Preparing for Kitten to Come Home and Kitten Acclimation
Transitioning to a new home and being away from their siblings and mom is stressful. Kittens can get confused and stressed in a new home. They may also be confused about where their litter box is. The kitten(s) need time to decompress and adjust. You should plan for at least a week to two weeks for this transition.
We recommend having a small room ready for them when you get the kitten(s) home so that they can safely acclimate and start their journey to feeling secure in their new home.
Keeping your new kitten confined in a small, warm room (with non-clumping/pellet/paper litter, ample dry food, fresh wet food, and fresh water) to adjust to the new house, new noises, and new smells is very important for a smooth transition. This is especially important if there are other pets in the household.
Confining them, with ample visits of course, until they are adjusted provides safety and security while getting acquainted with their new home and family.
We recommend having a small room ready for them when you get the kitten(s) home so that they can safely acclimate and start their journey to feeling secure in their new home.
Keeping your new kitten confined in a small, warm room (with non-clumping/pellet/paper litter, ample dry food, fresh wet food, and fresh water) to adjust to the new house, new noises, and new smells is very important for a smooth transition. This is especially important if there are other pets in the household.
Confining them, with ample visits of course, until they are adjusted provides safety and security while getting acquainted with their new home and family.
HELPFUL GUIDES
Helpful Kitten Acclimation Tips
| preparing_for_kitten_and_kitten_acclimation.pdf |
Helpful List of Favorite Foods, Litter, and Toys
| list_of_fav_foods_litter_toys_etc_updated_5.18.24.pdf |
Helpful Chart of Suggested Vaccine Timing
| sweetwater-kitten-vax-small.jpg |
Adoption Contract (Sample)
| fantastical_beasties_adoption_contract_sample.pdf |
Some Common Questions We Are Asked
- Should we feed our kitten wet food, dry food, or both?
We HIGHLY recommend FREE feeding the kitten(s) BOTH wet and dry KITTEN specific foods (see HELPFUL GUIDES above).
By "Free" feeding, we mean no restrictions or limiting foods throughout their first year, but throughout their second year is even better. This Free feeding is done to prevent growth restrictions that can result from limiting a kitten's food in their first years. Of course, if you are directed otherwise due to weight or health issues by a veterinarian, please follow their medical direction.
We have kitten dry food available always. As for the wet foods, we serve fresh wet food in the morning, then discard any remaining in the evening, followed by fresh wet food for evening/overnight.
- Can my kitten(s) be fed a strictly Vegetarian or Vegan diet?
NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Cats/kittens are ‘obligate carnivores,’ which means they MUST eat a primarily animal-based diet, or they will become VERY sick and may even die. The diet directly advised by veterinarians for proper nutrition consists primarily of animal-based, protein-rich kitten/cat food (see HELPFUL GUIDES above).
- What vaccinations will my kitten have when they come home, and when should their next vaccines be?
Prior to adoption, all kittens will be established on a deworming schedule as well as have received at least one vaccination for:
Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1),
Feline Calicivirus (FCV),
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), and
(if available) Feline Leukemia (FeLV).
Please see the above link for a helpful chart that suggests timing for future vaccines (see HELPFUL GUIDES above).
However, please always consult a veterinarian for guidance.
- When should we spay/neuter our kitten(s)?
We recommend waiting until the kitten(s) are at least 6 months old or later due to Developmental Considerations. This recommendation is based on current medical studies that indicate neutering/spaying too early may cause health complications and/or skeletal issues later in life.
- What kind of litter should I use?
Pellet/paper/non-clumping litter is VITAL for the next few months while the kitten(s) adjust to their new environment (see HELPFUL GUIDES above).
We recommend using pellet/paper/non-clumping litter until the kitten(s) are at least 6 months old.
Health issues and even intestinal blockages can occur from a kitten that eats and swallows clumping clay litter.
- What Pet Insurance do you recommend?
While we cannot recommend or endorse a particular Pet Insurance carrier, we can say that we have heard great reviews from other adopting families regarding Embrace, Trupanion, and Pets Best. :)
- What will come with my kitten?
With each of our kittens, you will receive their Health Record and Adoption Contract.
You will also receive samples of both dry and wet kitten food, a few of their favorite toys, as well as their kitten blanket.
However, a cat carrier is NOT provided, so we ask all new families to bring one when they pick up their kitten(s).
- Can we/should we adopt more than one kitten?
Kittens who are alone may be lonely, unhappy, and unsocialized, all leading to maladaptive behaviors.
We welcome inquiries about adopting a pair of kittens, either siblings or a second kitten later from a different litter.
We happily offer a discount on adopting a pair, as kittens learn valuable life lessons from their own species.
- What should I do if I need help or have any questions when I get my kitten(s) home?
With each kitten that leaves our family, we happily and eagerly provide lifetime support.
You are welcome to contact us at any time.
We encourage families to stay in touch over the years so that we can see how the kitten has developed as it grows up!
- What are the Pickup and Transportation Options?
We offer local pickup, we can meet at SEATAC airport, and we can help you arrange air transport.
If interested in air transport within the US, services such as Pet Jet Pals, who provide in-cabin care with a loving pet nanny, will need to be secured by the adopting family. Their service fee ranges from $500 to $650. Please contact us if you would like more information on this option.
Transportation costs and arrangements are the sole responsibility of the adopting person/family.
All terms and conditions are subject to change and are considered current when published on website.