Kitten Transition Guide: How to Help Your New Kitten Adjust and Settle In

Congratulations on your new Scottish Fold kitten!

I am so happy to see you here on my new kitten transition guide. It means you already love and care about your new member of the family. To help you and your kitten bond, I gathered some tips for you. I really hope you’ll find this page informative and helpful. And if still have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call. If I don’t know the answer, I ask my breeders’ community to bring you an answer.

You can also explore my shopping recommendations to be fully prepared for your new furry baby and make their homecoming “purrfect”!

🏠 Prepare Your Home

🛡️ Safety First: Kitten-proof the room by securing any items that could be harmful if chewed or swallowed.

🌱 Plant Safety: If you love plants, be sure to check out my blog about the dangers of some flowers and plants to cats. It’s important to know which ones can be harmful to keep your furry friend safe!

🧴 Safe Cleaning: Many common cleaning products and air fresheners can be harmful to cats. Use Rescue® Disinfectant Cleaner for sanitizing litter boxes and other surfaces, as it’s both effective and safe for cats.

🌬️ Say NO to Air Fresheners: Cats have sensitive respiratory systems, so avoid strong-scented products. Maintain good ventilation and use natural cleaning solutions to keep your home fresh and safe for your kitten.

🛏️ Soft, Cozy Blanket or Bed: A warm, comfortable blanket or bed gives your kitten a safe space to curl up and feel secure. Place it in their quiet room for their first few days.

🎥 Play with your cat! Play with your cat! Just play with your cat!

This video by Jackson Galaxy should explain the importance of playing with your kitten and why it's essential for their well-being. Playtime helps your kitten bond with you, stay active, and reduce stress.

🐾 Interactive Toys: Interactive toys are great for keeping your kitten happy and reducing anxiety. They provide fun and bonding time with you. Kittens love feather toys or toys you can fill with catnip to keep them interested. Choose toys that move like prey to match their natural hunting instincts. If you’re busy or at work, battery-operated toys are a good option. You can find many choices to keep your kitten entertained.

🧶 Scratching Posts or Pads: Scratching is an excellent stress reliever and an essential outlet for a kitten’s natural behavior. Be sure to set up scratching posts or pads in their cozy space to help them feel right at home. To encourage them to explore and use the scratching post, I sometimes sprinkle a little catnip on it—this not only attracts them but also helps them relax and feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

🚽 Multiple Litter Boxes: In larger homes, place multiple litter boxes in different areas to make finding one easy for your kitten. My blog also contains an article about litter boxes.

👋 Initial Introduction

🚪 Limit Access to One Room: Limit your kitten’s access to one room initially to reduce stress. Spend quiet time with them, allowing them to explore the space at their own pace. After a few days, slowly introduce them to other areas of your home, allowing one new room at a time while keeping their safe space accessible.

🌸 Calming Tips:

• Use calming sprays or soft music to help ease their nerves during this initial introduction.

• Avoid introducing them to too many people or pets at once. Give them time to feel secure before meeting new faces. For more advice on socializing your kitten, check out The Humane Society's Kitten Socialization Tips.

💧 Calming Sprays or Diffusers (Feliway): Mimics natural calming pheromones to reduce stress. Plug a diffuser into the wall or use spray in their designated space to create a calming atmosphere.

🧣 Calming Collars: Releases pheromones that help your kitten feel more at ease. Calming collars can be a great option if your kitten is comfortable wearing one, providing continuous support for stress relief.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Socialization and Interaction

🤝 Socialization: Start bonding with your kitten through gentle play and positive reinforcement. Use toys and treats to build trust gradually.

🎥 Play with your cat! Play with your cat! Just play with your cat!

This video by Jackson Galaxy should explain the importance of playing with your kitten and why it's essential for their well-being. Playtime helps your kitten bond with you, stay active, and reduce stress.

🐾 Interactive Toys: Interactive toys are great for keeping your kitten happy and reducing anxiety. They provide fun and bonding time with you. Kittens love feather toys or toys you can fill with catnip to keep them interested. Choose toys that move like prey to match their natural hunting instincts. If you’re busy or at work, battery-operated toys are a good option. You can find many choices to keep your kitten entertained.

🍬 Positive Reinforcement: Encourage desired behaviors with treats and praise. For tips on effective training, visit ASPCA’s Guide to Cat Training.

⏳ Patience and Understanding: Remember, a new home can be overwhelming. Show patience as your kitten or cat adjusts. Offer comfort and reassurance without rushing. Allow them time to acclimate at their own pace, and keep an eye on their eating habits and overall well-being.

🎮 Interactive Play: Engage in regular play sessions to help your kitten feel comfortable and strengthen your bond. Petfinder's Guide on How to Play with Cats offers great tips for cat owners.

🕒 Routine and Stability

📅 Establish a Daily Routine: Set a daily routine for feeding, playtime, and litter box maintenance. Consistency helps your kitten feel secure and settled.

🚽 Litter Box Maintenance: Scoop 2-3 times a day for one cat, and more often if you have multiple. Clean and sanitize the box weekly to keep it fresh and welcoming.

🍽️ Eating, Drinking, and Health Monitoring

🍽️ Eating Issues: If your kitten is not eating for more than 24 hours, monitor their behavior closely. They may feel overwhelmed and need time to adjust. If this continues beyond 48 hours, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

💧 Drinking Concerns: Hydration is just as important as eating. If your kitten is not drinking water, gently encourage them by placing fresh water in a shallow dish or offering wet food. Dehydration can become serious, so contact your vet if they continue to avoid drinking.

🤢 Potential Sickness: Some kittens may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, during the transition. This can result from stress or dietary changes. Monitor their hydration carefully during this time, and consult your vet if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.

🩺 Veterinary Care

🚨 Emergency Vet Care: Take the time to research local veterinary clinics and familiarize yourself with nearby emergency rooms. It’s important to know where to go in case of an emergency so you can act quickly if needed.

🔍You can find reputable veterinary resources on The American Animal Hospital Association.

📍 Local Vet Resources: If you're local to Philadelphia, PA, you can check my page for a list of trusted veterinary clinics and emergency rooms. It’s always helpful to have this information on hand in case of an emergency.

📅Vet Check-Up: Schedule a vet visit for a check-up and vaccinations within 48-72 hours of bringing your kitten home, as typically required by the breeder’s agreement. Set up a routine for future visits to keep them healthy.

📜 Know Your Agreement

Review any specific pick-up times and requirements in your breeder’s agreement, helping you prepare and stay informed.

🚫 Beware of Chemicals and Air Fresheners

Many common cleaning products and air fresheners can be harmful to cats.

• Safe Cleaning: Use Rescue® Disinfectant Cleaner for sanitizing litter boxes and other surfaces, as it’s both effective and safe for cats.

• Air Fresheners: Cats have sensitive respiratory systems, so avoid strong-scented products. Maintain good ventilation and use natural cleaning solutions.

Congratulations!

If you've made it this far, congratulations on becoming a responsible cat parent! I hope this article on kitten care has been helpful for you!

Trust me, I spent hours researching and gathering insights from my own experiences to bring this valuable information to you.

By following these kitten care tips and learning how to be a great cat owner, you'll ensure a happy, healthy life for your new feline friend.