Going Home
How to Prepare for a New Kitten
Welcome Home
The first few weeks set the tone for your kitten's whole life with you. Our Egyptian Maus and Toygers leave us confident and well socialized, but a new home is a big change. Go slowly, keep things predictable, and let your kitten set the pace. Most kittens feel at home within two to three weeks.
Before Your Kitten Arrives
Set up one quiet "safe zone" room with:
• Bed and a soft blanket (we'll send one with familiar scents)
• Food and water bowls
• Litter box, placed away from food and water
• Scratching post and, if space allows, a small cat tree
• A few toys to chase and a wand with toy attached for interactive play
• A hiding spot, like a covered bed or open carrier
• A cardboard box they can hide in is also fun for kittens, and you can modify it however you want!
Kitten-Proofing Checklist
Before your kitten explores, check for:
• Electrical cords and blind cords
• Toxic plants, especially lilies
• Medications, cleaning products, and chemicals
• String, ribbon, hair ties, rubber bands, and sewing supplies
• Plastic bags and small swallowable objects
• Unscreened windows, recliners, and open dryers or washers
Week 1, Days 1–2: Let Them Settle
Open the carrier in the safe zone and let your kitten come out on their own. Some explore right away, others hide for a few hours. Both are normal. Keep the house calm, skip visitors, and sit quietly nearby so curiosity brings them to you.
Week 1, Days 3–7: Trust and Routine
Spend relaxed time on the floor reading or working. Let your kitten sniff, rub, and climb into your lap on their own terms. Start short play sessions with wand toys. Feed at the same times daily and keep the litter box spotless. Cats love routine.
Week 2: Exploring the Home
Once your kitten is eating, playing, and using the litter box well, open up one new room at a time with you there. Keep the safe zone available as a retreat. If your kitten seems overwhelmed, scale back for a day or two.
Week 2: Meeting the Family and Other Pets
Have family members sit on the floor, let the kitten approach first, and offer gentle pets or a treat. Always supervise young children. Introduce resident pets slowly: scent swapping first, then short supervised visits through a cracked door or gate before meeting face to face.
Week 3: Confidence and Good Habits
By now, personality really shows. Reward scratching-post use, gentle play, and coming when called. Never punish accidents. Redirect and praise instead.
Week 3: Handling, Grooming, and Carrier Practice
Build lifelong good habits now:
• Short brushing sessions
• Touching paws and gently handling nails
• Looking in ears and mouth
• Leaving the carrier out with treats inside so it isn't scary
Feeding and Litter Box
Keep your kitten on the same food we've been feeding for at least the first few weeks: Iams ProActive Health dry food, Fancy Feast Kitten or Weruva Kitten Fur Baby Favorites canned wet food. If you want to switch, mix foods gradually over 7–10 days. Use pine pellet litter (we use the Tractor Supply brand) in a low-sided box, and scoop daily.
Your First Vet Visit
Schedule a wellness exam within 72 hours of bringing your kitten home. Bring the health records we provide so your vet can review vaccines and plan ongoing care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Giving full run of the house on day one
• Switching food right away
• Overhandling a nervous kitten
• Forcing a hiding kitten out
• Punishing accidents
• Unsupervised time with other pets too soon
• Skipping the first vet visit
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does adjustment take? Usually one to three weeks, depending on the kitten.
Should my kitten sleep with me the first week? The safe zone is best at first. It's safer overnight and builds routine.
How much should we play? Several 10–15 minute sessions a day.
What if my kitten hides all day? That's normal at first. Keep food, water, and the litter box close, and give them time.
We're Here for You
You're never on your own once your kitten goes home. Questions big or small, reach out anytime at 972.804.3024 or through our Contact page. For any medical emergency or health concern, please contact your veterinarian right away.