Hello!!

So as the title says, I’m getting a kitten in a few days and super excited!! I wanted to come on here and check to make sure I’ve done/bought everything I need, but also get any tips/tricks for having a kitten/cat, and a few questions too!

So far I have bought scratching post, litter tray, bed, food/water bowls (1 for dry food, 1 for wet), I’ve also bought her food wet and dry (the same type & brand the lady who currently has the kitten has been giving her), pee pads incase of accidents, toys, treats, a blanket, a collar & ID tag and I think that’s it?

I’m 22, just moved into my first flat alone. The kitten will be an indoor cat, and I do have a set of stairs with railings in my flat. I plan to keep her downstairs for the first week or so, and then over time let her get used to the stairs and free roam the flat. I’ve found a vet and plan to book her in as soon as I can, aka for microchipping and flea/worm treatments, as well as any vaccines she needs

My questions are:

• ideally I want her to be really comfortable with a carrier, as I have sessions to attend in a different town, which is an hours bus journey. I would like her to be used to her carrier and comfortable as fast as I can, because I won’t take her if she’s distressed in it (I would be back within a few hours, the cat wouldn’t be abandoned). How can I try get her to enjoy her carrier/be okay with hour long journeys in it as fast and calm as I can for her? If it matters, the carrier is a backpack one (easier for me and travel)

•anything in particular I should know or watch out for when it comes to her health and safety? As I said, I’ve never owned a cat before so I’m hyper aware of how much I don’t know. I’ve done lots of research, but I tend to overthink so any advice would be reassuring.

• I know some cats like affections, and some don’t. Is there a way for me to play/cuddle with her so she grows to like to cuddle and give affection? Like apart from playing, how else can I create good bond so she feels safe and is generally good with vets/being touched etc?

Any and all advice is welcome!! Thank you ✨