First-time cat parent? Here's a guide for you.

First-time cat parent? Here's a guide for you.

We all know how adding a new kitten to the family can be exciting and often intimidating, especially when it's the first time you're bringing a cat to your life. But don't let it fool you: the experience is as good as it gets and there are some things you can do to prepare your home and better understand how to build a great environment for everyone.

Most cats are full of energy and personality - enigmatic, precocious, and relatively self-sufficient - and for this specific reason the instant connection you were expecting to happen can become a process. You may have to work to gain trust, to get used to the new routine and to reinforce the limits you want to keep in your house, but every effort you make helps bring you closer to the best cuddles you could ask for.

First investments

Take your kitten to a veterinarian and get all the initial exams and core vaccinations done - there are vaccines against feline distemper, feline caliciviral, feline herpesvirus type I, and rabies. Set a budget aside for spaying/neutering for when your kitten is between 8 weeks and 4 months of age, and keep in mind that having a budget for a regular annual checkup for your cat is also a great choice.

Get your home ready!

Cats are more territorial than dogs by nature and that's one important thing to keep in mind: make your place as welcoming and safe to them as you make it to yourself. Here are some aspects you should look into before you bring your new furry friend home:

Cat-Proof the house

● Check for small spaces they can potentially get stuck

● Keep small objects well-secured and out of reach

● Secure any household cleaning agents and other chemicals

● Check your house plants as some can be toxic to cats

● Secure all power cords and anything else resembling strings

● Cover your garbage cans to avoid a bigger mess

All set? Go!

It's time to choose their food and water dishes, a litter box and cat litter to cover their most basic needs. If you want to spoil them a little more, invest in a nice cat tree and a scratching pole - these two will provide a safe environment to fulfil their climbing and nail sharpening needs. And last but not least, make sure you have a nice cat brush, nail trimmers, a variety of cat toys and a comfy cat bed.

With this complete starter pack, we can already hear their purrs.

Don't forget the menu!

Make sure to gradually switch what the shelter or breeder was feeding them to a balanced and nutritious food from a brand you trust.

We can help you with that: our pet food is approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It's real fish for real cats! So choosing anything from Snappy Tom means you're providing high-quality and delicious food for your new family member.

Good luck with your new kitten and count on us for their most basic needs.