Swansea Ragz

Remember what it feels like to move into a new home with new people? Well it’s a bit like that for your new kitten, whether he’s a moggie or a purebred. Luckily, there’s plenty you can to do to lessen the stress.

Be prepared

Decide which room is going to be your kitten’s ‘home base’ for the first few days and make sure it has a door or some other way of shielding from the hustle and bustle of daily life (including children and other pets).

In a corner opposite the door, place the litter tray.

Have shallow bowls for food and fresh water ready, as far away from the litter tray as possible. You may want to put plastic mats under the dish and litter tray to make cleaning easier!

Buy  a bed or make one yourself. A cardboard box with an entrance cut in one side and lined with a blanket will be fine. They love to have a place to hide, as it makes them feel safe.

Place the bed somewhere away from the litter tray. Initially, however, they may prefer to choose where they want to sleep.

Purchase a cat carrier for the first journey home and for trips to the vet, non-toxic toys to help them play and learn, a brush and comb for grooming and (for your furniture’s sake) a scratching post. Its probably a good idea to have your kitten booked into the vets so he/she can be registered, have a health check and also get use to the vet.

Finally, make sure you remove any dangerous items such as poisonous plants and cleaning agents prior to his arrival.

Settling in

Keep the house as quiet as possible when you bring your kitten home and don't be surprised if they seem a bit timid at first. They will soon be overcome by curiosity so allow them to discover where everything is on their own.

They will let you know when they are ready to inspect the rest of the house. Leave a door slightly ajar for him/her to come and go from his/her ‘home-base’ so he/she can explore as and when he/she wants.

They are fast learners, so help them to feel at home by establishing a routine from the start. Their first lesson should probably be the litter tray. They will already have been toilet trained by their mother, but might not recognise the new tray. Place the little one in the tray first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after meals and he/she will quickly get used to it. Next, show them the food and water bowls and where their bed is.

If you have other pets, try to keep them away for the first few hours. Then introduce them gradually, giving the little one space to approach or withdraw as he/she wishes. And make sure you pay your older pets plenty of attention so they don’t become jealous. Feeding them first at mealtimes is a good trick!

If you have any more questions about your new kitten, please don't hesitate to ask, and i will do all i can to help. Enjoy your new baby, and remember, RAGDOLLS ARE ADDICTIVE!!!