Cats N Things: Tips for bringing a new kitten home

Bringing home a fluffy bundle of love is very exciting, whether it is your first pet or a new member to the pet family. Your kitten will move away from it’s warm mommy’s side or shelter to a strange and new place.
The most important thing is to keep him/her safe, happy and relaxed. Raising a kitten is serious business, because if done right, it will turn into a confident cat who will love you unconditionally.
With our tips and tricks it will be easier so you can spend more time enjoying your little furball!

How early can you take home a kitten?

Kittens can leave their mother after 10 to 12 weeks. Sometimes kittens leave their birth home after 6 to 8 weeks, but the last 2 weeks will learn them good kitty behavior and social skills for both other cats as humans. Separated from the family too soon might cause your kitten to become fearful for humans and other cats.

Just like human babies, kittens require special care, feeding and social training. Your cat will need veterinary care for life (for annual check-ups and vaccinations), so better start at the beginning. Even if your kitten already had all necessary vaccinations, a first check-up is wise before taking your baby home, especially if there are other pets in the house.

I’m getting a kitten, what do I need?

Give your new kitty a warm welcome with the items on this kitten supply list:

– good quality kitten food
– food bowl
– water bowl (with fresh water)
– litter box
– scratcher
– safe toys for playing alone
– interactive toys (fishing rods etc.)
– a cozy bed
– a hiding place
– cat carrier
– identification (chip, ID)
– treats for training*

*Check our blog about how to train your cat for tips!

Where should kittens sleep at night?

The most exciting and difficult part of bring home a new kitten is the first night. A lot of people want to now how to comfort a kitten at night. The most important thing is that it’s a cozy place where your kitten feels safe and warm. A cardboard box/play house with a soft blanket is perfect. It’s normal if a kitten meows at night. Just give it some time, you will see that it gets less every day. Just like human babies, kittens need a lot of sleep: from 16 to 22 hours a day!

Bring a new kitten home to another cat

Introducing the new member to the existing pet family can be challenging. The pheromone marking is very important here. Your home has a certain “scent profile” that your cat marked with it’s pheromones. Using Feliway helps with the preparation of your home to the welcome your kitten. Feliway emits a scentless odor that safely creates a peaceful and loving environment for your cat, by spreading the “happy pheromone”.
Read more about Feliway here

Introducing a new kitten with an older cat should be done slowly. Let your kitten first adapt a little in a separate room. As soon as your kitten is calm, you can slowly introduce the cat and the kitten in a neutral room or spot. There should be enough distance from the litter box and your cat’s favorite, holy chill spot. Don’t rush or force the situation, they will make contact as soon as they are ready. If your cat appears to be too aggressive or if your kitten is very scared, take a step back and separate the two again for some time and try again later.

Make ‘home alone time’ fun

Leaving your kitten home alone for the first time can be difficult, so make sure that home alone time will be fun for your kitten. Provide enough toys to keep your kitten busy. Also putting on preferably classical or country music can sooth your kitty! When you return home, spend enough time petting and playing with your new friend. But we bet you’ll can’t get enough of that!

If you have any difficulties or problems, contact your vet or a professional behavior specialist.

We still remember when Mushi and Cheesy were still kittens.. * kittens sigh*.. time goes by so fast!