Bringing him home

Remember what it feels like to move into a new home with new people? Well it’s a bit like that for your new kitten, whether he’s a stray or a purebred. Luckily, there’s plenty you have to do to lessen the stress.

Be prepared

Decide which room is going to be your kitten’s ‘home base’ for the first few days and make sure it has a door or some other way of shielding him from the hustle and bustle of daily life (including children and other pets).

In a corner opposite the door, place his litter tray, preferably with sandy, clumping-type litter (unless he’s already shown a preference for another type of litter). Don’t forget the tray liners and a scoop.

Have shallow bowls for his food and fresh water ready, as far away from the litter tray as possible. You may want to put plastic mats under his dish and litter tray to make cleaning easier.

Buy him a bed or make one yourself. A cardboard box with an entrance cut in one side and lined with a blanket will be fine.

Place the bed somewhere away from the litter tray. Initially, however, he may prefer to choose where he wants to sleep.

Purchase a cat carrier for his first journey home and for trips to the vet, non-toxic toys to help him play and learn, a brush and comb for grooming and (for your furniture’s sake) a scratching post.

Finally, make sure you remove any dangerous items such as poisonous plants and cleaning agents prior to his arrival.

Settling in

Keep the house as quiet as possible when you bring your kitten home and don't be surprised if he seems a bit timid at first. He'll soon be overcome by curiosity so allow him to discover where everything is on his own.

He will let you know when he’s ready to inspect the rest of the house. Leave a door slightly ajar for him to come and go from his ‘home-base’ so he can explore as and when he wants.

He’s a fast learner, so help him to feel at home by establishing a routine from the start. His first lesson should probably be the litter tray. He will already have been toilet trained by his mother, but might not recognise his new tray. Place him in the tray first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after meals and he will quickly get used to it. Next, show him the food and water bowls and where his bed is.

If you have other pets, try to keep them away for the first few hours. Then introduce him gradually, giving him space to approach or withdraw as he wishes. And make sure you pay your older pets plenty of attention so they don’t become jealous. Feeding them first at mealtimes is a good trick.

Finally, remember not to let your kitten outside until he has been vaccinated. Even if he has already had his jabs, it’s best to keep him at home for the first two or three weeks.