Cat Advice - Taking your kitten home

Preparing for your kitten

Choose one room for your kitten to use as a base for the first few days. This room should be enclosed and away from the noise of the rest of the house — and any other pets. Make sure there are no poisonous plants or dangerous items in the room, such as cleaning products.

Litter Tray

If you plan to use a litter tray then place it in a safe place away from the doors and also away from your kitten’s bed and food bowls. If you plan to train your kitten to go to the toilet outside (once she is fully vaccinated) then it is better to place the litter tray near to the door or cat flap. You can then gradually move the tray so that your kitten learns to use the right place.

Food and water bowls

Ensure that feeding bowls are as far away from the litter tray as you can. Put down shallow bowls for food and water — it is a good idea to put these on plastic mats.

Bedding

You can either buy your kitten a bed or make one by cutting an entrance in one side of a cardboard box and lining it with a blanket. The bed should be placed away from the litter tray, but remember your kitten may prefer to move it somewhere else in the room.

Cat Carrier and Toys

You will need a cat carrier for the journey home, trips to the vet etc. You may also want to buy a range of non-toxic toys to help your kitten play and learn as well as a scratching post to protect your furniture.