The first thing to do is to make sure that your house is safe for the new arrival. Make sure that any cupboards are cat-proof and that electrical cables are tidied away to reduce the risk of your cat electrocuting himself.
Kittens in particular are very small and can squeeze into surprisingly small gaps and get stuck!
Put out of reach or preferably remove any houseplants that may be toxic to cats. These include all varieties of lily. Keep any household detergents out of reach as well. For more information about potential poisons, please click here.
Make sure that the doors of the washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and oven are always kept closed and check them before using to make sure that the cat has not climbed in for a sleep.
Try to anticipate any other problems that may occur and take steps to reduce the risk.
You will need a food and water bowl. Many cats are fussy and prefer to drink fresh running water and there are several drinking fountains on the market to cater for this.
It is best to provide your cat with a bed, at least for the first few days although many cats will choose their own place to sleep once they have settled in, which is very unlikely to be the place you chose for them! You will need to keep your cat indoors for the first four weeks so that he settles in and does not try to run away. During this time, and possibly afterwards, you will need one or more litter trays with cat litter. Once your cat is allowed outside, you may consider installing a cat flap to allow them to come and go more freely.
In order to get to know your cat better and make friends, you will need to spend time with him. Most cats are quite playful and will enjoy playing with anything. Ping-pong balls and pieces of string can provide endless sources of amusement and there are many other toys on the market which you could spend a fortune on! Another way of bonding with your cat is grooming. This is particularly important in long-haired cats which can get severely matted if not regularly groomed but it is also beneficial to short-haired animals.
For transporting your cat from the breeder or rescue centre, or to the vets, you will need a good cat carrier. A solid plastic carrier is the best as they are easy to clean and provide a sense of security for the cat. Put a blanket in the bottom so that the cat has something to grip onto. A carrier with an opening top is very useful for getting your cat out at the vet's.
It is best to do this before you bring your kitten home so that if there is a problem, you know who to contact. For advice on choosing a vet practice, please see the Health section of this website. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have a Find a vet facility on their website where you can find the practice nearest to your home.
Next page - Collecting your new cat