How To Prepare For Your New Pet

Kittens develop and grow at their own pace. There are general rules regarding when the kitten will be available for pickup, but the time it takes to meet these standards can vary. 

• Kittens will not be adopted out before eight weeks of age. 
• Kittens will not be adopted out before getting at least the first set of core vaccinations. 
• The kittens will not be vaccinated early, weight, health status, and age all being considered. 

Once you're approved, you will get a tentative timeframe or date that the kitten will be ready. THIS CAN CHANGE! 

We want what is best for the kittens and aim to provide the best care possible. This means that we will not cut corners. We LOVE that you are excited to pick up your new kitten to add to your family. However, please be patient. Please do not ask to pick them up early. 

Additionally, remember that when you are provided with a date, numerous pickups are usually scheduled for that day. When you elect a time, that is your scheduled time. Please do not just show up; we are not a shelter. We are a rescue run solely by volunteers who work full-time jobs and families outside of our responsibilities associated with caring for the kittens.

Therefore, we kindly ask that you come on time to the designated location at your appointment time. Do not come early or late without some communication. We will always do our best to accommodate you; however, if you cannot make your appointment, you may need to be rescheduled out of respect for the other families scheduled to come that day. 

You must bring a carrier with you on adoption day. This is REQUIRED for transportation as it is a safety consideration for both the kitten and you. 

Since we are a rescue, not a shelter, we do not routinely allow for visiting as they are being cared for in the home of a volunteer who works full-time, has families, and other additional responsibilities. Under certain circumstances, a visit with the kitten may be approved, but this will be at the discretion of the foster parent(s).

Once confirmation of the date is obtained, you will be notified and emailed a link that you will use to elect a day and time. As indicated above, please be mindful when selecting your appointment, as other families will likely be scheduling that day. Any changes can cause a trickle effect, so we must respect others and their time.

While the tasks listed here may seem simple, they are essential for the safety of your new kitten. 

1. Look for and put away items that can cause problems. Kittens like to paw and chew their way through the world, so put away strings, hair ties, rubber bands, plastic bags, sewing supplies, and small toys or game pieces.
2. Kittens are also fascinated by things that move, so you may need to cover electrical cords.
3. Fold up and secure any hanging cords, such as window blind cords; they could get tangled up and strangle themselves.
4. Take inventory of the plants in the house; some are toxic, so do your research. 
5. Warm spots are a favorite with kittens, so ensure areas such as the fireplace or stove are safe. 
6. Keep the washer and dryer doors closed, and always check before using them.
7. Keep the toilet seat lid closed; there is a potential they could fall in and drown. 
8. Always have your garage covered with a lid. 
9. Put away and secure medications, cleaning supplies, and detergent. 
10. Cover any food you leave out, especially those that are toxic, such as chocolate or grapes. 

DAY 1:

Upon arriving home, it is best to place the carrier with the kitten still inside in a quiet room without a lot of traffic or activity. Open the carrier and allow the kitten to come out willingly, on their own time. Have the room prepared with food, water, litter box and a bed. Let them explore and give them their space. 

FIRST WEEK 

This time will influence how the kitten will integrate in you your home and family.

• Establish a routine and maintain consistency
• Help them explore by gradually introducing them to your home so they are less overwhelmed, such as limit to one room and introduce other areas of the home, one at a time
• Begin establishing your relationship by interacting with them on their terms, when and where they feel safe
• Introduce them to new sounds 
• Get them established with your vet 

Set Boundaries & Prevent Problems before they start

• Kittens, like people, have needs so it is important to identify those and provide outlets for them
• Beginning day one, promote an environment with safe and appropriate playtime activities. 
• Kittens and cats have natural instinct to hunt, but being an indoor cat they don't have to hunt for food. To satisfy this need, find interactive actives that provide this kind of predatory play such as use of moveable toys, small lights, or wands. 
• Kittens and cats naturally like to climb and lounge, so provide them with safe climbing alternatives and a scratching post to satisfy these needs, which will also deter destruction of your furniture. 

Some introductions will be easier than others, depending on how social the animals are. Factors such as whether the resident animals have previously had another companion or been in an only-pet household and whether the new kitten was socialized to other kittens, cats, or dogs in the shelter or foster home. Therefore, it is essential to have a realistic expectation that the animals may not be best friends immediately. Still, acceptance of companionship may take time, and introductions should be done slowly. 

• Initially, keep them separate so everyone can begin to adjust to the new kitten's presence in the home. 
• When they are separated, swap items such as blankets or bedding; get them used to each other's scent.
• Swap spaces and allow them to sniff through a barrier, such as under a door
• Next, show them good things happen when they see each other, such as giving them a treat; this is the process of creating a positive association.
• Interaction can begin with baby gates, allowing for indirect interaction with each other.
• Be mindful and watch for warning signs of stress or discomfort.
• Begin providing opportunities to spend time together while supervised, without barriers such as baby gates; always end these interactions positively. 
• Finally, let them spend time together without you. 

The final item to note, which is of high importance, is ensuring your home is set to meet the needs of multiple pets, such as having enough litter boxes, water and food bowls, trees, beds, hiding spaces, and toys. 

There is no set time as to how long it can take for them to adjust. Many cats can adapt within a few weeks. However, if it's a multi-pet household, it can take up to a month or two for everyone to fully adjust to their new normal.