4 Ways To Prepare For A New Kitten
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Feb 8, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 8, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Excited about adopting a kitten? You should be.
Caring for a cat can enrich your life in ways no other pet can. And compared to dogs, they’re much more affordable!
Every new “cat mother” makes mistakes, but neglecting to prepare for the new arrival can end up costing you thousands more than you’d planned — or worse, endangering your tiny new friend.
Make sure to have this groundwork in place before bringing kitty home.
#1. Cat-Proof Your Furniture (Before It’s Too Late.)
The sound of tiny paws going to town on your living room sofa would be cute if it didn’t mean a destroyed sofa.
Here are a few ways to keep your cats from destroying your furniture:
- Scratch guards: Dozens of scratch guards are available to help your furniture survive your newest family member. Try lining your sofa legs with clear anti-scratch tape, like Sticky Paws.
- Claw caps: Claw caps are another safe alternative to declawing. These disposable guards cover your cat’s claws to prevent them from shredding your stuff. (And, they come in assorted colors that make your cat’s claws look freshly manicured. Fashionista cats love it.)
- Nail trimming: A cat with shorter nails will cause less damage. Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed will make it nearly impossible for them to get hooked on furniture fabric.
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#2. Reduce Cat Dander!
When friends or family with cat allergies come to visit, they may not be so excited about the new addition. But with a little extra planning, they won’t feel a thing.
Declare the guest room a “furball free zone.” If you have a sofa bed for guests, make sure it’s made of leather instead of fabric, so dander won’t accumulate as easily.
Stock up on pet-safe dander removal sprays like Aller-Pet that reduce the effects of cat allergens. If you’re feeling extra considerate, install a HEPA filter to eliminate 99% of the dander in your home.
#3. Get Pet Insurance For Your Kitten
Just like people, kittens need vaccines and regular check-ups to keep them healthy. Contact your local veterinarian for an estimate in your area.
Also like people, vet bills can get pretty extravagant. If you can’t handle the mandatory vet bill, for kitty’s sake, hold off on adopting until you can afford it.
While some prefer to go the savings route, other cat owners opt for kitten insurance as a backup plan to help pay the vet bills in case of an emergency or unforeseen health crisis.
Pet insurance is an excellent way to protect your kitten and yourself from massive bills.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
#3. Consider Doubling Up on Furry Friends.
Kittens have boundless energy!
Even if you work from home, your kitty needs a lot of love and attention throughout the day that you may not be able to keep up with.
Bringing home a littermate will keep him entertained and happy all day long.
(Just make sure they get along, first!)
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Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
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A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
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#4. Don’t Use Your Hands to Play With Your Kitten!
Kittens that are small enough to hold in the palm of your hand can make anything seem cute — even clawing chunks out of your fingers. Adult cats with full-grown teeth and claws? Not so much.
Teach your kitty early in his life that human hands are not for biting.
Invest in a cat tree and plenty of toys, and scold him with an aggressive voice when he confuses your foot for a squeaky toy.
With these preparations in place, the process of welcoming a kitten into the home will be as seamless as possible.
Congratulations on your new kitty.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
We have worked hard to provide you with all the free resources possible to help give you insight into the best pet insurance for cats, additional cat breeds info, common cat health issues, and a fun look at frequently asked cat questions.
Other Frequently asked cat questions and some unsolicited catty advice…
Why your cat ignores you when you call it?
How to stop your cat from scratching the carpet?
Can you make a feral cat a pet?
Why does my cat pee outside the litter box?
Why do people walk their cats on a leash?
4 Ways to prepare for a new kitten
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my furniture from my new kitten?
To safeguard your furniture, consider using claw guards, providing scratching posts, and using deterrent sprays. Training your kitten early on appropriate scratching surfaces can also help.
Is pet insurance necessary for my kitten?
Yes, kittens require regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected vet bills, providing financial protection for your kitten’s health.
Should I consider getting another cat as a companion for my kitten?
Yes, having a playmate can help entertain and keep your kitten happy. Ensure they get along well before introducing them permanently.
How can I prevent my kitten from biting?
Avoid using your hands as toys and invest in cat trees and toys. Teach your kitten early that human hands are not for biting, and redirect their attention to appropriate playthings.
How can I make the process of welcoming a kitten seamless?
Prepare your home by cat-proofing furniture, reducing allergens, getting pet insurance, considering a companion, and providing suitable toys. This will make the transition smoother for both you and your new kitten.
Why is pet insurance important for my kitten?
Vet bills for kittens can be expensive, and pet insurance helps cover the costs of unexpected health issues or emergencies, ensuring your kitten receives the necessary care without causing financial strain.
Can adopting two kittens be beneficial?
Yes, adopting two kittens can provide companionship and prevent loneliness, especially if you’re unable to provide constant attention. Ensure they have a compatible relationship before bringing them home.
How do I discourage my kitten from biting my hands?
Teach your kitten early on that human hands are not for biting. Invest in toys and a cat tree to redirect their playfulness, and avoid using aggressive tones when correcting their behavior.
What are some essential preparations for a new kitten?
Cat-proofing furniture, reducing allergens, getting pet insurance, considering a companion, and providing suitable toys are essential preparations for welcoming a new kitten into your home.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.