MEET OSCAR!
So excited to officially introduce my new kitten, Oscar! I got him a little over two weeks ago and he was been such a burst of joy in my life and in our apartment. I have always grown up with cats and have wanted one for a long time but both my roommates are allergic so needed to find a breed that wouldn’t irritate them. When I discovered that Siberian cats (which look similar to my families Ragdoll cat Pippa!), are hypoallergenic, I did lots of research to find a great breeder so I could get a kitten finally! Long haired cats are much better with those with allergies v. short hair and I’ve been diligent on vacuuming, running our air purifiers and brushing him daily to avoid any problems. So far so good with them!
Oscar is from a breeder about 2.5 hours away from the city so I rented a car one Sunday along with my cousin and roommate and we drove to pick him up from Siberian Miracle. I had a really great experience with them and could tell right away how well they were taken care of. He was already litter trained as well and no accidents since I’ve had him.
I named Oscar after Oscar de la Renta, my first internship in NYC and also one of my favorite designers as well as it also being the name of my mom’s cat when she was about my age! Siberian cats are known for being playful and affectionate and he is definitely that. He loves to sleep right next to me at night and when he’s awake, he is super playful. Couldn’t recommend getting a kitten more, especially if you’re craving a pet but can’t take care of a dog right now and excited to share more of my tips and favorite products so far!
NEW KITTEN TIPS
Create A Routine
One of the things I’ve been really focused on is having a set routine for his meals and sleep. I keep water and dry food out all day for him and then wet food I give in the AM and evening. He has woken up early a few days but I wait to give him his wet food (I love these can covers when keeping open cans in the fridge!) so he knows he can’t wake me up earlier just for wet food. Having a little bit of dry food out too at all times keeps him not too hungry as well.
Regarding food as well, I learned having elevated bowls is important to avoid them getting sick so I have been using these bowls which are great for easy cleaning too. I also keep this mat underneath to keep the space clean.
Have A Dedicated Space For Your Kitten
Even though our apartment is smaller than a home, I still keep him pretty contained to my room, which was great for him getting used to his new home. My bathroom has his litter box and food in it (I love these baskets to keep extra food and litter in underneath my sink), and then my bedroom has his toys and bed. He’s comfortable in our apartment now but I keep the door shut to my room when we’re not home and it’s easy knowing everything he needs is there!
Alternate Toys
I’ve noticed he will be obsessed with one toy and then the next day not care at all about it so I’ve been alternating the toys I keep out for him. Seems to be keeping him more playful and less into trouble when he only has a toy or two to focus on then too many!
Get Pet Insurance (And A Great Vet!)
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my friends who are pet owners is make sure you have pet insurance! I got Lemonade and it is SO easy to get my claims reimbursed and already super impressed after one vet visit. I take Oscar to Bond Vet (DM me for $50 off your first visit!) which has a few locations around the city and was really happy with their office and prices so far!
FAVORITE PRODUCTS
1. BaubleBar Spell It Out Blanket
I keep a blanket on my bed to avoid stains or claw marks on my bedding, so I couldn’t resist a monogrammed blanket for him. It matches the decor in my room and keeps my bed clean so a win win! He also has this smaller blanket he likes in his carrier when traveling or in his bed.
2. eufy Handheld Vacuum
Having his litter box in my bathroom worried me about messes and smells but no issues at all thanks to his litter box, litter and this handheld vacuum! His litter sometimes can get caught in his fur or trail out so this is great for cleaning up quick messes.
3. Made By Cleo Velvet Collar
I didn’t think a collar was necessary at first but this collar has been a huge life saver thanks to the bell on it! Oscar is very tiny and loves to hide in small spaces so hearing his bell makes it easy to find him! Plus the blue velvet is so chic and matches his blue eyes!
4. Modkat Flip Litter Box
I researched a ton of litter boxes because I wanted to find one that wasn’t an eye sore and kept smells contained since I keep it in my bathroom and I’m so glad I got this one. It fits snuggly in a corner of my bathroom so pretty hidden to guests and I’ve had no issues with smells or messes. I do keep this litter pad underneath to catch any litter that may come out as well as the handheld vacuum. Oscar was able to use it right away and he is also obsessed with the free toy that came with it as well so a win there!
5. Boots & Barkley Jellyfish Wand
Favorite toys so far have been any of his teaser wands, like this Jellyfish one my sister sent him! He gets super playful with it and also great for tiring him out before bed.
6. PrettyLitter Cat Litter
Along with the litter box, I researched a lot on litter and ended up with PrettyLitter, which I have been super impressed with. It has no smell and leaves no dusty residue behind. It’s more crystal like so clear crystals and just needs to be scooped daily (which I can flush down the toilet), while the full litter only needs to be changed monthly. It’s also really cool because if your cat is sick, the litter will change colors to let you know which is so helpful!
7. Safari Self-Cleaning Brush
With long haired cats, it’s important to brush them often to avoid any knots as well as hairball issues. I love this brush his breeder recommended because it’s super easy to clean and keeps his fur super soft. He also has no issues with it and loves being brushed with it. I also give him these Greenies treats too to keep his teeth clean and help with any future hairball issues.
8. Coastal Pet Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy
My best cat toy tip is find toys they can interact with without you! Working from my room, I can’t always play with him with the teaser wands so this toy keeps him super busy during playtime. Another favorite has been this butterfly toy too that I alternate putting out for him.
9. Cat Tree
Finding cat items that were both aesthetically pleasing and functional was important for my space and Oscar has loved this cat tree. He takes naps in it during the day and then also loves jumping in and out of it or playing with the scratcher or bell too.
SHOP MORE OF MY FAVORITE KITTEN PRODUCTS:
Any new kitten tips I’m missing or have questions about? Leave a comment below!
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Photos: Carter Fish