Did you find a kitten at your door or in the neighborhood and it was love at first sight? Are you about to adopt a cat and want to prepare your space to welcome it? Let's see what you can do to make its reception as smooth as possible and make it feel at home.

1. Create a Safe Environment

Animals - and especially cats - operate on instinct. Therefore, what they need is a safe place where they can feel familiar and comfortable. Create a quiet space inside the house that is intended only for your kitten. You can create a quiet corner in your living room or in another room that will give it a sense of security.

Remember that it is in a cat's nature to climb and jump, which can lead to injury or getting lost - especially if it is young. For this reason, especially at the beginning, ensure that the environment it moves in is controlled. Close windows and balcony doors when you are not in the space with it, or even better, take the necessary safety measures, such as installing a net.

2. Prepare the space properly

Equip this area next with everything your kitten needs. Let’s see what equipment you’ll need, from sleeping and feeding to its basic needs and play.

Litter box & litter

First, you’ll need the two most essential items for its needs: a litter box and litter. Remember that the litter box should be large enough for your cat to fit comfortably—at least 1.5 times its length is sufficient. You can choose a covered litter box, which offers more privacy, or an open litter box, which provides easier access—depending on your cat’s character and habits.

It is necessary to clean the cat's litter box frequently - once at the end of the day is ideal and once a month to disinfect it, using mild products. Very strong and intense smells may deter the cat from using the toilet. Finally, it is good to change the litter frequently, removing solid waste and replacing the lost amount, to maintain it at the correct levels. While 1-2 times a month you can change it entirely, for maximum hygiene and cleanliness.

Food & water

Of course, food and water are among the first things you should take care of. Get a water dispenser and a feeder to place her food and water during the day. Prefer an automatic device if you are away from home for several hours and want to set her food portions during your absence.

As for its food, choose special foods based on its needs and make sure they contain all the nutrients your cat needs for proper development. You can choose wet food if your cat does not drink much water, helping with its hydration, if it has dental problems and cannot chew well, or if it is older. On the other hand, dry food is more economical and easier to store, and helps maintain your cat’s dental health. You can also give it snacks and treats as a reward.

Sleep

To ensure good quality sleep and relaxation for your kitten, make sure to get it a comfortable and cozy cat bed, since it will spend many hours there. A cat nest is also an option that your kitten may love and find convenient, as it gives a sense of warmth and coziness and offers that feeling of security your kitten needs. If you notice that your cat likes to sleep somewhere high with a view (and who wouldn’t, honestly?), you can get it a cat hammock, which can be placed on the wall, on a window, or above the radiator, giving your cat the freedom it needs.

Toys & scratching post

Of course, don't forget to get the essentials for her playtime and entertainment. Cat toys, such as balls, plush mice or tunnels are just a few that can keep your cat alert and offer her company throughout the day. Cats love to chase, climb, and scratch their claws, so the scratching post, even though I left it for last, is one of the must-haves for your cat's satisfaction, exercise, and stress relief. Especially a cat tree will keep your cat busy for hours, and she will love it!

3. Remove Dangerous Objects

Besides instinct, curiosity is also very strong in kittens. 

• For this reason, it is good to remove objects like cables from their space, which they love to chew on, and ensure they do not have direct access to any sockets.
• Another thing that might not occur to you to remove is certain plants, which, although harmless to humans, are toxic to cats. Such plants include aloe, oleander, and lilies. 
• Finally, try not to leave small objects in their line of sight that they might swallow, such as rubber bands or buttons, as well as sharp objects that could injure them, like needles.

So, prepare yourself appropriately and welcome the new member!