How to welcome a kitten?
How to best prepare for a kitten's arrival home?
Buy the necessary equipment
Even before your kitten sets its little paws in your home, it's important to have everything you need: a carrier, a litter box and litter, a bowl for water, one for food, appropriate food, a scratching post, and a cozy blanket.
Also, think about a collar with a tag and a brush suitable for its fur. The goal is for it to quickly find its bearings in its new environment. You can have fun buying toys later.
Choose appropriate food
Kitten nutrition plays a key role in its growth and health. Therefore, opt for specific kitten kibble, rich in protein and essential nutrients.
At Tomojo, we offer a natural insect-based kitten kibble recipe. It is very rich in protein, perfectly suited to the needs of growing kittens. Also rich in omega-3s, without artificial additives, hypoallergenic, and highly digestible. Moreover, it is formulated with veterinarians to ensure harmonious growth while respecting the planet.
Organize useful spaces
A kitten needs a structured environment to feel confident. Ultimately, it's not surprising, knowing that a cat loves routine. Therefore, separating the different areas is essential to meet its natural needs.
Determine a dining area
Place the water and kibble bowls in a quiet spot, away from the litter box. Change the water daily and ensure the area remains clean so as not to disturb its appetite. And believe us, they like it clean! But they also enjoy messing around by dipping their paws in the bowl and spilling everything!
Set up its litter box
Place the litter box in a quiet place, out of sight and easily accessible. But we insist, away from the eating area. Choose a low-sided tray to start, to facilitate the kitten's entry and exit.
Establish play and rest areas
Generally, a kitten is very active! So, to channel its energy, plan for toys. But also hiding places (for example, a cardboard box above the fridge if accessible) and a comfortable sleeping area for their many naps. Then we highly recommend investing in or building a cat tree or scratching post. It's ideal for stimulating their instincts. But above all, it will save your furniture!
Secure the environment
Before the kitten arrives, inspect your home:
- Tidy up electrical wires.
- Check and organize your plants (some are toxic to cats).
- Close windows and balconies.
- Remove fragile or dangerous objects within its reach.
A secure environment will limit accidents, breakage, and overly risky explorations.
What to do when the kitten arrives?
General inspection of the premises
First, open its carrier and let it out at its own pace. Then, let it discover its new home at its own pace. It may spend the first few hours hiding. But that's normal.
Since you have everything set up beforehand, it will gradually discover its dedicated areas. But don't hesitate to show it. Because the more it knows where to go, the more confident it will become.
Introduction to family members
Whether it's other humans or other animals, everyone should welcome the kitten calmly and gently.
As a reminder, if you have other animals, introductions should be gradual, in a secure setting. Use a barrier or a separate room if necessary during the first few days.
What to do for the first night with a kitten?
Dedicate a secure place for the first nights
The first night is often a source of stress for a kitten leaving its mother and siblings. Settle it in a quiet room with all its familiar items (litter box, food, water, basket, or blanket with your scent.
Reassure to avoid dependence
Avoid sleeping with it from the first night if you want to prevent anxious dependence. Also, listen: a few meows are normal. Reassure it with your presence, without giving in to all its demands so as not to create anxious dependence.
In conclusion, welcoming a kitten home is a significant experience. After reading this article, if you carefully prepare for its arrival, you will offer it a serene and secure living environment, so it will quickly trust you and return its joy and love.