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For us it was heavenly to finally bring home a tiny kitten after years of wanting one. I had never had a small kitten as a pet before, or ever really been around kittens. I had experienced cats and older kittens, and even feral kittens in our barn and neighborhood, but they were older and pretty self-sufficient. Nothing had ever prepared me for taking this tiny girl home.
We brought Juniper home about a month ago from a large and wonderful animal shelter in our area. She was the first kitten I saw, but I had to play it cool and look at the many others in the shelter. After all, this was kitten season. Scarlet urged me to put a deposit and hold over little Juniper, so I sent an inquiry to the front desk. A counselor came to talk to me and showed me this girl’s tiny, but impactful history. She was found at only one pound, and dehydrated and malnourished. She was nursed to health and put up for adoption with her brother when she was old enough to go home with someone. Then we walked in.
Just last night, we slept hand in paw. She crept into bed after I crept into bed, after watching a late-night Hallmark movie (what?) when everyone had gone to bed. Juniper jumped onto the bed, circled all around me twice, and then settled in between us, with one paw firmly in my outstretched hand. That is what I most wanted. I wanted the interaction a cat brings to your life. I wanted this friend – this tidy housemate – this glorified stuffed animal that she is! And I realized last night, that I must be doing something right. We introduced her to a home with two active adults, two highly active young kids, and a dog.
She is flourishing, and importantly, so are we. I’m thinking that the fact that we have the children and the dog made it a more thoughtful process. I worked with the shelter, the shelter worked with me, and the same thing happened with the vet at Juniper’s first post-adoption checkup. I took seriously all that goes into bringing a kitten home, and I think it made the transition more smooth. Are you bringing a kitten home soon, or thinking of doing so in the future? These tips are for you!
10 Tips For Bringing Home a New Kitten
1. In my experience, everyone is looking for something different. I was looking for a kitten that was affectionate and inquisitive, and didn’t shy away from my touch, nor the touch from my kids. I think that personality is suiting us well.
2. Transport your new kitten home in a cat carrier. If you don’t have one, often the shelter has cardboard ones you can buy, but you will probably need a carrier in the future for vet visits, or any rides in the car the cat may one day need.
3. Prepare a small room or space for your kitten for the first few days or weeks at home. Kittens can get into small spaces, and they also spook easily, so having a smaller space for her to explore first will get her more comfortable with your home. Keep your kitten separated from other pets at first, and secure all electrical, curtain and blind cords, because they can harm her. Set up food and water bowls, toys, a scratching post, and maybe a bed, and keep the litter box as far from the food as you can. Make sure your kitten can get in and out of the litter box, and that she has safe hiding places within the space.
4. Litter box training is actually easy, because cats instinctively like to bury. Put the litter box in a secluded spot, and place your kitten in there, after she’s finished a nap or a meal. Keep doing so regularly and help her simulate digging.
5. Are you introducing your kitten to children? Be cognizant of children under five, because they can be rougher on kittens without realizing. Show your children how to hold a cat with one hand just behind the front paws, and the other supporting the kitten’s hind paws. They should never grab a kitten’s tail or ears, or pick it up by the scruff of its neck. They should pet the head gently and wash their hands after. If the children have friends over, they can teach their friends.
6. Within a week or two of being adopted, take your kitten to her wellness visit at the vet. Make sure you bring immunization and health records from the shelter (if applicable), because they can come in handy. Ours gave us a rabies vaccine voucher.
7. When you are ready to introduce your kitten to the house, make sure you keep your pet safe by kitten-proofing. I mentioned electrical cords, but also factor in Christmas decorations, blinds, curtains, balloons, rubber bands, chemicals, medicines, dental floss, and many more items. And keep your washing machine and dryer doors shut at all times.
8. If you have a dog or other cat, make sure they have been checked by your vet. Never leave them alone together for the introduction. Perhaps keep your dog leashed for the introduction. Reward both pets for their calm behavior together.
9. Get your kitten safe toys without sharp edges, choking hazards, and more – like scratching posts, small stuffed animals, and a ball too big to fit into her mouth. You can also buy a fuzzy mouse, a plastic fishing pole, etc.
10. Have good quality food and treats for your kitten. We go to Walmart to find SHEBA® PERFECT PORTIONS™ and SHEBA® Meaty Tender Sticks Cat Treats for Juniper. They are easy to spot in the Pet Care Aisle with the cat food and treats.
The easy snap portions make it easy to feed Juniper the exact portions of food recommended by her vet. We certainly don’t want to overfeed Juniper. The food is what we want, and also, like they say – SHEBA® WHAT CATS WANT™!
One thing I didn’t previously know about cats, is that you can give them treats. Really! They love them. The vet recommended it too, as a way to bond with Juniper and praise her for calm behavior. SHEBA® Cat Treats are made with mouthwatering ingredients in a fun, stick-shaped snack. They are made with real meat and no artificial flavors.
What great tips and if I ever do get a kitten here, you know I will be picking your brain though for sure!! 🙂
I wonder if you will? I never thought I would!
Aww, Juniper is a pretty kitty. I adopted Quinn 4 months ago when she was 6 weeks old. She’s grown so much! These are great tips and good to know I did it right.
We currently have one dog but my daughter has been begging me for a cat. I don’t know anything about raising them so I am pinning this for the future. Great info and I didn’t know half of those tips! 🙂 #client
That’s what happened here! I thought I was Team Dog all the way but my daughter wanted a kitten, and I was intrigued. Now I’m so happy to see both my dog and my cat greet me when I get home.
She is a little cutie. My daughter wants a pet, but I don’t see us getting one any time soon.
It took us awhile! I always think it’s best to have kids first, and then the pets don’t get jealous or demoted. They come into the family knowing what’s up first! I know many do it the other way, though.
this is another new kitten? cool
we have one cat my daughter wants a dog now we may be moving so we might consider it..
I love that kind of cat food and my cat does too. 🙂
Yup, new kitten in June!
I’m a big fan of one dog and one cat!
Aw! I seriously love these photos so much. And great tips too! When we got our kitties, we made sure to take them to the vet. Thankfully they were both healthy!
Yes, here too! I get as nervous at vet visits as I do at the Pediatrician with the kids!
Aw Juniper is so cute! Love that photo of her and Scarlet – you can see the love! Great tips for future cat owners. The treats awe great for training them too!
I wish I had included a photo of Junie with Des, because they are such good friends. Who knew?
The treats are a big hit but I did have to give one to Athena too.. oops.
So cute! I’m such a cat person, and I’d love to get a kitten again, but I don’t think my old men cats would appreciate it 🙂
ha! I am picturing Grumpy Old Men. A kitten would certainly give them a run for their money!
What a beautiful kitten! Oh, how I wish I could have a cat. Too many allergies among the men in the house. My mom has finally found a new house, and will be getting a kitten once she’s settled – I will pass your tips on to her!
My dad was allergic so I could never have one until adulthood! And luckily no allergies within my house.
I’m happy your mom will have a new kitten in her new house!
Juniper is gorgeous and it’s so lovely to see how excited everyone is that she is part of the family. I so miss having a kitty. I always had cats but I met and married my husband who is allergic to them. Now I volunteer at the local SPCA and pet the cats. All of my pets have come from shelters. They make the best pets don’t they?
I’m the opposite because I never had any, but wanted them. I think my dad said he was allergic but I’m not sure he really was! Now I really love the companionship!
Shelter pets ROCK! We have two rescues now.
She’s so beautiful. You guys are doing a great job. My sister is trying to introduce a puppy to her cats and that is not working out so well.
Thank you so much!
And ouch about your poor sister. Is the cat the one not allowing the puppy in? It can be tough. I wondered about my dog but she couldn’t care less!
We have always been dog people but those photos are adorable! Juniper looks like a sweetie pie, and your tips are great.
Same here!! I think I’m both now. Who knew??
What an adorable little kitty! So glad she’s doing well with your vibrant home. I can’t wait to see her grow up over time with the kids and Athena. And sleeping paw-in-hand? So sweet.
It was the sweetest ever! She can be pretty spunky when awake, which I’m so not used to with this mellow dog as the other pet!
Oh, Juniper is so beautiful! I so miss having a cat. We had almost 18 years with our Lucy though. You gave some very good tips. I’m not sure if I have the energy for a kitten anymore!
Aw, 18 years! I love that. I hope for many years for us.
Aw, this reminds me of the kittens and cats I grew up with. It’s so true how personality needs to suit you. Sounds like Juniper found herself an awesome home!
I hope she thinks so! She is such fun and seems unafraid of all of us, and even welcomes guests!
That daughter of your is just too cute! My 8 year old is rallying hard to bring a kitten home. She says there is a hole in our home. Kids!
ha! I do love their ways with words.
That’s a great story! Cats can be such a loving companion. My cat was pretty young when she showed up, but not as young as your lovely Juniper. I needed this instruction then. I had only raised dogs before, but my kitty educated me the best she could. I guess I did all right because she’s still here 🙂
Oh yeah – what you two have? It’s wonderful. I think that quite a bit. Don’t ever change!
This is awesome. I don’t think I’ll ever have a cat of my own but I just love looking at yours because she’s so pretty.
Aw! Thanks! She’s quite fetching. Her personality really helps.
What a sweet little kitty! We can’t have cats in our home, but I know my boys would love to cuddle this little kitten.
She is quite cuddly! We have a lot of friends without cats who like to come meet her.
I miss having a kitten to snuggle. I grew up with a zoo of a house, and so having just one pet seems odd. You’ve got me thinking it might be time.
I totally hear that! Just having the dog was weighing on me. I love the softness and lightness of the cat. I even enjoy her funny mischief.
Aw what a little sweetheart. My granddaughter just adopted a kitten.
Adorable! I’m so glad we did, but she’s growing so fast.
Such great tips to welcome a new member of the family. Juniper is such a sweetie! So cute!
Thank you so much! We’re totally enjoying her.
These are fantastic tips for bringing home a new baby kitty! It’s always best to be prepared. Your kitty is beautiful also!
Thanks so much! I’m staring at her right now. She’s just so lovable.
Nothing beats the comradery of a good pet. I am glad to see that yours has become such an integral part of the family.
Aw, thank you! She is so spunky. She comes and tucks the kids into bed which makes me love her even more.
I wish my husband would let me have a new kitty! That little one is adorable 🙂
Aw! I did it while.. he was away. I did give him 24 hours notice at least!! He came home with a puppy once. No warning. He was due.
Thank you! She is such a sweetie. She’s getting so big so fast.
Once you get one, you can never go back. They become such a part of the family.
How sweet! She is just so precious! These are really great tips.
Your daughter is beaming with delight! Love it! Great tips for bringing home a new kitty. 🙂
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her that excited!
What great tips and a really cute kitty. What a special addition to your lives 🙂
I’ve often wondered how to keep one, although never thought of having one. I’m thinking there are lots of preparations but I’ve learned a lot from your tips. Maybe even when I don’t or can’t have kittens, I’ll be more sensitive with their needs just in case I encounter one.
Tidy housemate – that’s good to hear!
Things can certainly go wrong, as they can with any transition. We wanted things to go right! She’s a spunky little thing!
Awesome tips and I have actually used a few of those too. We have a new kitten and she is awesome! Don’t you just love their softness and how they love to cuddle? Well at least mine does. 🙂
Yours is so cute! I want to hear all about her!
Mine is pretty cuddly so far. I hope it lasts.
What a cutie! Great tips.
I’m more of a dog person – but it’s incredible given her history that she gets along with the dog. She’s pretty too.