Bringing home a new kitten? Learn what to do on the first day and beyond with our helpful tips! Find out how to take care of your new pet, what supplies you need, and more.

What To Expect When You Bring Home a Kitten

Are you thinking of welcoming a new kitten into your home? There are a few things you should know before bringing them home. A new kitten will bring joy and excitement to your life, but it also requires responsibility and commitment. Read on to learn about some general expectations for when you bring home a kitten so that you can be prepared for the journey ahead.

Supplies & Gear You Will Need

Before bringing your new kitten home, make sure to have all the necessary supplies and gear ready. This includes food and water dishes, litter box or boxes if multiple kittens, toys, scratching post(s) & grooming supplies. It is also important to make sure that the home is well-prepared for your new arrival. Please make sure all electrical cords and other hazards are out of reach as kittens will explore their environments by putting anything (they don't have hands!) into their mouths. It is also beneficial to have some cat treats on hand for when they start exploring too much to distract them from getting into places they should not be going. Misdirecting your kitten's attention to what you want them to do will be more effective then just removing the object you don't want them playing with or on.

Introducing Your New Kitten To Humans and/or Pets

When first introducing your kitten to its new environment (your house), it must have some time alone to explore while feeling safe and secure. I suggest confining them in one room with all their necessities until they become more comfortable with their surroundings. Of course, this isn't feasible for everyone but do your best and your kitten will thank you!

During this time, you will start to begin building trust with them by providing food, water, comfort items such as blankets or beds—anything that helps create a warm atmosphere for them—and lots of love and affection! When introducing other family members or pets into the equation it is best done at a slow pace so as not to overwhelm the kitten or any existing pet(s). Start with short visits between family members/pets and then gradually increase the amount of time each interaction lasts until everyone feels comfortable enough around each other.

Training Your Kitten

Now comes the fun part – training! Training does not necessarily mean teaching your kitten tricks (although you definitely can!), but rather setting up routines that help establish boundaries between yourself and your pet for both of you to understand what behaviors are acceptable in the household. These routines can include litter box training, scheduled feeding times, playtime training, grooming sessions, etc. Establishing these routines early on will help create an easier transition from living in their previous abode (the breeder's) or foster family’s home into yours. It may(will) take some patience during this process; however, if done correctly it will result in positive reinforcement which helps strengthen human-animal bonds quickly!

The Little One(s) Are Coming Home

Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience! With the right supplies, proper introductions between family members/pets (if applicable), and routine training sessions —you’ll find yourself having an amazing bond with your furry friend very soon! Enjoy every moment & take tons of photos because you'll blink and they've gotten so big! Good luck on this exciting journey ahead!