Preparing for Your New Kitten’s Arrival
Preparing for your new kitten’s arrival can make the transition smoother and more comfortable for both of you. Here’s a list of essentials to have ready before bringing your kitten home.
- Carrier: You’ll need a carrier to transport your cat safely—whether bringing them home or taking them to vet visits. There are several options available, including soft-sided, hard plastic, and backpack-style carriers. Choose one that can be secured with a seatbelt in the car and features an attached strap for added safety.
- Toys: Kittens love toys! At a minimum, have a ball and a stuffed mouse available. Another favorite is a simple cardboard box, which provides endless fun for them to explore and play in.
- Scratching Post: Kittens need a scratching post or similar item. Scratching is a natural behavior, so providing a designated scratching area from the start will help protect your furniture and satisfy their instincts.
- Small Bed or Blanket: Cats often choose a favorite spot to rest, which is usually a cozy bed or blanket. Providing one will give your kitten a comfortable and secure place to sleep.
- Litter Box and Litter: You’ll need to decide on the size of the litter box and whether to use a covered or uncovered style. If you use scoopable litter, be sure to have a scoop on hand. For more detailed recommendations, please see our page on Litter.
- Food and water bowls: Some cats react poorly to plastic bowls, so it’s best to use metal or ceramic bowls for their food and water.
- Nail Cutters: You will need to trim your cat’s nails about every two weeks. Look for nail cutters designed specifically for cats, which are available at most pet supply stores.
- Eye and Ear Cleaning Wipes: While not essential, these wipes can be very convenient. Your kitten will naturally accumulate some eye discharge and ear wax, and these wipes can be used as needed. When cleaning, be very gentle—especially around the eyes. Use wipes specifically made for eyes, or alternatively, a clean cotton pad moistened with warm water. Avoid wiping too hard in the corners of the eyes, as this can cause discomfort or injury. Cotton balls are not recommended, as they can shed fibers that irritate the eyes. For ears, cleaning wipes are preferred over cotton swabs (Q-tips). Unless you are familiar with a cat’s ear anatomy, avoid using cotton swabs, as inserting them too deeply can cause damage to the ear canal.
- We provide our kittens with a starter supply of food. If you plan to switch to a different brand or type, please do so gradually by mixing the new food with the current one. Abrupt changes can upset your cat’s stomach and cause diarrhea. For more detailed feeding recommendations, please see our page on Food.
What Are Devon Rex Cats Like?
A Devon Rex is a loving and unique companion! They’ve often been described as part cat, part dog, and part monkey. They possess the intelligence, agility, and appearance of a cat; they may follow you around the house and even play fetch like a dog; and they’re mischievous climbers who often perch on their humans’ shoulders—much like a monkey—and can sit there for hours.
Devon Rex cats don’t like being left alone for long periods. If everyone in your household is away all day on most days, this breed may not be the best fit for you.
They require a lot of attention and playtime, and they usually want to sleep close to their humans. Most will happily sleep through the night as long as they are near you.
Devon Rex cats are generally quite vocal, similar to Siamese cats, and express themselves with a variety of meows, chirps, and trills. Their expressive nature makes them especially engaging companions.