Adopting a kitten is a happy and exciting time. You’ve found the perfect little bundle of fluff and now you are preparing to bring him home. Knowing what to expect from your kitten’s first days in your home will help you better prepare for his arrival, especially for the first-time cat parent.
Give Kitty Time to Adjust.
Once your new kitten is home, he may feel overwhelmed and scared, and he may try to hide under a bed where you can’t interact with him. It’s best to start him off in a small room, such as a bathroom, where you can visit with him in a quiet place. Bring some toys and treats, talk in soothing tones, and let him adjust to his surroundings before you let him explore the whole house. This could take just a few hours or several days.
Prepare a Quiet Place.
Put his litter box and food in a quiet place where your kitten will be undisturbed. Putting the litter box near the dog’s bed is probably not an ideal situation. Be sure to keep the food and litter separated. Cats do not like to eat near their litter boxes.
Kitten-Proof Your House.
Many hazards lurk in your home, especially for curious kittens. Get down on his level and take a good look around. Make sure there are no buttons, twist ties, paperclips or other objects that he may decide to eat. Keep strings and ribbons put away too, as ingesting these items could cause serious health problems or prove fatal. Keep in mind that kittens are extremely high-energy, and will play with whatever they can reach. Put breakable items up high. Likewise put your plants in a place that’s out of reach, too. Most plants are toxic to cats, and he may decide to have a taste!
Two are Better.
When it comes to kittens, two are better than one! Kittens are bundles of energy, and having a buddy to play with will keep your kittens well adjusted. As your kittens get older, those cute little play nips won’t feel so cute to you. Having two kittens will enable them to use those natural play behaviors on each other – instead of on your hands and feet. Also if you work outside the home, your kittens will be much happier with a friend to spend the day with instead of being home alone.
One last tip: be sure to spoil your new kittens with plenty of love and affection and they will become your happy little companions for life.
Rita Reimers is Owner and CEO of Cats 90210 Professional Cat Sitters and The Cat Analyst Feline Behavior Counseling Service. Working as a kitty expert with cats of all kinds for over 25 years, Rita hasn’t met a cat she couldn’t help! She lives in Los Angeles and shares a home with her very own frisky felines and is a dedicated animal rescue volunteer.