your new pet adapt quickly to his new environment, it is a good idea to be prepared before you bring the kitty home. A few of the items you will need are:

1. food, water and the dishes for these items
   
2. litter box and litter
   
3. a scratch post
   
4. a nice comfortable bed
   
5. grooming tools
   
6. a pet carrier for safety
   
7. a collar with an I.D. tag
   
8. safe toys for your cat
   
9. a veterinarian

There are some other precautions at home that you may want to take into consideration. Have a good look around you house inside and outside and ask yourself, "can my new kitten injure himself in some way with what is in each room?" Keep loose wires tied and tucked away if possible to avoid strangulation. If you have vertical or horizontal blinds, keep the cords out of the cats reach. Check to see if the plants you have in the house are dangerous for cats. Some plants can be toxic if not poisonous to your new pet. I never met a cat who did not like to chew on plant leaves. If you plan to let your cat outside in the yard, check to see if there are any garden plants that may be dangerous to your pet. Remember to exercise caution if you use fertilizers or pesticides in your yard. Cats really enjoy eating grass. If you have any special breakable treasures sitting on the mantle or end tables in your living room, you may want to remove them or move them to safer ground as cats enjoy practicing their hunting skills which include jumping and pouncing and moving anything they can with their paws!