Congratulations on welcoming a furry friend into your life!  Bringing home a kitten or cat is an exciting time, filled with purrs, cuddles, and endless entertainment. This guide will walk you through the essentials of caring for your new companion, ensuring a happy and healthy life together…

Setting Up Your Home:

Before your new arrival comes home, make sure you’ve created a safe and welcoming environment.  Here’s a checklist:

• Food and Water: Invest in two separate bowls, preferably ceramic or stainless steel, for food and water. Place them in a quiet, accessible location away from the litter box.
• Litter Box: Different cats prefer different litter types, so it’s important to choose one they like. Click here to take our quiz to find out which litter is most suitable for your feline friend! Choose a box that’s appropriately sized for your cat and place it in a private, well-ventilated area. Scoop it daily and change the litter completely weekly. 
• Scratching Post: Cats need to scratch! A scratching post will save your furniture from their claws. Offer a variety of textures (sisal, cardboard, carpet) to see what your cat prefers.
• Bedding: Provide a cozy bed or blanket for your cat to snuggle up in. They may choose to sleep in other places too, but having a designated space is important.
• Toys: Cats are playful creatures. Provide a variety of toys to keep them entertained and stimulated, such as feather wands, balls, and interactive toys. Consider feeding puzzles to engage their hunting instincts and provide mental enrichment.
• Carrier: A carrier is essential for vet visits and travel. Get your cat used to it early by making it a comfortable space with treats and toys.

Nutrition: Fueling Your Feline Friend

Proper nutrition is crucial for your cat’s health and well-being. Consider the following: 

• Age: Kittens have particularly sensitive digestive systems.  Their tiny teeth and tummies require special consideration.  When choosing kitten food, opt for formulas with softer kibble or wet food textures that are easy for them to chew and digest. ROYAL CANIN® offers a range of kitten-specific recipes designed to support healthy growth and development during this crucial stage.
  
  

Adult cats, having reached their full size, require a different balance to maintain their health.  

• Wet vs. Dry Food: Both wet and dry food offer distinct advantages. Wet food, with its higher moisture content, can be a great way to ensure your cat stays hydrated, which is important for kidney health. Dry food is often more convenient for owners and its crunchy texture can help support dental health.  Many pet parents find a combination of both works best.
• Feeding Schedule: Cats aren’t big fans of one or two large meals. They’re natural grazers, preferring to nibble on small portions throughout the day, mimicking their hunting instincts. Establish a regular feeding schedule that aligns with this natural behavior and avoid sudden/frequent changes in their diet.
• High-Quality Food: Consistent, high-quality nutrition is key. High-quality food will provide all the essential nutrients they need, including taurine (a vital amino acid found only in animal tissue), Vitamin D (which they can’t produce on their own), and healthy fats (a key energy source).  A well-balanced diet is essential for their overall health, from their coat to their immune system. ROYAL CANIN® offers a variety of formulas tailored to different life stages, breed types and dietary needs, ensuring your cat gets the specific nutrition they require.
  
  

Grooming: Keeping Your Cat Looking and Feeling Their Best:

Regular grooming is important for maintaining your cat’s hygiene and detecting potential health problems.

• Brushing: Brush your cat regularly, especially long-haired breeds, to prevent mats and hairballs. 
• Nail Trimming: Trim your cat’s nails regularly to prevent them from becoming overgrown and causing discomfort.
• Ear Cleaning: Check your cat’s ears regularly for dirt or mites and clean them gently with a cotton ball and ear cleaner designed for cats.
• Dental Care: Kittens will still have their fragile milk teeth, so their kibble needs to be softer and easier to break open. Some wet foods have been especially formulated for kittens with an excellent texture, adapted to their sensitive teeth. Toothbrushing is the gold standard for oral care, and using a special cat toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste is recommended.
  
  

Health: Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Happy:

Regular veterinary checkups are essential for preventing and detecting health problems: 

• Vaccinations: Kittens need a series of vaccinations to protect them from common feline diseases. Adult cats need annual booster shots.
• Parasite Control: Protect your cat from fleas, ticks, and worms with regular preventative treatments. Ask your vet or the previous owner about the cat’s history of parasite prevention.
• Spaying/Neutering: Spaying or neutering your cat is important for preventing unwanted pregnancies and certain health problems.
• Annual Checkups: Take your cat to the vet for annual checkups to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations.
• Microchipping: Microchipping is a simple procedure that can help reunite you with your cat if they get lost.
  
  

Understanding Your Feline Companion:

Understanding your cat’s behaviour is key to building a strong bond.

• Scratching: Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Provide a scratching post to redirect this behavior away from your furniture.
• Play: Play is essential for keeping your cat physically and mentally stimulated.
• Communication: Learn to understand your cat’s body language, vocalizations, and other cues to better communicate with them.
  
  

Love and Patience:

The most important ingredient in caring for your cat is love and patience.  Building a bond with your cat takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable.  Enjoy the journey of pet parenthood and cherish the special relationship you have with your feline friend.

Support their growth!

Give your kitten nutrition tailored to support healthy growth. All of ROYAL CANIN®’s Kitten formulas contain highly digestible proteins, the highest quality nutrients (like EPA and DHA) and prebiotics for digestive health. All this to ensure a long and happy life with you!

Click here to complete the registration form to receive your first unique coupon code entitling you to R200 off your ROYAL CANIN® Puppy or Kitten purchase (min R350 transaction value to qualify for R200 off).

Explore the ROYAL CANIN® range: https://www.petheaven.co.za/cats/cat-food/royal-canin.html