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 Remember how comforting it was when, as a
child, you visited relatives and found things
waiting just for you: a cozy bed, toys to play
with, and a pantry full of yummy foods and treats?
Well, you want to welcome your new cat or kitten
just as warmly.
That's why you should try to bring your new
kitten home when you have several days to stay at
home. This will give you and the kitten time to get
accustomed to one another, making your new
family member feel welcome and secure.
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Once you and your kitten arrive home, expect an
adjustment period of several days or—if you have
another cat, a dog or children—a couple of weeks.
The moment you arrive, show your kitten to the
litter box. Litter boxes are comforting to cats and,
of course, your kitten
will need to know
where to find it
when there is a
need. Make sure
the litter box is in
neutral territory,
away from the
feeding dishes and
sleeping quarters of other pets. Allow the new
kitten a little space while she introduces herself to
other household members.
Your old cat may be instantly jealous and might
arch her back and hiss. This behavior may last a
few hours to a couple of days. Your dog may growl
or display a stricken look that says, "Hey, I thought
you loved me. What's she doing here?" A more
common canine reaction will be a friendly, but
clumsy, curiosity which your new kitten may not
reciprocate. If your dog is at all aggressive or high
strung, try to keep him separated from the
newcomer for the first few days.
As for your kids, they'll wonder why they can't
roughhouse with the new kitten right away. Explain
that you expect to have your new cat for many
years and that there will be plenty of time to play
after she becomes accustomed to her new home.
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 Choose a feeding dish and water bowl that is easy
to clean. Plastic or aluminum are good choices. If
you already have a cat or dog, your new pet can
share the water bowl, but not the feeding dish.
Whatever kind of bowl you use, both you and your
pet will be happier if it's designed not to tip over.
Some cats like to
place a paw on the rim
of the feeding dish
while eating, so a nontip
design is important.
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 Many breeders and rescue groups advocate
keeping cats indoors at all times, safe from the
dangers of cars, poisons and wild animals. If you
do allow your cat outdoors, fit
her with a name tag and
breakaway collar (to enable
her to escape should she get
caught on something). We
recommend getting these
items from your local pet
store before bringing home
your new kitten.
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 You’ll also need a cat carrier. There
are several comfortable and sturdy
styles at your local pet store.
Some are made with cloth,
padded material, or highimpact
plastic — all suitable
for various travel needs.
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You might want to provide a bed for your cat, but
be forewarned.  Cats can have very definite ideas of
appropriate sleeping quarters, and even the most
elegant cat bed might not tempt your new cat. If
you buy a bed, there are several washable types
sold at pet stores. Choose one you like and keep it
clean. Find a friendly corner for the bed. If your
cat boycotts your choice
of location, watch where
she likes to sleep and
relocate the bed. However,
don't be surprised if your
cat ends up on your bed at
night. Despite their aloof
image, cats crave human
warmth and companionship.
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While a bed is optional, a scratching post is a
necessity unless your cat has unlimited year-round
access to the outdoors, or if your cat has nail caps
(soft claws). The important
thing about a scratching
post is not how big or
fancy it is, but how soon
you get your kitten
accustomed to using it
instead of your furniture.
We'll talk more about this
when we get to Training
and Playing.
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A litter box is another necessity. Even if you have
an open-door policy, chances are you'll need a
litter box. Cats don't like to go outside in the rain
or snow. And there may be times when you won't
allow your cat out at night, such as when owls or
coyotes have been reported in the neighborhood.
When it comes to litter boxes, bigger is better. A
large box with high sides will reduce the amount
of litter that gets kicked onto the floor. A covered
litter box with a top that opens for cleaning is
even better. Kittens younger than eight weeks will
probably be discouraged by high sides, so an
aluminum or plastic pan that's a couple of inches
deep is a good choice. As
your kitten grows, put
the pan inside the
litter box. Remove
the pan when
she's used to
the large box.
You can choose from many varieties of litters for
your new pet. Your local pet specialty retailer can
explain the differences to you. You may find that
the texture or odor of your first choice doesn't
appeal to your cat. Don't be surprised if you have
to try several brands before you find one she likes.
Don't use shredded newspapers, the absorbency is
poor compared with cat litter. Also, you don't want
your kitten to get the idea that any newspaper is a
litter box. Clean the litter box with hot soapy water.
Using a mild disinfectant is good to kill germs. But
strong disinfectants (e.g., pure bleach) can irritate
cats. Remove dried feces with a scoop every day.
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If you choose to have a cat
door so your cat can come
and go as she pleases,  try to
have the door installed
before you bring her
home for the first time.
Keep it locked for the
first few days, or until
your new friend has
adapted to her new home.
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