Dear Critter Corner: I have found the perfect kitten at my local adoption center that I am ready to adopt and bring home! We are first-time owners and were wondering if you have any suggestions for what necessities are required when bringing home our new furry friend and how best to get her acclimated to our house.
Bringing a new kitten home is always very exciting and fun for the whole family but does require some preparation in advance. Kittens are very curious and can get into things or places where they are not supposed to be. Making sure your house is cat-proof before bringing your new kitten home is imperative to keeping them safe, which would include things like restricting access to stovetops or limiting the number of electrical cords left out that they could possibly chew.
The second thing you should plan on doing is finding a smaller area in your house that you can set up for the new kitten to decompress. Having a new kitten acclimate to a smaller space in the house, which can be a bathroom or a bedroom, can be less overwhelming than giving them full access to the entire house. This safe place should have all the necessary supplies, including food, water, a scratching post, a bed/hiding spot, a litterbox, and toys. After the kitten is fully acclimated to their safe place, you can slowly begin to open more areas in the house for them to explore.
A general rule of thumb used when adopting a new pet is called the 3-3-3 rule, which accounts for the adjustment period of the kitten you will be bringing home. The first 3 stands for the average time it takes a new pet to decompress in your household, which is about three days. The second 3 stands for three weeks — the time needed for the new pet to adjust to your routine. Finally, the last 3 stands for the average time it takes your new pet to be fully comfortable in their new home, which could take up to three months. Each cat is different and can adjust faster or slower than the 3-3-3 rule, but having patience is the key to building a strong relationship with your new kitty!
Amanda Loo is a Behavior Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, call 650-340-7022×419 or email aloo@phs-spca.org.