Essential Tips for Happy, Healthy Cats at Home
Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a seasoned feline friend, this guide offers everything you need to keep your cat (or kitten!) content and healthy. From everyday care to training your playful new addition, we’ve got you covered.
🏡 Creating the Purr-fect Home Environment
- Safe Spaces: Cats love their independence. Provide quiet areas where your cat can retreat and rest undisturbed.
- Litter Trays: One per cat, plus one extra is ideal. Clean at least once a day and keep trays in low-traffic areas.
- Scratching Posts: Save your furniture! Offer scratching posts or pads to keep claws healthy and your home scratch-free.
- Perches & Hiding Spots: Cats enjoy vertical spaces. Cat trees, window ledges, or high shelves give them great views and a sense of security.
🐱 Kitten Training Tips
Kittens are curious and quick to learn—this is the perfect time to teach them good habits that last a lifetime!
💡 Litter Training
Most kittens pick this up fast:
- Keep the tray clean and accessible.
- Gently place your kitten in the tray after meals or naps.
- Avoid scented litter at first—it can confuse or discourage use.
💡 Scratching Habits
- Show your kitten where it is okay to scratch. Place posts near favourite napping or play areas.
- If they scratch furniture, gently redirect them and reward when they use the post.
- Use catnip spray or toys to encourage use.
💡 Handling & Socialisation
- Handle your kitten gently every day to get them used to being picked up and touched.
- Introduce grooming tools, nail clipping, and carriers slowly.
- Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) to build trust.
💡 Basic Commands
- Cats can learn simple commands like “come” or their name.
- Use treats, clickers, or toys as rewards for response and repetition.
- Keep sessions short, fun, and consistent.
🥣 Feeding & Hydration
- Quality Food: Use kitten-specific food until they’re about 12 months old. It’s higher in calories and nutrients.
- Fresh Water Daily: Always offer clean water. Many cats prefer running water—try a pet fountain.
- No Human Treats: Keep chocolate, onions, grapes, and other toxic foods away. Use vet-approved kitten treats only.
🎾 Enrichment & Play
- Daily Play: Kittens need lots of playtime! Use feather toys, balls, tunnels, and interactive toys.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzle feeders and hide-and-seek games help keep young minds active.
- Rotate Toys: Keep things exciting by switching toys weekly.
🩺 Health & Wellbeing
- Vet Visits: Start vaccinations and check-ups early. Your vet will advise on a schedule.
- Worming & Flea Treatments: Begin early as recommended by your vet, even for indoor kittens.
- Microchipping: A quick, permanent ID method if your kitten ever escapes.
- Spaying/Neutering: Usually done around 5–6 months old—speak to your vet about timing.
✈️ Going Away? Choose Cat Sitting at Home
Going on holiday? Kittens are best cared for in their home environment, where routines remain familiar.
With Scamps & Champs Cat Home Visits, you get:
- Tailored kitten care, including feeding and playtime
- Litter tray cleaning
- Socialisation and comfort visits
- Photo and message updates
- Extra home security checks (curtains, bins, post)
✅ Cat Care Checklist
✔ Fresh food and water
✔ Clean litter tray
✔ Play and enrichment
✔ Gentle grooming
✔ Vet checks and vaccinations
✔ Positive socialisation
✔ Safe spaces and scratching posts
✔ Loving companionship
Need a hand with kitten care?
We’re here to help! Our experienced cat sitters are trained to care for kittens of all ages and personalities.
👉 Book your cat sitter today – available in Stockport, Tameside, and nearby areas.
