Adopting a kitten is very exciting. The little fur ball is sure to fill your home with an abundance of cuteness and cuddles. There's so much to look forward to! 

But adjusting to a new home can be difficult for a kitten. Here are a few tips to make the process as smooth and stress-less as possible for your new feline family member.

 

Make plans ahead

 

Before you welcome your new pet into your home, you might want to make some pre-adoption arrangements. First and foremost, book an appointment with a veterinarian to have the kitten examined and to schedule the necessary vaccines. 

Make sure you're stocked up on the essentials - food, water, litter, a litter box and a comfortable carrier case. It also helps to get (or make) some toys and a scratching post. 

 

Prepare a comfortable trip home

 

The first trip home with your new kitten is exciting, but it can also be emotional. The kitten is likely to whine on the way, especially if you're travelling by car. 

Make sure you have a comfortable cat carrier. Place a towel at the base of the carrier to give the cat something soft and warm to cuddle into. 

 

Prepare a quiet room 

 

Cats are territorial and cautious creatures. So when they're suddenly placed in a new environment, they can get uneasy. That's why it's important to introduce your cat to your home one room at a time. 

Start by picking a small and quiet room, like your bathroom. Equip it with everything the kitten will need: food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, a towel or blanket to sleep on and some toys. It's also important to provide your kitten small places where it can "hide", like a shoe box.

 

Introduce yourself 

 

Getting your new kitten to trust you may take some time. But eventually, it will happen. Sit on the floor in the chosen quiet room, slightly far away from the kitten, and let it "explore you" at its own time. Initially it may be scared and hide. In that case, leave the room and try again after some time.

Ask other family members to do the same, one at a time. If you have children, sit them down and show them how to gently stroke the kitten's fur. 

 

Open up your home 

 

Once the kitten seems comfortable enough in the chosen quiet room, and starts showing signs of curiosity, it's time to widen its territory. 

If your home is large, it's best to open it up to the kitten in sections in order to prevent it from feeling overwhelmed. It's also best to be around when the kitten is first exploring new areas, to ensure that it is always in safe territory.

 

Cat-proof your home

 

Cats need to scratch things. Provide your new kitten with scratching surfaces in various parts of your home. These could include scratching posts or simple corrugated cardboard sheets laid out on the floor. Encourage your kitten to use a scratching post by spraying it with catnip or dangling a toy near it. 

Be aware that they also love finding small, cosy spots to sleep in, and this can often include the inside of your wardrobe on your new cashmere sweater. 

 

 

Once your kitten settles in, it's sure to make your home its territory and reward you with comforting purrs. 

Make sure it has all it needs to live a long and healthy life with you and your family by visiting one of the pet shops listed on Yellow.

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