Congratulations because if you are reading this, the chances are quite good that you are expecting a new adorable addition to your family! Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is very exciting but can also be a bit daunting, as it carries many responsibilities. Below are a few tips to help make this transition easier for you and your new furry friend.

Puppy or Kitten proof your house

Before your puppy or kitten arrives, it is always a good idea to puppy/kitten proof your house. Pay special attention to things like electrical wiring, chemicals and foods stored in cupboards, furniture and carpets. Anything that you don’t want damaged or can harm your pet. Basically you need to make your house ‘toddler proof’ as you don’t want your new family member getting into things it shouldn’t.

Often the best way to tackle this task is to create a ‘starter room’. This is a quiet safe room that can be closed off from the rest of the house. Here you would create a base for your pet, a safe space to relax and retreat to. For puppies one could also consider using a crate here, should you wish to crate train your pup. Place your puppy’s bed, food and water bowls, and toys in this strater room. In this way you can introduce the rest of your house slowly as your puppy’s confidence builds. Ideally this room should have easy access to the outdoors. Remember that baby gates can be very helpful in preventing access into off limit areas of the house, such as the garage. And you also need to consider where your puppy will stay when you go out, especially during the summer months in South Africa, as it can get very hot.

For kittens you should place their litter box, comfy bed, scratch post, food and water, as well as toys, in this starter room. Initially allow them to become familiar with this room first before allowing them to explore further into the house. The amount of time will depend on your kitten. The key is to monitor their comfort level and let them adjust slowly before more of the surroundings are introduced.

Health and wellness

It is important to find the right veterinary practice that fits your family’s needs. Choose one where you feel comfortable and relaxed, so that your pet will pick up on these feelings. Remember that you need to visit the vet a few times initially so it should be a place where you feel at ease. For most cat’s ideally choose a practice that is quite close to your home to keep the car trip as short as possible, and also in case you should ever need to rush there in an emergency. At the practice your veterinarian will advise on vaccinations, deworming, treatment of any other parasites, nutrition and any other concerns you or your pet may have.

Potty training

Potty training is different for every pet. Some understand quickly what you want them to do whereas others require time, persistence and patience. But eventually everyone gets there. Puppies typically don’t soil the area around their bed, so they need to be taken out very often, as they have small weak bladders. Remember that they almost always need to wee when they wake up and often need to poop shortly after a meal. Positive reinforcement with praise and treats is the only way to teach a puppy what you want from them, and you need to ignore unwanted behaviour. In this way they only get attention when they do good things and nothing bad behaviour.

In comparison kittens need very little toilet training. Often all you need to do is provide a litter box with appropriate litter and kittens most often figure it out on their own. Remember the bigger the litter tray the better. Remove waste daily and keep the litter as clean as possible.

Things you may need for the new addition: Puppy

– Puppy training pads
– Good quality puppy food
– Fresh water
– Food and water bowls
– Collar with an id tag
– A lead and maybe a harness for future puppy training
– A dog bed
– Mild puppy shampoo
– Puppy toothbrush
– Grooming brush or comb
– Puppy toys
– Carrier bag and poop bags
– Pet friendly household cleaner for accidents

Things you may need for the new addition: Kitten

– Litter box and scoop to clean
– Cat litter
– Good quality kitten food
– Fresh water
– Food and water bowls
– Collar with id tag
– Beds and igloos, cat’s love hiding places
– Scratching posts and toys
– Pet friendly household cleaner for accidents

Puppy training and socialisation

Puppy socialisation and training is essential for your puppy to grow into a confident and balanced individual. Ask your veterinarian about when and where to start with puppy classes. Again to reiterate, positive reinforcement is needed to praise good behaviour and ignore all unwanted behaviour. Above all else, be patient with your little one as they are learning and growing everyday.

Play time

For both puppies and kittens it is always a good idea to get some toys. Playing is a good way to spend good bonding time with your new addition, create an interesting environment for them to grow and learn and teach them to chew or pounce and attack a toy rather than your furniture. Should you find your little one chewing something it shouldn’t, ignore the behaviour and draw their attention to their toy instead.

Grooming

It is always a good idea to groom your pet. In this way you can examine them daily for any injuries or any problems such as knots in their fur. It gets rid of excess hair and promotes skin health. As well as allows your pet to get used to being handled, which is essential when visiting the veterinarian. Therefore it is best to start grooming them from a young age and get them used to it slowly. Initially groom your puppy and kitten for a short amount of time and make the experience an enjoyable positive one. This will also develop an incredible bond between you and your pet. By all means use professional groomers if needed, but remember grooming at home will make your pet more tolerant and prepared for the whole experience.