PREPARING FOR YOUR KITTEN
CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a new Tahoe Maine Coon kitten owner!
We know how exciting it is to bring a new Maine Coon kitten home. We've done it a few times already, and had to prepare for each ones homecoming celebration. But before we celebrated their arrival, we made a list of the essentials that are needed to accommodate their daily living.
Supplies Checklist:
Before your Maine Coon Kitten comes home, you should have the following necessary supplies available to keep your kitten well-fed, occupied and comfortable.
1. Food and Water Bowls.
A food and water dish is a must have. It helps establish a space for your kitten to eat and drink without you having to sacrifice any of your dishware. Many cat bowls and feeders have slightly raised frames to make it easy for kittens and cats to enjoy a meal or grab a drink while sitting upright or standing. Pet water fountains are a popular alternative to standard water bowls, because Maine Coon cats prefer moving water to stagnant water.
2. Cat Food.
Food is one of those kitten essential where quality is really important. The right mix will ensure your kittens health and development for the rest of your kittens life. Our kittens have been started on Royal Canin Kitten "Loaf in Sauce" mousse canned food, then transitioned to Royal Canin Kitten "Thin Slices of Gravy" along with Royal Canin Kitten kibble, dry food. Royal Canin is Veterinarian recommended. You will receive a few cans of Royal Canin Kitten "Thin Slices of Gravy" along with Royal Canin Kitten kibble. We encourage you to stock up on Royal Canin Kitten wet and dry food to maintain your Maine Coon kittens health.
3. Litter Boxes and Cat Litter:
Many cats prefer two litter boxes, one for urination and one for solid waste, so have two ready to go. You may also benefit from a kitten specific cat litter.
Here at Tahoe Maine Coons, we currently use Fresh Step Crystal cat litter since the kittens paws are small. These cat litter varieties are designed to attract kittens with a specific scent and to help train them to use the bathroom. However, regular cat litter works just as well. You will need to put your kitten in the litter box after they eat, drink, nap, or sniff the ground to help train them to go to the bathroom there.
Litter box enclosures have become extremely popular because they look like regular furniture while discreetly housing the litter box. most litter box enclosures feature a cat friendly opening and a spacious cabinet for one or mor litter boxes and accessories.
4. Other Litter Box Supplies:
There ae a few additional kitten necessities to consider when it comes to litter boxes. To Start, you need one to two litter scoops to remove urine or solid waster form your kittens litter box. This is a task you should complete each day to keep the litter box clean. A litter mat is another must have. Place the mat directly outside of the litter box entrance. This way, your kitten will remove any litter from their paws onto the mat rather then tracking it onto your floor. Many litter mats have an interior compartment to trap litter and to make the box easier to clean out. You can also enlist the help of odor reducing products and other litter box accessories if desired.
Always follow the guidelines of your cat litter brand to determine how often you should empty your cat's litter box and refill it with fresh litter. This is important because cats are susceptible to urinary infections and diseases as a result of dirty litter and dirty litter boxes.
We recommend to thoroughly disinfect each litter box when changing the litter.
5. Cat Bed:
A cozy cat bed is a must on a first time cat owner's checklist. Be on the lookout for plush cat beds with a hood as this design creates a comforting nook for kittens to nap, relax and settle into their new environment. There are numerous types of cat beds available on the market such as a pillow, a donut, a hammock, a pet sofa, Orthopedic, tent, elevated, and wall mounted.
Maine Coon cats highly enjoy having multiple cat perches staggered up walls in their home. Not only do they allow a cat to climb even higher and get a better view, they also give young Maine Coon kittens the ability to exercise.
6. Cat Trees and Perches:
When creating a checklist for your new Maine Coon kitten, don't forget to include a cat tree or perch. these structures help keep your kitten occupied and entertained. Opt for a small cat tree/perch combo with a low to the ground design to keep the kitten safe as they start to get more adventurous. Then you can invest in a full size cat tree or cool condo enclosure later on. Most cat trees come with a built in perch where kittens can hang out or take naps.
7. Playpen, Protective Covered Cage or Catio:
You could benefit with a playpen structure if you know you'll have to run errands often or go to work for long hours after bringing your new kitten home. When your cat reaches adulthood they can be left alone in your home to reign free. However, young kittens are full of mischief and may be in need of training. Until you've trained them not to scale the bookshelf or tear the curtains, a protective covered cage is a safe bet. Some are designed to go outside so you can give your kitten outdoor time in an escape free environment. A Catio is another form of a protective covered cage, which is a permanent enclosure which allows the kittens or cats to freely roam or relax while enjoying the outdoors safely. We have a mounted Catio that is attached to a window. Our Maine Coons love the fresh air, even in the winter.
8. Scratching Posts:
A scratching post is one of the things you need for a kitten to keep them occupied. A scratching post gives them a place to get our their energy, sharpen/file their claws, and build their strength. As kittens grow into adult cats, they will continue to use the scratching post, making it a worthwhile investment.
9. Kitten Toys:
There's no better way to bond with your new Maine Coon kitten or encourage their creativity than with cat toys. These are a must have item for your kitten checklist because they ultimately keep your kitten from getting bored and turning their attention to mischievous activities. Many cat playpens, cat trees, and scratching posts have built-in dangling toys that kittens can paw and swat at for individual amusement.
10. Cat Carrier.
A cat carrier allows you to take your kitten on the go. Whether taking them on road trips or taking the to the vet, a carrier gives you the flexibility to take your kitten with you. Some even have backpack configurations or have special design features that let you attach them to car seat belts and to your luggage.