According to the 2009-2010 APPA National Pet Owner’s Survey, there are nearly 2.45 cats in every cat-owning household. This number is up from 2.3 cats per household from the previous survey. Since the number of cats per household has risen over the past year, it is safe to assume that many families have added a new kitten to their existing feline family. Prior to a new kitten arrival into a home, cat customers should be taught that kittens require special care and have very specific needs. 


A Safe Environment
Most homes need to be kitten proofed. Be sure household chemicals, insecticides, rat and mouse poisons, prescription drugs, and automotive products and chemicals are put into a cabinet. In addition, many household plants are poisonous to cats and should be moved out of the reach of a new kitten (or thrown out all together).

Besides providing a safe environment, there are numerous other needs that are specific to kitten ownership. Make the customer aware of these needs. Begin by suggesting items that help with house training, litter box training, pet-owner bonding and grooming. Point out items that discourage bad behavior and aggressive play and promote exercise, socialization and fun play. Proper diet and nutrition is important for physical and mental growth and development, and it can also help prevent hairballs, parasites and dental problems.

Each of these needs should be met with the appropriate products. Of nearly everything in the cat department, kitten diets and treat purchases will probably require the least amount of encouragement or convincing. Knowing this fact, these can easily be built upon for sales with other needed products. Cat toys, cleaning supplies and even skin care items can be grouped with healthy nutrition products for total health development.


Product Choices
There is an entire arsenal of kitten products that every cat owner should have; litter boxes and litter are two of them. The right size and quantity of litter boxes must be carefully chosen, along with the proper litter. Keep in mind that accidents will happen in every household, so cleaning accessories and supplies are also a must.

Using toys during scheduled play time helps human/animal bonding, discourages aggressive behaviors and aids in proper physical development through exercise. Products for climbing, jumping and scratching will also encourage physical activity and aid in training a kitten for proper behavior in the house.

Kittens require grooming and will continue to do so as they grow into adults. Acclimating them early in life to brushes, combs and nail trimmers will get them used to these products. Kitten specific skin care products, dental care products, and flea and tick products are necessary for young cats, and will continue to be so as they grow up.

Since regular trips to a veterinarian for health checks, vaccinations and fecal checks are a must for kittens, retailers should sell new cat owners a carrier. Be sure to advise them to get a large enough carrier to accommodate the kitten when it becomes an adult. A crate will also suffice as a means at control at home when the kitten needs to be isolated or confined for time periods.

Kittens will have changing needs as they mature. Keep customers informed of these changes and both kitten and owner will thank you for it.


John Tyson is a freelance writer and photographer who resides in Charlotte, N.C. He has 20 years combined experience in the pet industry as a multi-storeowner, general manager and industry journalist.