Kitten Care
When Bringing Baby Home
Essentials for your new kitten:
- Cat carrier
- Litter box
- Litter
- Water and food dishes (with low sides)
- Kitten food (specially formulated for growing into strong, healthy cats)
- Treats
- Grooming tools
- Bed
- Toys
- Emergency first aid kit
Not absolutely essential, but very nice to have:
- Scratching post
- Cat tree
- Collar (or harness) and leash
Check out this YouTube video of an adorable little kitten:
If you are adopting a new kitten (or a grown cat for that matter), the first thing you need is a cat carrier. Transporting your new kitten in a carrier is the safest way to transport – for both you and the kitten.
If you’re involved in an accident while transporting, and you're holding your new baby, the kitten could be hurt or killed. If a loud noise or sudden stop arises, your kitten could startle and leap from your arms. This could result in the kitten being lodged under the brake or gas pedal, or even scratch you or the driver…a carrier is essential for safety first!
The first 24 hours…
Chances are your new kitten will feel lonely and afraid without its
mother and littermates. Confine your kitten to one room for several
days. The kitten needs to learn where its food, water and litter box
are kept. These need to be visible to the kitten.
Let your kitten come out of it’s carrier by itself. Once it has explored the room and feels comfortable, introduce your new kitten to the litter box. Give a treat or offer a bit of food.
Because kittens are so darn cute and cuddly, everyone will want to play and cuddle the new addition. But this can be extremely overwhelming for a new kitten that may be missing the comfort of its mother and littermates.
Small children need to be supervised with a new kitten and should remain quiet and calm. Kittens are not toys and we all need to respect their desire for space and time to recharge.
At bedtime, place the kitten in its bed (or in its carrier with the door open and on the floor.)
When your kitten feels secure their “room" you can open the door after a few days and allow your new kitten to explore the rest of your home.
If you have another pet, confine it at this time to allow your new kitten to explore the house and gain confidence in their new surroundings.
The first few days…
Your kitten should have a veterinary exam within the first 3 days in
your home. If you get your kitten from a reputable breeder, the
first vet checkup is usually part of the contract of purchase.
If you’re interested in micro-chipping your kitten (in case your kitten is lost or stolen) this is the time to do it. If this is the first visit to the vet, your kitten should also be vaccinated.
Your kitten will need lots of play activity. Play will not only provide an outlet for the youngster’s high energy level, but will also help develop strong bones and muscles, and improve coordination and reflexes.
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