Tips for bringing home a new kitten
Did you know there’s an actual “kitten season”? Normally, around this time of year, we’d be far past it, and there would be few kittens available for adoption from shelters. This year’s kitten season, however, has stretched far into winter, which means there are still many of these little acrobatic purring machines available to adopt.
My mom used to love the saying that “a house isn’t a home without a cat.” And it’s important to start these cuties off on the right furry paw when bringing them home. As tempting as it might be to see the little fluff ball of energy dart around your home, don’t give your kitten the run of the house right away. Your house, regardless of how small it is, is just too big to be introduced to all at once. Instead, create a “safe room” for your new arrival, such as a bathroom or extra bedroom.
The ideal safe haven is quiet and easy to close off with a door. If you can, block off hiding spaces that you can’t control, like closets, below and inside dressers, or under beds. (Kittens are notorious for sneaking into tiny spaces.) Instead, provide a controlled hidey spot like a domed cat bed or even a cardboard box with a blanket — and don’t allow other pets inside the safe room.
Visit your kitten often, providing lots of love and playtime — and, of course, meals, treats and frequent litter changes. The kitten should stay in their safe space with the door closed until they’re completely comfortable with you and their new room, which could take days or even weeks. When they’re comfortable, gradually let them explore the rest of the house, but always make sure they can retreat to the safe room.
Kittens are incredibly curious and able to fit through small spaces, so close windows and toilet lids, store plants out of reach, keep hair ties and small objects stored away, tie up window blind strings, secure or cover electrical cords, and check washing machines and dryers before closing them.
If you have other cats in the home, it’s crucial you introduce them carefully, slowly and with close supervision. These early introductions are key to ensuring their safety and for starting their relationship off right. It may be tempting to rush it, but patience will pay off. The new kitten needs to bond with you and feel accepted by the whole brood, but just as important, your resident cat needs to learn that this new creature isn’t a threat and doesn’t represent less love and attention from you.
Start a scent introduction by switching some of their bedding or toys. Pair giving the scent item with treats, so both pets learn that good things happen around the other’s scent. Next, change spaces: Sequester your resident pet in a room and let your new kitten explore the house. Then, begin the physical introduction, very slowly.
Open the safe room door just a crack and secure it — for example, with rubber door stoppers. Drop treats or give food to start making it a positive experience. The focus here is not on the other cat, but on the good things — food or play! — happening in each other’s presence. Over time, the pets will associate the good things happening with the other.
When it’s time to remove the barrier, stay vigilant. If there’s bullying, stalking or hard staring, distract the kitties with a toy or treats to prevent a negative interaction. Continue playtime and end on a good note with treats. It may be a while before they can be unsupervised together, but it’s worth it. Also, make sure you have plenty of resources for both cats, including food and water bowls in separate areas, litter boxes, scratching posts, cat trees, high places and cubbies to sleep in, and toys. You want the cats to feel there is plenty for everyone.
For more behavior tips, including how to introduce your dog to a new kitten, visit marinhumane.org/oh-behave.
Lisa Bloch is the marketing and communications director for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin and welcomes questions and comments. Visit marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.