Getting your new kitten home

You will need..

A good litter tray, preferably with a hood as this cuts down on bad odours. It also gives the kitten
a little privacy.

A nice, comfortable bed with warm blankets that can be washed regularly.

Good quality food and water bowls. Stainless steel is by far the best as they are easy to clean and don’t break if dropped.

A supply of good quality complete dry food along with an equally good wet or meaty cat food. Always remember to provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water and change it often.

A selection of toys to keep your kitten happy and active. Avoid leaving toys around with small parts or long string attached (only use these at supervised play times)

A lot of love, understanding and patience to give your new, adorable and amazing kitten.

Getting your Kitten home

Try to confine him to one room and let him get used to his new surroundings along with the scents and noises in your home. Make sure he has access to the litter tray, bed and food and water bowls. Please remember, at this point the kitten may well be disorientated and/or upset as it has just left behind its littermates and Mum. This is a very big step for him! Keep him occupied with regular play times, this will keep the kitten stimulated and will help with the bonding process between you and your new family member,

In the meantime, any other pets that you have will be aware that there is a new addition to the house. Let your existing pets get used to the scent of the new kitten for at least 24-48 hours, this may take some time and must not be rushed.

You know your own pets the best and only you can judge when the time is right to formally introduce your kitten to the rest of your animal family. Proceed with caution and take it slowly, keeping a close watch on your pet’s body language and general behaviour towards the kitten. If this doesn’t work, separate them and try again tomorrow. Patience from you at this stage will be greatly rewarded in the long term; you don’t want your kitten terrorized, nor do you want your other pets feeling neglected. Get this right and the following months will be pleasurable and you will get as much out of your kitten as you initially put in.

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