If you have been spending time looking forward to bringing home your new kitten you are most likely incredibly excited. If this is the first time that you have brought a kitten home, here are a few things that you should know and get prepared before the big day arrives, to ensure that your new arrival settles in as happily and comfortably as possible.
The first thing to remember is that you will need to set up a room for your kitten that he or she can have as their own safe space initially. Don’t be tempted to instantly just give your kitten run of the house. The kitten will most likely be confused, scared and disorientated so a safe room is essential. A small room, that is warm and heated by column radiators is ideal, and that is not going to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house.
The room should contain the kitten’s bed and litter tray, as well as food and water bowls. It should also include toys and a scratching post. Make sure that the room doesn’t contain any hazards, such as plants that are toxic to cats, any loose wires or electricals, or any glass or breakable items that could break and harm the kitten. Also make sure that there are no little gaps down which your kitten could hide and potentially get trapped.
Once this is ready you are all set. Bring your kitten to this room and spend the first couple of days spending periods of time in here with them. Just sit in the room and speak softly or read a book, especially if they are very nervous as this will get them used to the sound of your voice.
As they settle, you can start to let them explore other parts of the home.
Play and bonding in the first weeks
Kittens are full of energy and mischief, and they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Play is one of the best ways to bond, helping a kitten learn vital skills and understand that it can trust you. Attention at a young age helps them grow into happy, sociable adult cats, which also makes later stays away from home less stressful.
Make sure you have time to help them settle, litter train them and give them the attention they need, along with a food made for kittens, which contains the added nutrients growing cats require. Put away tempting items, and keep an eye on curtains, which kittens love to climb before realising how high they are.
Simple games work well. A toy on a string, dragged along the floor or dangled in the air, brings out the instinct to chase and pounce. Hiding a favourite toy under a towel or blanket and moving it slowly makes a fun game of hide and seek.