Taking Your Kitten Home
If you are adopting a kitten from us they will be used to normal household noises, the vacuum cleaner, TV, CD’s being played, washing machine and many other day to day noises. Our kittens are also taught to not fear the cat carrier, and are allowed to play in and around these carriers and also will have gone for at least 2 car journeys to the vets for their vaccinations. We raise our kittens underfoot with the hope that when they go to their new homes they are well adjusted, sociable kittens with individual personalities, likes and dislikes. They will be used to visitors and different people coming in to the home.
Each of our kittens will have their own ‘goodie bag’ to go with them. There are practical things in this bag as well as some things that have been used as they are growing up to help them adjust to new surroundings by having something with them with familiar smells on. Items I will provide in the ‘goodie bag’ are all paperwork in accordance with GCCF regulations. Samples of dried food. Sample of litter they are used to. A food dish. A litter tray. A CD of photos of them and siblings growing up and some information files. A small new toy. A blanket they have been sleeping on already with their scent on. And an old toy with their scent on.
When you come to pick up your kitten make sure you bring with you a strong cat carrier to take them home with. Please note I will not let my kittens travel any distance in a cardboard box so please do bring a specifically designed carrier that is meant for cat use. However small the distance you come if you where to have an accident on the way home a cardboard box will offer no protection for your new cat.
It would be easier and useful if you where to have a quiet place set up for the kitten for when you get back. If you already have cat objects in your house then have a litter tray set up in this space and a water dish ready to be filled with fresh water on arrival. I remember when we picked up Millie we had a 7 hour journey home and when we got an hour away she was crying and crying, as soon as we got home she wanted the litter tray but I didn’t have one for her ready and I felt so guilty, she crossed her legs for so long and then had to wait for us some more when we got home.
When you actually arrive home take the cat carrier to the safe, quiet room. Make sure there are no small holes that the kitten could get in to and make sure there are no windows open, a scared kitten is very unpredictable. Give him some fresh water, and offer him a little bit of food. Also remind him about the litter tray by placing the kitten in they tray regularly until he understands this is where he needs to go. Let the cat settle and get used to his new surroundings, sights and smells before introducing any other pets you may have or loud children. Don’t forget first impressions count for a lot and as eager as children are to meet their new pet if this crucial moment goes wrong then the cat can remember it and possibly not be as responsive to the child which would be an awful shame as the bond between child and pet can be a very strong and loving one if handled correctly from the start. So please make sure children are calm and don’t accidentally scare the kitten in their excitement with loud sudden noises until the kitten is settled in more and more confident of its surroundings.
When you get a chance, please do read the word files I put on your CD with the photos, you will find handy notes, tips and information there on how to make sure your kitten lives a long and happy life. There are files on common feline diseases, feeding advice, showing, general care and advice, household dangers and much more that would take up too much space here!