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Is Your Home Kitten Ready?

Published Apr 29, 2022 | Last updated Nov 20, 2023

Bringing home a new kitten is such an exciting time! However, from your kitten’s point of view, it can be quite overwhelming. They are arriving at new place and meeting people and other animals they have never met before. Here is what you need to know to help your new furry friend settle in comfortably and safely:

Prepare Basecamp

Create a safe and quiet space for your kitten to relax and give them time to adjust. Ensure that the space is secure so they can’t get out and other resident pets can’t intrude.

Inside the space, include a covered bed (or their carrier) for them to retreat to, some toys, a scratcher, food, water, and a litter tray. Aim to put the litter tray away from everything else. Afterall, no one wants to do their business right next to where they eat and sleep!

If do you live in a busy household, consider also using a Feliway diffuser to help reduce anxiety and ease the transition.

Slow Introductions

Give your kitten some time to adjust before allowing other members of the household (furry and humankind) to meet them. This gives your kitten time to get used to the noises and smells without being overwhelmed. When you finally make the introduction, allow pets to first meet through a gate and don’t force your kitten to interact, let them to approach at their own pace.

Kitten Proof Your Home

If you don’t offer your kitten appropriate options for fun and discovery, you might find that they will invent their own and you might not like it! Provide various scratching posts and toys for your cat around the house so that they don’t direct their claws onto your furniture.

Check that any plants around the home are not toxic to cats (lilies for example are extremely toxic) and if you do use any essential oil diffusers, check that the oils are also safe for cats. Put away any breakable items on your shelves, or ensure your kitten can’t jump up onto those areas. Keep rubbish out of reach or closed so that your kitten does not try to eat something they shouldn’t. Electrical cords and any loose string can also become a hazard, so put them away or secure them.

 

Escape Prevention

Kittens (and adult cats!) are extremely curious and stealthy! Don’t leave any windows open unattended for the first few weeks. Check your home for any gaps or holes your kitten can easily squeeze through or under and secure them. If you have a balcony, backyard, or deck area, ensure your kitten is on a harness and leash and always supervised if they are out there. Cats can very easily (and quietly!) jump and climb over railings and fences in a blink of an eye. They don’t quite understand height and danger like humans do, so sometimes these acts of curiosity can lead them into trouble!

 

 

Be Prepared For Emergencies

Accidents can happen. Serious and not so serious ones! So, it pays to be prepared. Ensure you know where your closest vet and afterhours vet is. Protect your kitten from parasites with appropriate parasite protection and finally, be ready to clean up any accidents with cleaning products formulated for pets.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Hill’s Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Hill’s Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet, it is recommended that I seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Hill’s Prescription Diet