Getting a new puppy or kitten

Congratulations on your new family member. 

Collecting a new puppy or kitten can be a very exciting time, we’ve made a quick check list to make sure you have everything ready to go so that you can get on with enjoying your new bundle of joy.  

Here at Bertie’s we understand that becoming a pet owner can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, that's why our doors are always open to answer any questions you may have. We are more than just a shop and are on hand to help you with any issues you may come across such as digestive care, skin care, natural remedies, supplements and much more.  

For dogs and puppies, we offer a free in store fitting service for all our accessories, meaning that you get the perfect fit every time, plus pop back in as your puppy grows for free fit checks.  

New Kitten Checklist. 

Food and water bowls 

Separate bowls for food and water appropriate for the size of your kitten. If you already have other cats in the household, we recommend providing separate bowls for each cat, not all cats are great at sharing and will prefer to have their own bowl for food and water. 

Collar and ID tag 

If you are planning on letting your kitten outdoors when it is ready, it's a good idea to get them used to wearing a collar indoors first. We sell a range of collars that all feature a safety break free clasp should they manage to get themselves caught on anything.  

Toilet training 

- Litter Tray, as with bowls we'd recommend providing kitten with their own litter tray even if you already have one in use with other cats in the household.  

- Stain & Odour cleaning spray, these contain the necessary enzymes to break down the proteins in their urine and prevent repeat marking. 

- Litter - It's a good idea to ask your breeder what kind of litter your kitten is used to, and use something similar for the first couple of weeks whilst your kitten settles in. We stock a range of litters in store with our most popular being OdourLock from Intersand. This is a clumping litter that can hold up to 6 times its weight in liquid, as it generates less waste it can last longer than competing brands. The amount of litter used each year can be reduced by up to 45%. This litter is also available on Loyalty Scheme, ask a member of staff in store for more information. 

Bed 

A hooded or enclosed cat bed is ideal for kittens settling into a new home as it gives them somewhere safe and quiet to take themselves off to if they are feeling a little overwhelmed. 

Toys 

Toys are a great way of bonding with your kitten and providing them with mental stimulation. We stock a variety of toys, with our most popular being wand toys that your kitten can use to practise their stalking and pouncing skills, and KONG refillable catnip toys. 

A scratching post is also a good way of providing your cat with a safe space to keep their claws in top condition (and save your sofas and curtains!), we have a range of scratchers in store in different sizes, using a product like a catnip spray is a great way of encouraging them to use your scratching post.  

Grooming 

It's a good idea to get your kitten used to grooming from a young age, especially if they are a longer haired breed. Cats tend to do a great job of grooming themselves, but sometimes they need a little help to prevent painful matting. If your cat is used to this from a young age it will be easier to groom them as they get older.  

The style of brush needed will vary from breed to breed, but a member of staff will always be on hand to help if needed.   

Food and treats 

It's a good idea to ask your breeder what food your kitten has been brought up on, your breeder will probably give you a small amount of food to come home with while your kitten settles in. Should you wish to change your kitten diet, we recommend doing this gradually over a week or so. Starting with feeding a majority of their original food and slowly mixing in more of the new food day by day. This helps to prevent any upset stomachs while they are settling into their new home. 

A member of staff will be happy to help to help you in choosing a food that best suits your kitten.  

We stock a wide range of high-quality cat foods that provide your cat with the high meat content that  

they need to thrive.  

We also stock a range of natural cat treats, and raw cat food. 

New Puppy Checklist. 

Food and water bowls 

Separate bowls for food and water appropriate for the size of your puppy. Non tip/heavy bowls are handy for playful puppies. 

Collar and ID tag 

All dogs by law should wear an ID tag at all times, just in case they should go missing. Your dog ID tag must include your name and address, and a contact telephone number. We are able to order Red Dingo tags in-store that will be delivered to your door, we recommend ordering these before your puppy is ready to go out for their first walks as they take around 5-7 working days to be delivered.  

Harness and Lead 

In preparation for going on your first walks, its a good idea to get your puppy used to a harness and lead inside the house or garden. We stock a wide range of harnesses in-store and have a dedicated fitting area, so feel free to bring your puppy in for a visit and staff can assist if needed.  

Toilet training 

- Puppy Pads, we stock a range of puppy pads with built in attractant to encourage your puppy to use the pads. 

- Stain & Odour cleaning spray, these contain the necessary enzymes to break down the proteins in their urine and prevent repeat marking. 

- Poop bags. 

Puppy bed/crate 

Its important that your puppy has their own safe space in the house that they can take themselves off to if they are feeling a little overwhelmed or tired. This can either be a dog bed, or you may prefer to use a crate. Crate training can be beneficial for when you are planning to leave puppy on their own for the first time, as you know they are safe and cannot get into anything that they shouldn't do. 

Toys 

We stock a variety of toys that are perfect for keeping young puppies entertained. Puppy KONGs are great for filling up with tasty treats to keep your puppy occupied, these can also be frozen to help soothe sore teething gums.   

Rope tug toys are great or teething and for bonding over playtime. 

Grooming 

Its a good idea to get your puppy used to grooming from a young age, especially if they are a breed that will require frequent trips to the groomer. The style of brush needed will vary from breed to breed, but a member of staff will always be on hand to help if needed.  

We also stock a range of toothbrushes and toothpastes.  

Food and treats 

It's a good idea to ask your breeder what food your puppy has been brought up on, your breeder will probably give you a small amount of food to come home with while your puppy settles in. Should you wish to change your puppies diet, we recommend doing this gradually over a week or so. Starting with feeding a majority of their original food and slowly mixing in more of the new food day by day. This helps to prevent any upset stomachs while they are settling into their new home. 

A member of staff will be happy to help to help you in choosing a food that best suits your puppy, whether that be wet, dry, raw or a combination.

Training treats and chews can come in handy with training, and preventing puppy from chewing on things that they shouldn't be. 

In store we have a handy Puppy Starter Pack containing a range of puppy safe treats  

to get you started.