If this is your first time bringing home a kitten, you should prepare and purchase the following items:
1. Cat Food*: You can choose between wet food or dry food. Our cats are accustomed to homemade wet food when they are kittens, and as they grow, they transition to organic dry food.
2. Food Bowl or Automatic Food Dispenser*: We prefer using automatic food dispensers at home because they allow us to adjust feeding times multiple times a day.
3. Water Bowl or Automatic Water Fountain*: Our cats enjoy drinking from automatic water fountains.
4. Cat Litter*: Opt for clay-based litter, both non-clumping and clumping varieties. While there are other types of litter available, our cats are accustomed to clumping clay cat litter. Clumping clay becomes firm when it comes into contact with urine and adheres to cat feces.
5. Litter Box*: There are different types of litter boxes available, including ones you scoop to clean and automatic ones that clean themselves. Our cats are accustomed to the automatic litter box.
6. Grooming Tools*: Consider having slicker brushes, Nail Clippers, and eye-cleaning tools on hand. I typically use eye envy powder for cleaning my cats’ eyes. Please, watch some YouTube videos on how to clip your cat’s nails.
7. Cat Bag or Cat Carrier*: When transporting your kitten, use a carrier to ensure their safety and provide a sense of security. Traveling can be intimidating for a kitten, so ensure the carrier is spacious and well-ventilated. You’ll need one, especially for vet visits or outdoor adventures.
8. Cat Leash and Harness: When purchasing a harness, opt for the smallest size. Keep in mind that some collars are quick-release for your cat’s safety, as they can easily open and run away. We prefer harnesses with attached collars to ensure our cats don’t escape if they manage to slip out of the harness.
9. Cat Toys: While cat toys can be fun, cats often prefer playing with simple items like leaves on the floor or enjoying a cardboard box. First-time cat parents may initially invest in toys, but over time, they may discover that their cats enjoy the simplest things the most.
10. Cat Bed: Consider getting a cozy cat bed or a woven rope basket or chunky knitted thick wool baskets for your feline companion.
11. Spaying or neutering your kitten: You will need to spay or neuter them by 8 months of age, not younger or older, and this procedure should be performed by a holistic veterinarian.
12. Hairball Control and Dental Treats: Cats may occasionally develop hairballs and experience vomiting. To prevent this, consider offering them nutritious treats like Feline Greenies SmartBites Hairball Control (My kittens particularly enjoy the Tuna flavor). Additionally, I incorporate Feline Greenies SmartBites Dental treats into their routine (My kittens have a preference for the Savory Salmon flavor).
13. To help your baby become accustomed to their new environment, frequently guide them to the litter box, food, and water during the first few days. Maintain this routine until they become familiar with the locations of the litter box, food, and water. Keep up this practice until your baby becomes comfortable in their new surroundings.
By ensuring you have these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth transition as you welcome your new kitten into your home.
Please, contact us if you have any questions.
* The items with star are necessary.
How to Prepare Homemade Wet Cat Food:
**Ingredients:**
1. 4 cups of Dry Cat Food (Organic/Natural, with Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients)
2. 2 Chicken Breasts
3. 4-5 cups of Chicken Broth
4. 1/2 teaspoon of L-Lysine Hydrochloride Pure Powder (Vitamin Supplement)
5. 1/2 teaspoon of Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth
6. 1 Clove of Garlic, Crushed
Instructions:
1. Begin by cooking the chicken breasts in 5 cups of water, along with the crushed garlic, without adding any spices or salt. Cook until the chicken is very tender, which should take a few hours.
2. In a large bowl, pour 4-5 cups of the chicken broth and add the 4 cups of Dry Cat Food. Allow this mixture to sit until the dry cat food has absorbed all the chicken broth, and everything has cooled down.
3. Place the cooked chicken breasts and garlic into a food processor, and blend them until they are thoroughly crushed.
4. Add the crushed chicken breast and garlic mixture to the bowl of dry food that has absorbed the chicken broth.
5. Incorporate the L-Lysine Hydrochloride Pure Powder and Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth into the mixture. Ensure that all ingredients are well mixed.
6. To store the wet cat food, you can portion it into zip-lock freezer bags and freeze it until needed.
7. Serve this homemade wet cat food to your kitten four times a day, allowing them to eat as much as they desire per serving.
Note: Diatomaceous Earth is a natural wormer administered daily in wet food. It can also be used with dry food.
Enjoy providing your feline friend with this nutritious homemade meal!
Persian Cats of New Mexico 