Top Tips for Caring for a New Kitten: First Days at Hom

1. Cats can become quite anxious in new surroundings, so it's essential to set up a quiet, secluded space for them ahead of time to help them feel secure.

2. Understand that your cat might initially hide away. Avoid rushing to engage with them. Instead, provide food and water, close the door, and give them the space they need to adjust to their new environment.

3. It's not uncommon for kittens to go without eating, drinking, or using the bathroom at first. This is normal; once they start using the litter box, it's a sign they're beginning to relax and feel at ease.

4. Avoid forcing activities like taking them outside, bathing them, or picking them up roughly. Cats are sensitive to new environments and can easily become stressed, which may lead to illness.

5. Changes in environment can also affect their digestion. For the first week, feed them a transition diet and consider adding probiotics to their meals to support their digestive health.

6. If you have a kitten, be cautious about offering milk or goat's milk; cats often have lactose intolerance, which can cause stomach upset.

7. Don't overfeed your kitten canned food just because it's convenient. Kittens may overeat and have difficulty digesting large amounts, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

8. Once your cat is more comfortable in their new surroundings, use a cat toy to engage with them and show affection by petting their head and chin. If they're willing to let you touch their belly and make soothing purring sounds, it's a clear sign they've warmed up to you and feel loved!