Welcome to our kitten owner induction page!
We’ve put together this information over a number of years, so we recommend working through each section at your own pace. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Likewise, if you feel something is missing or have suggestions for additional or helpful content, we’d love to hear from you.
We also have a private Facebook group for our pet owners – if you’d like to join, you’re very welcome to request access via the link here.
Finally, we would greatly appreciate your feedback on the service we’ve provided. If you have a moment, please consider leaving us a recommendation on our Facebook Page.
We wish you all the very best with your new baby and hope you enjoy many happy years of companionship together. And please don’t forget to send us updates – we love seeing how our kittens are settling into their new homes! 🐾
Mushfik & Christine Yeung
Cairistona Burmese ~ MyLe Mandalay ~ Platinacatz Burmilla
Please click the link below to jump to the relevant section:
Introduction to your home and other pets
Safety Notes for Cats and Kittens
Companion Animal Register Microchip Registration
New Zealand Cat Fancy Pedigree Cat Registration
Kitten Agreement
This agreement is signed by both ourselves and the new kitten or cat owner. It outlines our shared expectations for the lifelong welfare of the kitten, includes our health guarantee, and reflects our ongoing commitment to be available at any time to provide advice and support regarding the health and wellbeing of your cat.
Vaccinations
Your kitten has been vaccinated on the date(s) recorded in the Pet Health Record. Please ensure you note the due date for their next booster vaccination.
Typically, the first adult booster is administered one year after the final kitten vaccination. After this, your veterinarian will advise whether ongoing boosters should be given annually or every three years, depending on their protocols.
Core vaccinations cover:
- Feline Rhinotracheitis
- Feline Calici Virus (also known as snuffles or cat flu)
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus (also known as cat parvo)
Feline Aids (FIV) Vaccinations
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often referred to as Feline Aids, is most commonly transmitted through saliva—typically via bite wounds from infected cats. It is more frequently seen in stray or roaming cats.
While some veterinarians may recommend vaccination, it is important to make an informed decision.
- Research conducted in New Zealand indicates that local strains of FIV differ from those found overseas.
- The available vaccine is developed for international strains that are not commonly present in New Zealand.
- Cats that have been vaccinated for FIV may return a false positive result when tested for the virus.
This is particularly important to consider, as FIV testing is commonly performed in animal shelters. In situations where ownership cannot be confirmed via microchip, cats testing positive for FIV may be euthanised.
We strongly recommend discussing this vaccination thoroughly with your veterinarian to assess the risks relevant to your area and lifestyle, and to help you make an informed decision.
If you would like further information, we are happy to provide links to the New Zealand research referenced above.
Important: If your cat is vaccinated for FIV, please ensure the New Zealand Companion Animal Register is updated to include this in the medical notes on the microchip record.
Worm Treatment
Your kitten has been regularly treated for worms using Drontal or Milbemax all-wormer tablets.
The next treatment date is recorded in the Pet Health Record. From 12 weeks of age, kittens should generally be wormed every three months. Please ensure you know your kitten’s weight so the correct dosage can be administered.
For indoor-only cats, worming may be reduced to every six months, or annually if using a combined flea and worm treatment such as Broadline, Revolution, or Advocate.
We recommend using reputable veterinary products such as Drontal, Endoguard, or Milbemax. Supermarket products are often less effe
Flea Treatment
Your kitten has been treated for fleas using either Advantage or Revolution. The due date for the next treatment is recorded in the Pet Health Record.
We recommend using veterinary-grade flea treatments such as Advantage, Advocate, Revolution, Frontline Plus, or Broadline. These products are thoroughly tested and considered safe and effective. As with worming treatments, supermarket products are often less effective and, in some cases, may be harmful to cats.
Important:
- Do not use flea collars. They are generally ineffective, can be uncomfortable for kittens, and may contain toxic chemicals. (They are, however, useful in your vacuum cleaner bag!)
- Do not use flea treatments or shampoos intended for dogs. These often contain ingredients that are toxic to cats and can cause serious harm or even be fatal.
If you spot even a single flea, it’s likely there are many more present in the environment. Be sure to treat all animals in your household (including dogs), as treating just one pet will not effectively resolve the problem.
Desexing
Desexing surgery has been completed. If sutures were present, they have been removed already.
Introduction to your home and other pets
Bringing Your Kitten Home
We socialise our kittens to the best of our ability, however your home will be a completely new environment for them. Until now, your kitten has had the comfort of their mother and littermates for company.
We recommend setting up a small, enclosed area for your kitten with food, water, a litter tray, and a comfortable sleeping space. This area should be warm, light, and close to household activity—without being isolated—but separate from other pets. A lounge or bedroom works well; garages are not recommended.
It’s important to supervise closely until your kitten has confidently used the litter tray—ideally several times—so you can be sure they know where to go. Once they are settled and confident, you can gradually allow access to more areas of the house. During this time, ensure all windows and external doors are securely closed.
If you don’t have a suitable space, please feel free to talk to us—we’re happy to help with alternative options.
To help your kitten settle in, we provide a blanket with familiar scents from home. It’s also helpful to use the same type of litter initially. To avoid digestive upsets, please continue feeding the same diet your kitten is used to, and limit treats to one or two very small amounts.
Introduction to other Pets
Once your kitten has settled (usually after a few days to a week), you can begin gradual introductions to other pets. It’s generally best to introduce to other cats first, and delay dog introductions until the kitten is more confident.
Take introductions slowly and carefully. Close supervision is essential—we do not recommend leaving your kitten alone with other animals until you are completely confident they are safe together. It can be helpful to plan introductions when you have uninterrupted time, such as over a weekend.
To reduce the risk of injury:
- Trim your adult cat’s nails beforehand
- Keep dogs on a lead initially so they can be quickly controlled if needed
A negative first interaction can impact future relationships, so patience is key.
A good starting point is to allow your existing pets to explore the kitten’s area (without the kitten present) so they can become familiar with the scent. Next, allow them to see each other from a safe distance. If all goes well, supervised nose-to-nose interaction can follow.
If you are unsure how things may go, placing the kitten in a secure carrier during introductions can allow safe visual and scent interaction.
Go at your pets’ pace—don’t expect immediate acceptance. Some adult cats may take weeks or even months to fully adjust.
Hissing and growling are normal behaviours during introductions. Kittens tend to adapt quickly; it is usually the adult animals that need more time.
Be mindful that adult cats may feel overwhelmed or threatened by a new kitten. Ensure they have access to a safe retreat, such as a high perch or quiet space where they can rest undisturbed.
Helpful Links about Introducing Cats and Kittens
Dr Sally J Foote:
How to introduce cats to each other
Jackson Galaxy – Cat Introductions:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | How to introduce two cats | The do’s and dont’s of introducing cats
Nutrition
Feeding Amounts, Weight Gain and Body Condition
Feeding
Your kitten has been fed Pro Plan brand food as outlined below. Please also refer to the Recommended Items section for links on where to purchase.
Important: It is essential to keep your kitten on the same diet initially to avoid digestive upset and illness.
What may seem like a small treat—such as a piece of meat or gravy from your plate—can upset a kitten’s stomach. If offering meat, it should be lean and given only in very small amounts, if at all.
If you wish to change your kitten’s diet, this should only be done once they are fully settled into their new home—never immediately after bringing them home. Please see further below for guidance on transitioning diets safely.
Current Feeding Routine
- Dry Food:
Pro Plan Kitten Chicken biscuits available at all times (this makes up the majority of the diet) - Wet Food (choose one):
- Pro Plan Kitten Chicken Jelly Pouches, Royal Canin Kitten Jelly Pouches, Feline Natural Chicken (tinned or pouches)
In a single-kitten household, you may prefer smaller pouches—approximately one pouch per day, split over two meals. Please refer to your confirmation email to confirm which brand your kitten has been eating. - Treats:
Cooked chicken in small amounts, once or twice per week only
Feeding Frequency
We recommend feeding your kitten three to four times per day. This routine can continue through to adulthood (around one year of age), at which point feeding can generally be reduced to twice daily.
If this schedule is not practical, dry biscuits can be left available at all times, with wet food provided morning and evening.
Transitioning to Adult Food
The biscuits provided are specifically formulated for kittens and should be fed for the first year.
- Around 12 months of age, your kitten can be gradually transitioned to an adult formula
- From approximately 7–8 years, a senior formulation is recommended
While kittens are growing, we do not recommend placing a restriction on the amount of biscuits they are allowed to eat. It is unlikely they will be at risk of becoming overweight while young and growing. Perhaps once older – around 7-9 months of age, it may be appropriate to pay attention to daily feeding amounts as recommended by the food manufacturers on the packaging and certainly in adult cats this would be important to ensure a healthy weight is maintained. Some cats self-regulate and others will overeat.
Where there is a multi-cat household, microchip pet feeders can be a great tool to ensure each cat has their own food allowance.
When feeding the recommended amount of food from the instructions on the package, you may notice that there is too much (or not enough) weight being gained. It would be important to alter the amount that is fed accordingly. Remember the information on the package is just a guide – some cats are much more active and therefore burn more energy.
Assessing body condition is a great way to tell if your kitten is a healthy weight. To do this, feel over the ribcage, if you can feel the ribs very easily (or even see the ribs) this is an indication of being underweight. If you have to push really hard to feel the ribs this is an indication of being overweight – don’t be too concerned about this in kittenhood, but in an adult cat recommend to slightly reduce the amount of food OR try to increase activity levels, for example by using feather teaser toys or laser pointers to use up excess energy).
It is most important to ensure cats are not overweight in adulthood, as overweight felines are at risk of developing diseases such as diabetes (particularly Burmese and related breeds).
Changing Diets
If you wish to feed a different type of food from that outlined above, it is best to wait at least one month. This allows your kitten time to fully settle into your home and become familiar with the normal household routine.
Before making any changes, ensure your kitten is healthy, eating well, and not experiencing any diarrhoea. Diet changes should never be made when a kitten is stressed or unwell, as this can quickly lead to further health issues.
It is essential that any new diet is introduced gradually over approximately 7–10 days. Sudden changes can cause digestive upset, including diarrhoea, and may result in an unwell kitten and potentially costly veterinary visits.
Transition Guide
- Days 1–3: 75% current food, 25% new food
- Days 4–6: 50% current food, 50% new food
- Days 7–10: 25% current food, 75% new food
- Day 10+: 100% new food
Monitor your kitten closely during this period.
If your kitten develops diarrhoea at any stage, return to the previous step until symptoms resolve, then continue the transition more slowly.
If diarrhoea does not improve, worsens, or if your kitten:
- stops eating
- becomes quieter than usual
- shows signs of weight loss
please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Kittens can become unwell very quickly if not treated promptly.
Always ensure fresh water is available, and avoid introducing multiple new foods at the same time.
Food Quality
Whichever brand of food that you choose to use, please ensure that it is fully balanced and also ensure that the food has a stamp of approval from AAFCO.
AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) conduct tests on food to ensure that it contains all the nutrients that are required for each life stage – eg Kittens, Adults and Senior animals.
Chef brand food is an exception to this rule, as it is tested by Massey University.
Milk & Hydration
Kittens do not require milk once they have been weaned from their mother. Cow’s milk contains higher levels of lactose than a kitten can tolerate and can cause digestive upset, including diarrhoea.
Fresh, clean water is all your kitten needs to stay properly hydrated.
If you do wish to offer milk, it is important to use a specially formulated lactose-free pet milk, which is available from pet stores and most supermarkets.
Litter Boxes
Your kitten has been litter trained from approximately four weeks of age. They are currently used to pine pellet litter(such as wood fire pellets available from Bunnings or Mitre 10), and have also used Breeders Select recycled paper litter, available from supermarkets.
As a general guideline, the number of litter trays in a household should be one per cat, plus one extra. For example, one kitten should have access to two litter trays.
Cats can become accustomed to a particular type of litter and may not immediately recognise a different type as appropriate. If you wish to change litter, we recommend starting with a small amount of the current litter and gradually mixing in your preferred option. This allows your kitten to adjust comfortably to the change.
Accidents
Occasional accidents can happen, particularly while your kitten is settling into a new environment. If this occurs, consider the following possible causes:
- Negative experiences: If a kitten has been startled or frightened while using the litter tray (for example, by a loud noise or another pet), they may begin to associate the tray with that experience and avoid it.
- Digestive upset: Kittens with diarrhoea may need to go urgently and more frequently, and may not make it to the tray in time.
- Cleanliness: Many kittens will avoid using a dirty litter tray. Regular cleaning is essential.
- Location: Ensure litter trays are placed away from food and water bowls, as cats generally do not like to toilet near where they eat.
Important:
Never punish your kitten for accidents. Do not hit, scold, or rub their nose in it, as this can cause fear and make the problem worse.
Instead:
- Gently guide your kitten back to the correct place
- Praise them when they use the litter tray appropriately
- Consider temporarily confining them to a smaller area with easy access to the litter tray to reinforce good habits
Thoroughly clean any soiled areas using an enzymatic cleaner such as Odarid or Odorex to remove lingering odours. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as these can smell similar to urine and may encourage repeat accidents.
Cleaning of Litter Boxes
We recommend scooping solids from the litter tray as often as needed, and completely emptying and replacing the litter with fresh, clean litter every 2–3 days.
Litter trays should be regularly cleaned as follows:
- Wash thoroughly with a detergent (such as Sunlight liquid or similar)
- Rinse well
- Soak in a 5% solution of household bleach for approximately 20 minutes to disinfect
- Rinse thoroughly again and allow to dry completely, ideally in the sun
It is helpful to have several litter trays available so you can rotate them while others are being cleaned.
Maintaining good litter tray hygiene is important and can help prevent the development and spread of disease.
Important:
Avoid using citrus or pine-based disinfectants, as these are toxic to cats.
Grooming
Your kitten will not require extensive grooming, however most kittens do enjoy it. Setting aside a little time each day, or every few days, for grooming can help keep your kitten in good condition and also strengthens your bond.
Recommended Grooming Tools
- Zoom Groom (rubber brush):
Ideal for removing loose hair, particularly during moulting periods in the warmer months. - Metal flea comb:
Useful for removing dirt, debris, and checking for fleas. - Cat nail clippers (or small, sharp human nail clippers):
Helpful for keeping nails trimmed if needed.
Nail Care
Nail trimming is not always essential, but it can be helpful—especially for indoor cats or to minimise scratching. If trimming nails, take care to only clip the very tip and avoid the quick (the sensitive pink area inside the nail), as this can cause pain and bleeding.
If you are unsure how to trim your kitten’s nails, we can give you a quick lesson when you pick up your kitten, alternatively your veterinarian or vet nurse can show you how.
Enrichment
These are some things you might consider purchasing for your kitten:
- Scratching post or climbing frame covered in carpet
- Ping pong balls
- Cat nip filled fur mice or rats
- Covered in Litter Tray, (if it is going to be an inside cat)
Training
Your kitten (and you!) will be happiest if clear boundaries are established from the beginning. What may seem “cute” in a kitten is often less desirable in an adult cat, so it’s important to decide early what behaviours you will allow and what you won’t.
This may include things such as:
- Sleeping arrangements
- Feeding treats or food from your meals
- Jumping onto benches or tables
Consistency is key—setting expectations early will help your kitten understand what is acceptable.
Burmese kittens and cats enjoy having access to higher spaces where they can observe their surroundings. Providing a scratching post or cat tree with elevated areas is highly recommended.
Play and Behaviour
Discourage biting or scratching during play from the outset. Kittens learn quickly, and a firm “No” combined with stopping play is often very effective. Ignoring unwanted behaviour—such as ending play when it becomes too rough—is also a strong training tool.
Avoid playing with your hands, fingers, feet, or toes. This can teach your kitten that these are acceptable targets, which may lead to biting or scratching later when you are simply interacting with them or even sitting still.
Handling and Socialisation
We have ensured your kitten is comfortable with:
- Having their feet handled
- Ears checked
- Mouth examined
- Travelling in a carry cage
- Visiting the veterinarian
You can help maintain this confidence into adulthood by continuing gentle, positive handling. Using rewards—such as favourite treats—can help create positive associations during tasks like nail trimming or vet visits.
Need Help?
If your kitten develops behaviours you’re unsure about, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help guide you toward a solution. Addressing behaviours early is much easier than trying to correct them later.
Recommendations
Kittens need regular periods of rest and sleep, and should be left undisturbed during these times.
Cats and kittens often enjoy chewing grass, which can be beneficial for them. However, they cannot distinguish between safe grass and potentially toxic houseplants, so it is important to ensure any indoor plants are safe for cats.
Your kitten should have access to a sturdy scratching post or other suitable scratching surface. Any undesirable behaviour should be discouraged from the outset, with consistency and patience.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
Kittens are naturally curious and can easily get themselves into unsafe situations. Some key hazards to be aware of include:
- Recliner or rocker-style chairs (e.g. La-Z-Boy chairs)
- Automatic garage doors
- Damaged toys with small parts that could be swallowed
- Items such as string, plastic, or other materials that may be ingested
Taking time to “kitten-proof” your home can help prevent accidents and injuries.
Indoor vs Outdoor Living
Burmese kittens are particularly inquisitive and can sometimes find themselves in dangerous situations. For this reason, we strongly recommend keeping your kitten indoors until at least six months of age.
If you choose to allow your cat outdoors:
- Introduce the outdoors slowly and under supervision once your kitten is older and well settled
- Limit outdoor access to daylight hours, as most accidents and cat fights occur at night
- Encourage your kitten to respond to your call, as cats can wander significant distances
Your kitten has not yet been introduced to the outdoors due to safety and infection risks, so any transition should be gradual and carefully managed.
Indoor Enrichment
If you choose to keep your cat indoors full-time, it is important to provide plenty of stimulation:
- A variety of toys
- Access to windows to watch outside activity
- Warm spots for resting and sunbathing
- Fresh air and good ventilation
- Regular interaction and attention from you
You may also wish to consider building an outdoor enclosure or “cat run”, which provides a safe way for your cat to enjoy the outdoors while also protecting native wildlife.
If your kitten will be home alone for long periods, you may wish to consider a companion animal, or ensure they are not isolated from household activity when you are home.
Hygiene and Household Safety
Good hygiene practices are important for both humans and animals. Please encourage all household members, especially children, to:
- Wash hands after handling the kitten or cleaning litter trays
- Wash hands before eating or handling food
This helps reduce the risk of transmitting any bacteria or parasites between animals and people.
Safety Notes for Cats & Kittens
There are many potential hazards for your kitten in and around the home. Being aware of these risks and taking steps to prevent them will help keep your kitten safe.
Small Objects and Choking Hazards
Objects small enough to be swallowed can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Cats are particularly attracted to string-like items, which can be extremely dangerous if ingested.
Avoid leaving the following within reach:
- String, thread, and ribbon
- Needles and sewing materials
- Balls of wool
- Christmas tree tinsel
- Fishhooks (especially with bait attached)
Poisons and Chemicals
Many common household substances are highly toxic to cats.
- Rodent and slug baits: Use only in secure bait stations or enclosed containers your cat cannot access
- Antifreeze: Has a sweet taste and can cause fatal kidney failure—clean up any spills immediately
- Cleaning products and chemicals: Store securely out of reach at all times
Always check labels carefully—products containing phenol (such as some disinfectants like Pine-o-clean) are highly toxic to cats.
Medications
Cats cannot safely process many medications that are commonly used in humans.
- Never give medications (including natural remedies) without veterinary advice
- Substances such as aspirin and paracetamol can be fatal
Toxic Foods and Plants
Certain everyday items are extremely dangerous to cats:
- Members of the lily family
- Onions and garlic
- Foods containing these ingredients
Ensure all plants and food scraps are kept safely out of reach.
Electrical and Household Hazards
Kittens are naturally curious and love to explore and chew.
- Keep electrical cords out of reach and switch off sockets when not in use
- Always check appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators before closing or turning them on
- Be cautious with open fireplaces and stairways
- Keep toilet lids closed to prevent drowning
Furniture and Mechanical Risks
Some everyday items can pose serious risks:
- Reclining or rocker chairs
- Foldaway beds
- Automatic garage doors
Kittens can climb inside or underneath these and may be injured if mechanisms are activated.
Household Items and Waste
- Keep rubbish secure, especially items like cooked bones, plastic wrap, and bags
- Remove damaged toys that could break into small, ingestible parts
Smoking and Vaping
- Cigarettes: Nicotine is highly toxic to pets, and exposure increases the risk of serious illness such as lymphoma
- Vaping: Vapour contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals (including propylene glycol and formaldehyde), which can be toxic to cats
Collars
If you choose to use a collar, check it regularly to ensure it is not becoming too tight as your kitten grows.
Safe Travel
Always transport your cat in a secure carrier when visiting the veterinarian. This helps protect them from other animals and prevents escape during transit.
Taking the time to identify and minimise these risks will go a long way in keeping your kitten safe, healthy, and happy.
Rehoming
If at any stage you find that you are unable to continue caring for your kitten—at any point in their life please contact us.
We will either assist you in finding a suitable new home, or welcome your cat back into our care – no questions asked.
Our priority is the lifelong wellbeing of every kitten we breed. We would always prefer to be involved rather than see one of our cats placed in a shelter or euthanised.
Health of Your Kitten
We are committed to being available for advice and support throughout your kitten’s life.
If at any stage your veterinarian diagnoses a condition that may be inherited from your kitten’s parents, we would greatly appreciate you letting us know. While we take every precaution to breed from healthy cats, we rely on feedback from owners to help us identify any issues that may arise later in life.
This information is invaluable in helping us make informed and responsible breeding decisions for the future.
Microchip Registration – New Zealand Companion Animal Register
Your kitten has been microchipped, and the microchip will be registered on the national database – Companion Animal Register. Visit www.animalregister.co.nz for more information. Your kitten’s microchip number is recorded inside the vaccination card.
New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc Registration Papers
We will transfer ownership of your kitten into your name – once this has been processed you will receive your kitten’s New Zealand Cat Fancy Inc registration papers in the post.
Burmese Cat Club of New Zealand Membership
We are committee members of this club. If you are interested in joining the club or attending one of our annual shows held in Palmerston North or Christchurch please contact us or visit the club’s website or Facebook pages:
Burmese Cat Club of NZ – http://burmesecatclub.nz/
North Island Region’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BCCNZNI
South Island Region’s Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/344140538960752
Shows
If you are at all interested in showing your kitten, please contact us to discuss whether your kitten is suitable for show.
You can also check out the New Zealand Cat Fancy Website – www.nzcf.com . There you will find a show calendar detailing shows close to your area. Entry forms for most shows become available to download from the show calendar page around two months out from the show. Usually entries close around one month out from the show and cost around $80 per show for one cat.
Recommended Items
This section includes a range of cat-related items that we have found useful and believe you may find helpful too.
In some cases, we are able to source these items for you at wholesale pricing – please feel free to contact us if you are interested.
Cages
We can supply airline approved carry cages, prices below. Please advise at the earliest opportunity if this is required, so that they can be ordered in. Larger sizes than indicated below available on inquiry.
Small $80.00 – a good size for 1 kitten traveling by air. 56x37x34cm.
Medium $100.00 – a good size for 2 kittens traveling by air or 1 adult for short trips eg to the vet or cattery. 61x40x41cm.
Large $160.00 – a good size for 1 adult on longer trips – can fit a small litter tray inside. 68x51x47cm
- PP20 Medium $120.00 53x37x37cm
- PP30 Large $150.00 61x41x45cm
Food
Pro Plan – our kittens are fed Pro Plan Kitten biscuits. Pro Plan is a premium brand food and can be purchased through most pet shops and many vets. Visit here find out where to buy their products.
Feline Natural – In addition, our mum’s and kittens are fed Feline Natural tinned food – Chicken flavour. This is available to be purchased online directly from the manufacturers or you can visit here to find out where to buy their products. This is NZ made and highly recommended.
Cat Litter
Recycled Paper Litter – Minus the solids, used litter can be used to mulch around the garden – do not use on vege gardens.
Breeders Select Litter – available from:
- pet.co.nz
- petpost.co.nz
- Countdown supermarkets
- Animates stores
Millians Eco Friendly Cat Litter – only available from The Warehouse
Pine Pellet Litter – best used with sifting litter trays. A very economical litter once the special sifting litter tray is purchased. Good odour control. Minus the solids, used litter can be used to mulch around the garden – do not use on vege gardens.
BossCat litter (formerly known as Pussydo cat litter) – See bosscat.co.nz for more info and full listing. They also make their own brand of sifting litter tray, especially for use with the pine pellets. Below is a list of some other stockists.
- Homelandz www.homelandz.co.nz
- Trademe www.trademe.co.nz
- Petworkz www.petworkz.co.nz
- Most Mitre 10 Mega stores
- Some New World supermarkets
- Bunnings – cheaper version of pine pellets – more or less the same under the brand Azwood pine pellets (for pellet fires – this is what we use).
Litter Trays
Sifting Trays
Sifting trays are designed for pine pellets and while they can be a little pricey, they make the pine litter a very economical option.
https://www.bosscat.co.nz/Deluxe+Litter+Tray.html
https://www.pet.kiwi/product/easy-sift-litter-tray/rylt-7.aspx
https://www.kmart.co.nz/product/cat-litter-tray-high-sides-42303497/
Litter Robots
Self-cleaning litter trays – we use these for our adult cats and they are highly recommended for cats over the age of about 6 months. There’s even apps available so you can keep an eye on litter box habits from your smart phone!
We use Kitty Fresh clumping litter or World’s Best Cat Litter in our Litter Robots.
See https://www.litter-robot.com or https://www.facebook.com/CatEvolutionNZ for more information. Available to purchase in NZ from https://catevolution.co.nz
Scratch Posts
The KatAttack brand from Comfy Pet and Cat Fence brand scratch posts seem to be the sturdiest options available at the present time:
https://comfypet.co.nz/collections/cat-furniture
https://catfence.nz/cat-climbing-posts/
Comfypet manufacture high quality and solid cat furniture. Their seconds are sold through their facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/457153309212824
Burmese like carpet posts the best!
Winter Heating
We use snugglesafe heat pads in winter for our indoor cats, they are microwaveable and hold their heat for 8-10 hrs. In the cattery we use pet electric blankets on timers. We can supply these – check in with us for up to date pricing.
Feeding
We use microchip pet feeders, they are great for monitoring how much your cat is eating and for helping to keep food fresher as well as deterring pests such as ants and flies. See https://www.surepetcare.com/en-nz/pet-feeder for more information. There’s even apps available so you can keep an eye on eating habits from your smart phone!
Harness Training
Burmese and related breeds are very well suited to harness training for walks. We recommend vest type harnesses, with velcro to secure these as they take the pressure off the neck area. Small dog harnesses are often more well-suited to cats than the collar type harnesses which are widely available. Available through Amazon, Aliexpress, Animates or online pet suppliers such as pet.co.nz.
Recommended – Vest type harness
Not recommended – Collar type harness
Pet Calming Solutions
Feliway – a great option to have in place when introducing new cats to a household. Also highly recommended for multi-cat households. We have this running all the time in our house. Feliway is a synthetic feline species specific calming pheromone. These ‘happy cat’ pheromones are made to mimic the pheromones mother cats produce while their kittens are feeding. Available as plug-ins or as a spray. Plug-ins are the best option for homes, and the spray is the best option for travel – eg spray the blanket that goes in the carry cage, spray area of the car the cage will be situated in. Available from vets, Animates, online vet stores. Recommend purchasing the first unit with plug from NZ retailer and then for best price option purchase refills from Amazon (the 6 pack option costs about the same as 3 in NZ).
Thundershirt – a great option for calming for example if there is fear related to thunderstorms, fireworks, perhaps a new puppy. We have successfully used these to reduce anxiety related to and incidents of inter-cat aggression. Available from online pets stores such as pet.co.nz.
Royal Canin Calm biscuits –
Pet Tunes – music composed especially for cats and is scientifically proven to have a calming effect. Available for purchase from https://thepetcalmer.com
Odour Remover
We recommend Odarid or Odorex products for odour removal.
Catios / Safe Outdoor Areas
- Omlet Cat Runs https://chooks.co.nz/collections/cats
- Cat Nets NZ https://www.xcluder.co.nz/products/catnet/ (cat netting only)
- Cat Nets Australia https://catnets.com.au/ (premade enclosures)
- Oscillot cat fences https://catfence.nz/
- NZ based Facebook group for design ideas https://www.facebook.com/groups/731585797670646
Other items
- pet.co.nz – online pet products
- myvet.co.nz – Flea products, worming and more
- onlinevetstore.co.nz – Flea products, worming and more
- https://comfypet.co.nz – scratch posts, beds and more
- https://monkeetree.com/ – Monkee Tree cat ladder – great for Catios!