July 15, 2025
Welcoming Your Kitten Home
A calm, thoughtful guide to help you and your kitten find your rhythm together.
Bringing home a kitten is joyful but also a big adjustment, especially for your new little friend. New sights, smells, spaces, and people can be overwhelming at first. This guide will help you create a safe, calm space where your kitten can settle in and start bonding with you at their own pace.
🌙 Give Them Space (And Permission to Hide!)
It’s completely normal for kittens to hide for the first few days — under beds, inside cupboards, behind curtains. This is how they adjust and feel safe.
- Don’t worry or try to coax them out. Just let them explore when they’re ready.
- Sit quietly in the same room, read, or work. Your calm presence helps them feel more at ease.
- Keep their space predictable. Avoid sudden changes or loud noises.
🍽 Feeding & Litter Routine
Sticking to a familiar routine helps kittens feel more secure.
- Start with the same food and meal times they’re used to. Appetite might dip for a few days, that’s normal.
- Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls (avoid plastic), and keep food and water bowls far from litter trays.
- Litter trays should be in quiet corners, with easy access. Scoop daily, clean regularly, and avoid scented litter if possible.
🧡 Bonding, Gently
- Speak softly, move slowly, and let your kitten come to you. Slow blinking is a sign of trust in cat language. Try it!
- Limit visitors for the first few days and avoid loud music or shouting.
- Offer treats or play gently once they begin exploring more confidently.
đź©ş Vet Visit (When Things Have Settled)
Once your kitten has had a few days to adjust, you can plan their first check-up.
- The vet will help start their vaccination and deworming schedule.
- This is also a good time to ask about microchipping, spaying/neutering, and flea/tick prevention.
- Carry any medical records you’ve received from the rescuer.
🌱 Safety First: Toxic Plants & Flowers
Many common plants are toxic to cats — even a quick nibble can cause harm.
- Some common plants that need to be removed or relocated are: Lilies, pothos, aloe vera, philodendrons, peace lilies, snake plants, and more
- Always check bouquets before bringing them home
- If unsure, look up a plant’s name + “toxic to cats” or check the ASPCA’s toxic plant list. You can also take a picture and ask any AI chat search like ChatGPT or Claude.
- Instead, try cat-safe options like wheatgrass or catnip.
đź’› Take It One Day at a Time
Every kitten is different. Some will hide for a week; others will curl up in your lap by day two. Go at their pace. Be consistent. Stay patient. Your calm, caring presence is the best gift you can offer them.
They’ll come around, and when they do, it’ll be worth the wait.