Tell me: is there anything cuter than a kitten? Big eyes, fluffy paws, a wobbly tail… The moment you bring such a fur baby home, you're smitten. But that little ball of energy also requires a fair amount of preparation. Because a kitten isn't just sweet, it's also curious, mischievous, and sometimes just as much work as a baby.
Whether you've been dreaming of having your own cat for years or suddenly changed your mind at the shelter: these seven things will help you and your new housemate get off to a flying start, with love, comfort and smart choices like pet insurance .
1 - Kitten-proof your home
Cats are climbers, crawlers, and explorers. So before your kitten takes over:
- Hide loose cords and cables
- Keep poisonous plants away (such as lilies, aloe vera and ivy)
- Store fragile items safely
This will not only make your home safer, but also a lot quieter for your kitten.
2 - Playtime = learning time
Play is essential for kittens: it helps them learn, burn off energy, and bond with you. Provide a variety of toys (think feathers, mice, tunnels) and schedule a few playtimes every day. Your sofa, hands, or curtains? You don't want those as prey. So, start from the beginning by making sure hands aren't toys at all. Those tiny little paws will be big claws in six months.
3 - Eat, drink and repeat
A kitten needs food that's appropriate for its growth stage. Therefore, choose special kitten food and consult your vet or pet store for advice. Always provide fresh water, preferably in a separate bowl away from the kibble; cats prefer that. And don't forget treats, for between meals or to reward new activities.
💡 Extra tip : Want to give something extra? Give some cooked pollock. You can find blocks of it in the freezer section of any supermarket; most cats would practically kill for it, and it's healthy!
4 - Socializing and getting used to it
Smells, sounds, visitors, a vacuum cleaner… everything is new to a kitten. Give your little one time to adjust and gently expose them to all sorts of situations. The more trust you build in the first few weeks, the more stable and confident your cat will become later.
5 - Create a nice place of your own
Cats love comfort and a bit of privacy. A soft basket or hammock, a scratching post with a viewing area (at least 1 meter off the ground), and a quiet corner with a litter box: this is how you give your kitten a sense of security and belonging. Bonus points for a cozy blanket that smells like you!
💡 Extra tip : check out the pet supplies section on Happlify for beautiful cat furniture, toys and other fun and useful things for your cat (and dog).
6 - Enjoy the little moments
Really, time flies, and your kitten is only this tiny for a moment. So take lots of photos and videos, laugh at the first time it chases its tail, and cherish its purring on your lap. A cat at home brings warmth, joy, and endless memories. You can never have too many cats.
7 - Think ahead: arrange pet insurance
Kittens love adventure, but that also means they sometimes eat the wrong thing, bump into something awkward, or develop an ailment. This can quickly lead to a hefty vet bill. Fortunately, good pet insurance can prevent many worries (and costs). Looking for the best cat insurance ? Pay attention to what's covered, choose a package that suits your kitten, and keep your monthly premium manageable. This way, you'll never be faced with unexpected costs.
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