Bringing Home a Kitten: A Guide For New Purrents
Bringing home a kitten is an exciting yet sometimes nerve-wracking experience. The thought of adopting a kitten can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’re here to help! Kittens are undeniably cute, but they also require some careful preparation. Before you bring your new furry friend into your home, it's essential to ensure they are fully ready to leave their mother and transition smoothly into their new environment. Most kittens will be weaned and ready to settle into their forever homes by 7-9 weeks old. After this period, the responsibility is all yours!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make bringing home a kitten stress-free and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
1. Preparing Before Bringing Your Kitten Home
Before you rush to bring your kitten home, there are a few important steps you can take to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Familiarise Your Scent
Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell for comfort. To help ease your kitten’s transition, try leaving a blanket with them for a few days before you bring them home. This will introduce your scent to the kitten and provide them with a comforting reminder of their new home.
For more information on how cats use scent, check out this article by the PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers' Association).
Pet Insurance for Your Kitten
When bringing a kitten home, it’s crucial to consider pet insurance to cover unexpected vet bills. Kittens, like humans, may experience gastrointestinal issues or other health concerns while adjusting to their new environment. Many breeders and rehoming centres offer up to 4 weeks of free pet insurance, so be sure to inquire about this.
If pet insurance isn’t provided, make sure to secure adequate coverage to avoid costly vet visits. For a guide to kitten insurance, please read here to see if it's right for you.
2. Kitten-Proofing Your Home
Kittens are curious and playful, which means they’ll likely be exploring every corner of your home. To keep them safe, consider the following kitten-proofing tips:
- Remove Loose Wires: Kittens love to chew on cables, so be sure to hide any electrical cords or wires.
- Secure Blind Cords: Tie up long blind strings to prevent your kitten from getting tangled.
- Create Safe Hiding Spaces: Kittens enjoy climbing and hiding in high places. Consider adding safe, kitten-friendly climbing options around your home.
These simple steps will help ensure your kitten stays safe while exploring their new surroundings.
3. Setting Up Your Kitten’s Space
Choosing the right space for your kitten to settle into is essential. Select a quiet, cozy room where your kitten can adjust to their new environment without being overwhelmed. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bedding: A soft, comfortable place to sleep. While fancy beds are great, a cardboard box with cozy blankets works just fine.
- Litter Box: Keep the litter box separate from your kitten’s sleeping and eating areas. Be sure to clean it regularly to keep things fresh and encourage good litter habits.
The RSPCA offers more advice on how to set up a kitten-friendly environment.
4. Kitten Food and Water
Proper nutrition is key to ensuring your kitten’s health. A balanced, kitten-friendly food ensures they’re getting all the nutrients they need to grow strong. Kittens may not need milk after they’ve been weaned, so fresh water is best.
Looking for high-quality food for your new kitten? Our Chicken Kitten Food is made with real animal meat, essential amino acids, and over 1 billion live bacteria per kg to support gut health. Plus, it’s made in the UK using responsibly sourced ingredients.
We also offer a range of wet food and Gnashers Dental Treats perfect for kittens 3 months and older.
5. Kitten Litter Training
Litter training your kitten is essential, but it’s usually a smooth process. Make sure the litter tray is placed in a quiet, easily accessible spot away from food and bedding areas. Regularly introduce your kitten to the litter box and keep it clean to avoid unpleasant smells.
If you have multiple cats, it’s recommended to have one litter box per cat to prevent territorial disputes.
6. Choosing the Right Cat Carrier
When bringing home a kitten, you’ll need a suitable carrier for the journey. A secure, comfortable carrier will keep your kitten safe while traveling. Plus, you’ll need it for future vet visits or family trips.
Do some research on carriers to find the one that best suits your needs. Websites like Petfinder offer tips on choosing the right carrier for your kitten.
7. The First Trip Home: Let Your Kitten Settle In
Once you’ve picked up your kitten, it’s time to let them explore their new space. Patience is key! Open their carrier in their designated room, and allow them to come out on their own terms. Sit quietly on the floor and let them approach you when they’re ready. This will help them feel secure in their new environment.
8. Introducing Your Kitten to Family and Pets
Introducing a kitten to children or other pets in the house requires care:
- Introducing Children: While children are excited to meet their new kitten, avoid letting them handle the kitten too soon. Always supervise interactions to ensure the kitten feels safe.
- Introducing Other Pets: If you have other pets, especially dogs, introduce them to the kitten slowly. Keep your kitten separated from other animals initially and introduce them gradually under supervision.
The Blue Cross offers advice on introducing kittens to existing pets.
9. The Great Outdoors: Should Your Kitten Go Outside?
If you're thinking about letting your kitten outdoors, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. Some kittens and cat breeds are better suited to indoor life, and outdoor environments can pose risks such as traffic or other animals. If you decide to let your kitten outside, ensure they have their vaccinations up-to-date and stay within a safe, enclosed area until they are familiar with their surroundings.
The Cats Protection offers advice on letting your kitten roam outdoors safely.
10. Your Kitten’s First Vet Visit
It's essential to take your kitten to the vet within a few days of bringing them home. The vet will ensure your kitten is healthy, check for any parasites (like worms), and confirm that they are up-to-date with vaccinations.
Here’s a guide on kitten vaccinations from the RSPCA to help you understand the process.
11. Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Kittens may struggle when left alone, so ensure they are safe and comfortable when you need to be away. Set up a room with food, water, and toys, and consider leaving soft music or a TV on to calm them. Gradually increase the amount of time your kitten spends alone to help them adjust. You may always want to try a calming remedy, like our calming kitten treats.
Bringing a kitten home is a joyful experience, but it requires preparation and care. By following these tips, you can ensure that your kitten settles in comfortably and starts their new life with you on the right paw.
