Bringing Home Your Kitten

FOOD

Kittens will be weaned on Royal Canin Mother and BabyCat dry food. They are fed wet food twice a day. And they have dry food available to them all day.

Your kitten will go home with a bag of Royal Canin dry food to get him/her started. This is recommended until 4 months, so it may be all you need. At that time you could either gradually switch to Royal Canin kitten - good up to 12 months or your other preferred food.

It is important to continue feeding the same food your kitten has been used to eating for at least the first two weeks. After that, if you decide to switch your kitten’s food do so gradually throughout a couple of weeks by mixing the old food and the new food, adding more of the new food slowly until it is completely switched. Doing it gradually is important as sudden change can cause diarrhea which in turn can lead to dehydration and your kitten getting sick.

LITTER

Your kitten will be potty trained when he goes home. We use Dr Elsey’s kitten attract. I found this litter works best for me in the initial potty training. I recommend using it in the beginning to help in easier transition and then feel free to switch to your preferred brand. 

I suggest using an open litter box in the beginning as this is what the kitten is used to. As kitten gets older you can transition to any style litter box you prefer.

SAFE ROOM  FOR YOUR KITTEN

Your kitten will need time to get accustomed to a new home. Before bringing your kitten home select a smaller space where your kitten will feel safe, preferably your bedroom. Have a litter box, food, water and a soft place to sleep. This helps your kitten to get used to new smells and sounds and let it relax, eat, drink and use a bathroom. Keeping your kitten as comfortable as possible will help to lower the amount of stress it experiences at this time.
Always speak in soft, soothing and loving voice. Show the kitten where, food, water and litter box are located. I suggest putting kitten into a litter box shortly after you get home. Repeat every few hours the first 24 to 48 hours. Once you see them use the box, you’ll know they now understand where their “potty spot” is.
Give your kitten time to get used to things at their own pace. As your kitten gets more comfortable with the first room, slowly start allowing the kitten to the rest of the house allowing space to retreat to the initial room if frightened. Don’t worry if your kitten doesn’t eat anything the first day. Have water and hard food available. Wet food will be more likely to entice them to eat at first.
The first night or two your kitten may walk around crying, looking for its siblings, but having human companionship and lots of cuddles will help with the transition.
Try to wait for at least a week before introducing your kitten to other household pets.

 KITTEN PROOFING YOUR HOME

Having a kitten is a lot like having a human baby. They are very curious and learn about their world with their eyes, paws and their mouth. They are very playful regardless of their age, with innate passion to play with everything they find on the ground. Here are the things to look out for and remove before bringing your kitten home that can create a hazard if swallowed:

Strings, hair ties, twist ties, erasers, doll/toy accessories, sewing supplies, floss, ribbons, plastic bags, small board game pieces, rubber bands, etc.

Electrical cords are another important thing to watch out for. Tape down any wires that can’t be removed from your kitten’s reach. Telephone wires, curtain tie backs, cords on the blinds should also be secured.

Houseplants. Houseplants are beautiful, but not all of them are safe. Philodendron, mistletoe, lilies, and poinsettia are some of the more toxic houseplants that could make your kitten very ill. Lilies, azaleas, and daffodils are common garden plants that are toxic. It’s also important to check and be sure any cut flowers that are brought into your home are also cat safe.

Check Small Spaces Cats love to snuggle away in small warm places. Check before closing your closet, and dresser drawers.

SUPPLIES YOU MAY NEED

• Pet Carrier Please bring a carrier to transport your kitten. This well keep him/her safe during the travel. I provide every kitten with a soft blanket that has a familiar home scent to help comfort him/her in the travel and transition to a new home.
• Food & Water Bowls. Your kitten has lots of energy so select the ones that won’t tip over too easily. Stainless steel bowls are recommended as some cats can be allergic to plastic - it can trigger chin acne. This is what I use in my cattery (I use size large with adults): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073N36L14?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
• Bed is optional, as often times your kitten will choose to sleep on your bed our couch. Although I find my adult cats love to take long afternoon naps at the top of their favorite cat tree.
• Litter Box I suggest getting an open litter box in the beginning. Make sure it is roomy as your kitten will grow fast. You could always switch to any style you prefer as your kitten gets older. Here is the basic one you could get started with (Jumbo size): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JOZ48KK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
• Litter We use Dr Elsey’s attract. I suggest continuing with it for the first 2 weeks as your kitten adjusts and then gradually transition to your preferred litter if you choose. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PKSW5A?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
• Scratching Post or Cat Tree A good scratching post can help keep your kitten healthy and happy, gives him/her a place to stretch their muscles, maintain their claws and helps to save your furniture. Cat trees that can be placed by a window are great ideas! 

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR KITTEN

• 1st FVRCP Vaccine
• Series of Deworming
• Wellness Exam and health certificate from our veterinarian performed at 8-9 weeks of age
• 1-year warranty to be free of congenital defects
• A going home goodie bag with a teaser toy, Security blanket, Royal Canin Bag of Dry Food, Package of Wet Food.
• A 3 Generation Pedigree A copy of 3 generation pedigree will be included for both parents.
• Veterinarian Record
• Contract/Bill of Sale
• TICA’s Breeder’s Slip Breeder’s Slips will be sent via e-mail once proof of spay or neuter has been completed.
• Trupanion Pet Insurance You will be provided with a 30 days of free pet insurance trial. It should be activated the day before, day of or day after kitten pick up. I do encourage my pet parents to keep it after trial runs out. We know accidents can unfortunately happen so it is always better to be safe as vet costs are expensive.