Essential Tips for Caring for a New Kitten at Home

Spotting that adorable little kitten in the cattery and instantly falling in love with it, you might be eager to whisk it home. But wait! Have you prepared everything you need for your new feline friend to come home comfortably?

Before bringing your kitten home, there are several essential items you should have ready:

1. A cozy cat bed. Choose one that's a bit larger, and it's even better if you have two so you can rotate them.

2. Two small bowls—one for food and one for water.

3. A deworming滴剂, a common musthave for cat owners.

4. A catspecific brush for grooming.

5. A cat litter box and litter.

6. Some soft, plush toys.

Don't think that just having these everyday items for your kitten is enough! The moment you bring your kitten home is when the real responsibility of being a cat parent begins. A young kitten entering a new environment is like a child in an unknown world, and everything is new to them.

This might lead to several scenarios:

1. The kitten might not eat or drink, and it may hide in corners.

This is quite normal for young kittens, as even humans need time to adjust to a new place. If you encounter this, don't worry. Just provide fresh food, water, and a cozy bed, and most kittens will adjust quickly.

2. The kitten might not be in good spirits or even appear to be sick.

If the kitten is malnourished or has a weak immune system, it might fall ill after arriving at the new home. If this happens, the cat parent should take the kitten to the vet immediately. For instance, if the kitten has ringworm or stomatitis, and it's unable to fight off the illness, it's crucial to seek veterinary care right away.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid giving your kitten a bath. Don't be tempted to wash your new kitten as soon as it arrives home, thinking it's dirty and needs a clean bath before settling in.

New arrivals should not be bathed. Instead, use dry shampoo or a damp cloth to gently wipe them down.

2. Ensure your kitten's living area is wellventilated and at a comfortable temperature. Cats are prone to catching colds or fevers in poorly ventilated or too cold spaces. In summer, avoid setting the air conditioner too low, and in winter, remember to keep the room warm and wellventilated.

3. Feed your kitten in moderation. Don't overfeed your kitten, especially if it's a young kitten that may not know when it's full after a long journey without food.

Overeating can lead to gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhea. Be patient and monitor your kitten's eating habits.

4. If possible, keep the new kitten separate from other pets initially. Allow your kitten to get used to its new surroundings by spending time with it in a separate room. Gradually introduce it to other family members, either by holding it or by allowing the existing pets to see it through a gap.

If your kitten is shy and doesn't trust you, give it plenty of time to be alone. For highly dependent kittens, take the time to comfort them and build their trust in their new home and you as their new caregiver.