Welcoming a new kitten into your home.
Introducing a new kitten into your home should be a delightful experience rather than a difficult one. If a few basic precautions are taken, your kitten will easily adapt to him new living arrangements - even if other pets are already living with you.
Of course, no two cats are the same, so no single plan will work equally well for all pets. However, your kitten is most likely to move in successfully if you prepare for his arrival. Here are some things you can do:
Before he arrives...
Decide which room the kitten can use as his "home-base" for the first few days. The room should have a door or some other way of shielding him from the more active hustle and bustle of daily living (including children and other pets).
In a corner opposite the door, place the kitten's litter tray, preferably with sandy, clumping-type litter (unless he's already shown a preference for another type of litter).
As far away as possible from the litter tray, place him fresh water and food. You may wish to put plastic mats under his dish and the litter tray to make it easier to keep the area clean.
Remember to put his bed somewhere away from the litter tray. As you'll soon discover, kittens seldom sleep exactly where you want them to, so you may have to let him find a sleeping area of his own choosing.
Settling in...
Bring the kitten into the room with you, close the door and allow him to discover where everything is ON HIS OWN. It helps to put a little soiled litter (from his previous tray) in the new litter tray so he can tell where he's supposed to go to the toilet. Do not put the kitten in the litter tray.
If you're patient, you'll be rewarded by watching his discover the play areas in the room, such as window ledges, a comfortable couch, a bed to stretch out on or tables to jump on.
When he seems to be ready for a nap, or when he's relaxed and confident in his new surroundings, you can leave him to his own devices for a bit. If he's already chosen your lap to nap on - consider yourself lucky, he feels at home with you already.
Starting to feel bolder...
Your new furry bundle of joy will let you know when he's ready to inspect the rest of the house. It's important to let him do this at his own speed. Leave a door ajar just enough for him to come and go from his 'home-base' so he can explore as and when he wants.
Gradually introduce him to other pets and family members, giving him the space to approach them or withdraw (back to his room if necessary) as he wishes. If you have a dog, you'll definitely need to control him: your kitten will eventually establish the house rules (don't mess with me!) with your dog, but he'll need your help at first.
Once your kitten has become familiar with his new home and surroundings, you'll know how he likes to play, eat and sleep (as well as other activities) . Once you're at this stage, you may gradually begin to change the location of the litter tray and food bowl to areas more convenient for you.
NEVER punish your kitten for fouling outside the litter box by rubbing his nose in it. Instead, think about what's made the box an unattractive place to use, and what made the 'wrong' place more attractive from his point of view. Then you can get to work to make sure he's back on track. |