How to prepare for a new kitten in your home.

 How to prepare for a new kitten in your home.

Kittens have a sophisticated sense of smell and they learn a lot about their world through their nose. If it is possible, leave an item of clothing or towel from your home with your kitten for a few days before you collect them. When you do collect them, take this item with you, the familiar scents will help your kitten to settle into their new home quicker.

 It is important not to overwhelm your new kitten on arrival as they will need time to adjust. Provide  somewhere to hide, such as a cardboard box with a soft toy. The ticking of an alarm clock may also be comforting as it mimics the sound of their mother’s heart.

You may wish to keep your kitten in one room of the house to begin with, and slowly introduce them to the rest of the house. It is important that your kitten has a safe quiet place where their water and feeding bowls can be left, and another for their litter tray.

Cats can feel vulnerable when they are eating and toileting, so performing these activities in a sheltered area will help to reduce stress.  Cats are not naturally social animals and generally prefer to be alone. However, cats can live together happily with the right measures in place. If you have more than one cat, they should each have their own bowls, litter trays and toys, at least one for each cat and an extra. Any competition over resources could cause stress and dominance issues between your pets. 

 First Vet Visit ;It is always a good idea to make an appointment with your chosen vet as soon as possible. The vet will give your new kitten a full physical examination, including listening to their heart and lungs and checking their eyes, ears and mouth.


They will be looking for signs of parasitic infection, illness and birth defects. This first visit is a great time to ask specific questions about your kitten’s health and well-being, such as which is the best type of food to feed and when should you book in for their vaccinations. Depending on the age and health of your kitten, your vet may recommend a vaccination course is started at this first visit.

Fleas and Worms Kittens commonly are infected by parasites, and due to their small size and immature immunity these parasites can have a large impact on their health. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to give you advice on products suitable for your kitten’s age and weight. Dog flea products should never be used on a cat as some can be extremely toxic to cats.