Preparing for your new kitten...
Transitioning your new Maine Coon kitten to its new home.
The first week can be confusing for you and your new kitten.
Learning what to expect and what your kitten needs this first week can help ease your worries.
Here is our top 10 list of what you need to do to prepare for your new kitten.
Learning what to expect and what your kitten needs this first week can help ease your worries.
Here is our top 10 list of what you need to do to prepare for your new kitten.
1. Order Essential Supplies or Go Shopping!
- Don't forget a travel carrier for bringing your new kitten home in
- Air tag collars are awesome for those who fear the kitten could escape from home
- Food and water dishes
- Optional suggestions... Bedding, cat tree, toys, cat exercise wheel
Remind the entire household that doors to outside need to be shut at all times. Watch windows so they are secure and screens are not easily torn or knocked out. Fit your collar or harness snug if you choose to take your kitten on outdoor walks.
- Keep indoors unless on a leash, confine kitten to a small space to start out with
- Going through your home and setting up kitten areas plus kitten-proof the home
- Check out indoor and outdoor catios if this is something you would like to add
We free feed 4Health All life stages hard kibble to all of our kittens and we send home a baggie to help transition to your food. Do so slowly if you change food or you could have loose stools/tummy upsets. Do not give treats until your kitten is acclimated and eating well.
- Pick your kitten food or keep them on our food we send home with you
- Decide if you want to use bottled, tap, or well water
- 100% pure dehydrated meat treats are best but do not give too much at a time - upset tummy
Again, making your home safe for your new kitten is very important. They are like toddlers and will play with or put anything in their mouth.
- Figure out where your safe zone is going to be for your kitten when you are not home or sleeping
- Choose bedding that your kitten will love to sleep on/in
- Double check your plants to see if they are toxic to cats
- Make sure NO pesticides are accessible by kitten
Again, start in small room or area when you are acclimating your kitten to its new home. They are litter box trained but if they do not know their way around, they may not be able to find their litter box. Keep the confined with their food and water as well as litter box in a small room or area of your home until it is comfortable and knows where to go. Do not introduce an automatic litter box until kitten is 5 pounds to be safe.
- Litter training is complete, keep them confined to small space so they know where the litter box is at first
- Choose your favorite kitty litter and set up litter box in a space where they know it is
- Do you want to use an automatic litter box when they are big enough (start with non auto litter box)
If you need to find a new vet, ask around. Word of mouth is the best advertisement! Call ahead because some vet appointments take time to get into.
- If you do not already have a veterinarian, it is time to secure a vet that suits your needs
- Set your first kitten exam within the first five days of getting your kitten home
- Get your monthly flea and tick/heartworm prevention at your first vet appointment
- Research and find the best pet insurance and get ready to insure your new kitten
- Don't forget to make future appointments to follow up on all vaccinations and discuss altering if you want to
Cat groomers are very few so be sure to call ahead and set your appointment way ahead of time. If you want to learn yourself, there are many youtube videos to help and it is best to keep your kitten comfortable in its own home for grooming and safety if you can.
- Can you bathe, blow dry, and brush your cat? If yes, purchase your grooming tools
- If you are unable to groom your kitten, start searching for a cat groomer and schedule appointment in advance
A new kitten can stress very easily and you need to be prepared on what to watch for: not eating, diarrhea, sneezing with nasal discharge, or biting from fear.
- Not eating - hand feed or wet the kibble to entice kitten to eat
- Diarrhea - if blood is present it is likely a protozoan activated and if it persists for more than 24 hours, see vet
- Sneezing - if no nasal discharge, it may subside in a day or two, if not, see vet
- Biting - rare but if this happens, the kitten is not feeling safe and you need to find out why first
Let your kitten adjust in their own time. Sometimes patience is the best thing for the babies and they just need their space to take everything new in.
- Take your time introducing children. Do not let loud, young, or hyper activity stress the kitten
- Toddlers should always be supervised and not allowed to hold kittens alone (scratching or squeezing)
- Give kitten their time and space the first week if kids seem to be too stressful (this is rare)
- If you have other cats or dog (any other house pets), introduce slowly
- Always supervise new animals as they meet and do not leave the home without separating at first
- Always contain kitten when you are not home in case of unforeseen injuries until adjusted and acclimated
Once things settle down and you are acclimating your new Maine Coon kitten to your home, here are a few things to think about. Please know that we love hearing from you so never hesitate to reach out with questions, stories, pictures, or if you need help.
- Fill out your microchip paper work and get the kitten registered in your name ASAP!!!
- If you fear the kitten could slip out, purchase an air tag and air tag collar for it
- Register your kitten with CFA from the paper work we sent home with the kitten.
- Decide if you plan to alter your new kitten in the future.
- Don't forget about us! Send us pics and follow us on social media :)
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