Bringing home a kitten is the start of a long, happy life together. These top tips for welcoming a new arrival will help you to make sure you start as you mean to go on.

1. Make sure you bring a kitten home when you have time to spend with him/her; either take some time off work or make sure you have a weekend without distractions.
2. Choose a name - be creative and have fun but remember long or difficult-to-say names may be harder for your kitten to learn.
3. Ask the breeder or rescue centre what the kitten is used to being fed so you can initially continue their familiar diet. If you then want to change diet (always make sure this is to a complete kitten formula) do so slowly to avoid tummy upsets.
4. Serve fresh food and water every day in clean plastic, ceramic or stainless steel dishes. Many cats/kittens don’t like very deep bowls so shallow dishes or saucers may be more suitable. Make sure there is no risk of the kitten falling into a water bowl.
5. Next to food and water, your cat's most important piece of kit is the litter tray. Make sure you have enough litter trays (as many as you have cats plus one is the rule). Ask the breeder/rescue centre what type of litter they have been using and use the same initially so you don’t confuse the kitten. Make sure the trays are easily accessible for the kitten, but away from food and water, and not in busy areas of the house.
6. Buy a 'quick release' identity collar that breaks away should your kitten's head get caught on a branch or similar. Attach an ID tag and also a bell to warn you when your kitten is underfoot - or trying to get out! However, a microchip is the best way of identifying your cat so ask your vet about this if one was not placed by the breeder/rescue centre.
7. Choose a bed for your kitten. There are all sorts of shapes, sizes and materials available to buy, but even a closed cardboard box with soft bedding and a hole cut into one side is adequate. Bear in mind, however, that your new pet may have designs on your favourite sweater!
8. Choose a variety of sturdy kitten toys without small parts that can be swallowed. Dangle them from a string tied to a stick and watch your kitten perform all sorts of complicated gymnastics, before putting them away again when playtime is over. Never leave the kitten unsupervised with toys that could pose a risk of strangulation or choking. Always check the toys for damage after each play session.
9. Cats don't need to be bathed on a regular basis, but start brushing or combing your kitten at an early age. This gets them used to the physical contact and if long haired will be vital as they get older.
10. Make sure your kitten gets used to being handled and having an examination e.g. opening their mouth, handling their feet, as this makes experiences in future a lot less stressful.
11. Find a vet you can trust at a quality practice, as this relationship can last 15-20 years. As soon as you bring your kitten home arrange a new kitten health check, so your vet can allocate a bit more time than the usual 10-minute consultation. Some practices provide kitten socialisation classes so ask about this.
12. To prevent damage to carpets and furniture, provide scratching posts of sisal rope or horizontal strips of corrugated cardboard. Position a post near each of your kitten's favourite resting places. Cats like to use a scratching post when they wake up.
13. Arrange pet health insurance as soon as possible; don’t put it off as veterinary fees can add up if your kitten becomes unwell. Ask your vet about the best type of policy for you.
14. Finally, take lots of pictures - your new pet will grow up very quickly. If your cat ever becomes lost, recent photos on posters are a huge help.