Welcoming a puppy or kitten into your family is an exciting – and rewarding – time.
However, you need to know what you are getting into and be prepared to give your new furry friend the best chance of settling in and growing up to be healthy, happy and well-behaved.
Here’s what you need to get started with the help of Absolute Pets:
Get your home ready: Move electrical cords and gadgets out of reach to avoid chewing or scratching. Put away children’s toys and fragile items. Ensure there are no toxic plants, medicines, or cleaning products within easy access. Think of it like baby-proofing, but for a curious puppy or kitten!
Create a cosy, safe space: Your puppy or kitten might feel overwhelmed at first. To help them feel safe, set up a warm bed and blanket in a quiet, draft-free spot. This will help them know where they can rest and feel secure. Keeping their food and water bowls close to their bed also helps them get familiar with their new home and their new spot in the house. If they cry at night, don’t worry—this is normal. Just give them lots of love and reassurance.
Toys and treats:
- For puppies, get chew toys to help with teething and dental health.
- For kittens, a scratching post is a must, and also helps protect your furniture.
As they grow, add more toys that keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Potty training: Start potty training your new pet as soon as you get home. Be patient and consistent. Take them to their bathroom spot about 15 minutes after waking up or eating. If you have a kitten, show them the litter tray and keep it clean and private.
Always “praise and reward” when they use the right spot to encourage good habits. Accidents will happen—stay calm, guide them to the correct spot, and praise them when they finish. Use ammonia-free cleaning products like the Simple Solution range, as ammonia can confuse your pet and they may think it’s a bathroom spot.
Training, exercise, and socialising: You can start puppy training classes as early as 8 weeks old. Find a good puppy training group nearby to help teach discipline and social skills. Avoid parks or public places until two weeks after their third vaccination.
Puppies don’t need a lot of exercise until they are about a year old, so focus on playtime and bonding. To keep them safe, make sure your puppy or kitten gets used to wearing a collar and ID tag early on.
Vet visits and vaccinations: Find a good vet and schedule your first check-up as soon as you can after bringing your new pet home. Early vet visits are key to keeping your pet healthy. Your vet will help with advice on diet, dental care, deworming, sterilisation, and microchipping. Get your routine care guide here.
Food: Continue the diet your breeder or rescue centre recommends for the first few days, then switch to a high-quality diet your vet suggests that is puppy or kitten specific. Don’t’ forget though that when switching to a new food you will need to transition them. This gives your new pet (and their stomach) a chance to adjust to the new food. Slowly add more and more of the new food to your pet’s current food over 7-10 days.
