Bringing a puppy or kitten home is one of the most exciting experiences for any pet lover! To help you get ready for your new pet, and to make sure they adjust well to their new home, here are some important tips for puppy and kitten care.
New Pet Checklist
Before diving into details, check out our New Pet Checklist. This guide covers all the essentials you need for your puppy or kitten. To help get your started we’re also giving you R150 off your purchase when you buy 8 or more items on the list! [Download it here].
Puppy or Kitten Proof Your Home
Before your new pet arrives, make sure your home is safe for them. 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.
It might help to bring an item from the breeder or rescue centre, like a blanket with familiar smells, to comfort your new pet. If they cry at night, don’t worry—this is normal. Just give them lots of love and reassurance.
Best Toys and Treats for Puppies and Kittens
Picking the right toys for your puppy or kitten is important. 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, like feather wands for cats and puzzle toys for dogs.
- See all toys for cats here.
- See all toys for dogs here.
Potty Training Your New Pet
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.
Puppies and kittens need vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. Puppies need vaccines for things like Canine Distemper and Parvo Virus, while kittens need vaccines for viruses like Feline Panleukopenia. Make sure your pet also gets treated regularly to protect them from ticks, fleas, and worms and the consequences of an infestation. Ask your vet or a Pet Care Advisor at Absolute Pets for advice on the best products.
[Download our Routine Care Guide for vaccines, tick and flea, and deworming here].
Don’t Forget Dental Care
Dental care is very important for your pet’s health. Not brushing their teeth can lead to painful dental diseases. Start brushing your pet’s teeth early to make it easier for both of you. In addition, there are other products that assist with dental care, like dental chew toys or dental treats.
- See our oral care range for cats here.
- See our oral care range for dogs here.
Feeding Your New Pet
Good nutrition is essential for your pet’s health. Puppy and kitten-specific diets provide the right nutrients for their growth. Continue the diet your breeder or rescue centre recommends for the first few days, then switch to a high-quality diet your vet suggests. 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.
Here’s our 7- to 10-day plan for switching food:
- See all our vet-recommended food for cats here.
- See all our vet-recommended food for dogs here.
By following these guidelines you’ll give your puppy or kitten the best start in life. Enjoy every moment with your new companion!