Getting a kitten is one of life’s most joyful experiences, as it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship that will last for years to come. And whether you’re still preparing for kitten kisses or already getting covered up in them, bringing home a new fur baby means you’ve got a lot of decisions to make and a long shopping list to match. From the cutest toys to the best pet insurance plan, there are so many things a kitten needs in life!

In preparing for your little tyke, you’ve got to get the house kitten-ready, buy the essentials, and choose who will provide medical care to the kitten. You’ll also need to choose a pet insurance plan because financially protecting your kitten is another part of responsible cat parenting. And with PHI Direct, Canada’s first fluff-free pet health insurance, you’ll have the healthcare coverage covered!

Let’s check out what you’ll need to do before your kitten comes home.

Prepare Your Home for the New Arrival

Part of good cat care is kitten-proofing your home. And the best way to see hazards in your house is to get on the ground and think like a curious fluff ball who wants to stick their whiskers in everything! You’ll quickly find the best spots for trouble from this viewpoint.

In short, be sure to gate off access to off-limits areas, pick up choking hazards, secure electrical cords, and move toxic plants. Make sure cabinets can’t be snooped in and put chemicals and cleansers well out of reach.

Buy All the Necessary Equipment to Spoil Your Kitten

Kittens need lots of stuff. First and foremost, they need nutritious food to help them grow and develop. Get some yummy treats to help train your kitten while you’re at it. Of course, you’ll want to put the food in an adorable and functional food bowl. And don’t forget the water dish or a water fountain!

Your little one also needs cozy beds and blankets for all those naps. Make one of those a covered bed and have it ready so when your kitten comes home, they have a safe place to retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Then, there are the toys! Kittens need toys to help them develop their hunting skills and satisfy their boundless energy. You’ll probably go overboard buying toys for your kit, and that’s just fine as kittens are too cute when they play so hard.

Add a collar or harness and a leash to your list, too. And because babies make messes, have pee pads at the ready. It’s probably a good idea to have shampoo for your cat on hand. Brushes for grooming and nail trimmers will also be needed to keep your kitten looking and feeling their best!

Choose Your Kitten’s Veterinary Care Team

If you already have furry ones at home, choosing a veterinarian for your new kitten is already done. But if you’re selecting a new veterinarian, be prepared to do some research. Choosing the right clinic can be an overwhelming decision, but with informed research and recommendations from sources you trust, making the right choice becomes much easier.

And remember, kittens need to see their vet several times over the first year for vaccination boosters, parasite prevention, and spay/neuter surgery. Once your kitten grows into a cat, you’ll be making trips to the vet on a semi-annual basis for checkups, vaccinations, and if your kitty gets sick. As parents, we tend to worry when our fur babies are ill, so part of choosing a medical team involves finding a practice where you both feel safe and calm. You might also consider a cat-only vet clinic or a mobile vet.

Protect Your Kitten with Pet Insurance

Of the 45 million American homes with at least one cat, these families report spending an average of $1,344 on annual vet bills. If your cat experiences an emergency or the onset of a continuing condition, you could easily spend far more than that average. But when you purchase health insurance for your kitten when the little bundle joins the family, you’re getting ahead of the vet bills that are one day bound to come. And the kittens and cats of Canada can find pet insurance without the fluff when their parents go direct with PHI Direct! 

Covering up to 80% of new and unexpected veterinary treatments due to accidents or illness, PHI Direct brings you low prices so you can avoid high vet bills. Their ‘Time-Limited Coverage’ plans offer enough coverage for most situations at a reasonable rate while eliminating the need to wade through endless and confusing options. Simply choose whether you’ll go direct with the Direct 5 or Direct 10 plan.

And remember, when you become a customer, you’ll have the full-blown support of the team via phone, chat, and email. Coverage is only available in Canada.

The post From Food & Toys To Pet Insurance, Here’s What You’ll Need When Preparing For A Kitten appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Wanting a well-adjusted kitten that loves everyone and everything? They aren’t just born, they are made. Here are ways to help socialize your kitten so they grow up to be a great cat citizen.

#1 – Kitten Party

Invite your friends over to play with your new kitten (I know, torture). Provide lots of toys and treats for them to interact with your new best friend. Take turns holding and playing with the cute bundle of fur, but keep the party short, you don’t want your kitten to be “over” attention while people are still trying to play him.

Image source: @MichelleTribe via Flickr

Click page 2 below for the next way!

#2 – Outings

For some reason, people think only dogs should go on outings. But your cat is going to have to go the vet during his life, and maybe a groomers or a boarding facility. What about if you want to travel with your cat? Get him used to car rides and his carrier early on.

Image source: @_sikander via Flickr

#3 – Harness Training

Teach your kitten to walk on a harness so you can take him on walks around the neighborhood. It’s a great way for him to safely explore the world.

Image source: @S.J.Pyrotechnic via Flickr

#4 – Handling

Be sure you are handing your kitten every day. Don’t just cuddle on your lap. Play with his toes, squeeze them gently to get him used to the sensation for nail trims, touch him everywhere. The more you get your kitty used to this, the more relaxed he will be when you have to restrain him at the vets to handle him for grooming.

Image source: @pinguinoK via Flickr

#5 – Grooming

Get him used to brushes and trims (like if you plan on doing a sanitary cut) early. Be careful about using a rake or other sharp tool, you don’t want to hurt your kitten. Brush them very lightly, just get them used to the feeling. If he has any bad tangles, be sure to not pull the skin and cause him pain that will just make him not like brushing.

Image source: @Yoppy via Flickr

#6 – Dogs

If you have dogs and are planning on them co-existing in the same space, make sure you introduce them slowly, correctly, and the younger the better. If you need help, consult an animal behaviorist. You do not want this to go wrong.

Image source: @BryanAlexander via Flickr

#7 – Baths

Cats do not really need baths, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be times when you are going to need to get them wet. They could develop mange and need treatments, have diarrhea and need to be cleaned off (especially true of a longhaired cat), or maybe they rubbed against the wet paint it in the living room. Regardless, it’s nice to have an adult cat that is okay with a bath if necessary. Starting young will help.

Image source: @ErinPerry via Flickr

#8 – Kids

Kids are an entirely different thing than other people. They can be very hard on cats, which is why most cats do not like them. Find good kids that are gentle and will listen to instructions. Introduce them with supervision, for short time periods.

Image source: @Mary_francesMain via Flickr

The post 8 Intentional Ways To Socialize Your Kitten appeared first on iHeartCats.com.

Bringing your kitten home? Make sure you have these ten products on hand to make your life easier when the little bundle of fur enters your home.

#1 -Litter

But not just any litter. Cats, even little kittens, can be picky about litter. Set her up for success by buying the same litter the kitten was using before she went home with you. If you want to change it later, you can do so by gradually mixing the two together to prevent your cat from refusing to use it. (Image Source: @laurabittner via Flickr)

Click page 2 below for the next item!

#2 – Nail Clippers

It’s never too early to get him used to getting his claws trimmed. Make sure you buy ones made for cats so they will fit the shape of their claw. (Image Source: @ThePetDoctor)

#3 – Cleaning Supplies

Be prepared in case your kitten has an accident. Nature’s Miracle is great for any accident your kitty may have: vomit, diarrhea, hairballs, etc. (Image Source: @Nature’sMiracle)

#4 – Scratching Posts

That’s posts, plural. Unless you want your kitten to use your drapes, carpet, and leather couch as her sharpening tools. The reason for this is cats have their own preferences to size, style (upright or horizontal), material (cardboard, carpet, sisal rope, etc.) of scratching items. Since your kitty is new, you won’t know what she likes. And if you don’t have the right type, she is choose something inappropriate. (Image Source:@KittyStand)

#5 – Shop Smart

Thought clicker training was just for dog? No way! You can teach your kitty all kinds of fun tricks like high five, beg, roll over. Anything a dog can do, a cat can do better, right?  (Image Source: @KarenPryor)

#6 – Harness

If you want your cat to learn to go for a walk, so she can safely get a taste of
the great outdoors, make sure you have a harness and leash ready when you get
home. The sooner you start training her, the easier it will be. The Kitty Holster®
is an award-winning harness made just for the comfort and security for your
kitty. (Image Source: @JETherlot via Flickr)

#7 – Breakaway Collar & ID Tag

Make sure your kitten has a breakaway collar ONLY! These are created to “break” apart if your cat gets hung up on something. They are the ONLY SAFE COLLARS FOR A CAT TO WEAR. And don’t forget the ID Tag! (Image Source: @Marchnwe via Flickr)

#8 – Window Sill Protector

All cats love to sit in the window. This clear sheet of strong plastic can be cut to fit any window sill, allowing your cat to sit on it without damaging the wood. Install it before installing a window perch for added protection. (Image Source: @DrsFosterandSmith)

#9 – Catnip

Fresh or dry Catnip is useful to have on hand to attract your new kitten to the areas
you want it to use – scratchers, beds, toys, etc., rather than your furniture.
Yeowww! Catnip is 100% organically grown and can be purchased loose so you can
sprinkle it wherever you like. Image source: @DuckyWorld)

#10 – Styptic Pads

These are great to have on hand. Unlike the messy and hard to deal with syptic powder, the pads are easy to use in case you accidently quick a toenail, or your kitten gets a minor cut. (Image Source: @DrsFostersandSmith)

The post 10 Must-Have Products for Kittens appeared first on iHeartCats.com.