Emma Jones
Have you decided to give a little cat a home? Then you have exciting weeks ahead of you. Depending on temperament and socialization, possibly depending on breed and gender, the little tiger will conquer his home in his own way. It is difficult to give general instructions on how to acclimatize a kitten – but of course, there are empirical values and tips. Read here how to prepare your apartment for the kitten to move in and what you should pay attention to.
The kitten is moving in: when is the best time?
Ideally, get your kitten from a breeder or from a birthing household where she has been with her mother and siblings long enough to undergo proper socialization. A kitten should not be separated from its mother before it is 12 weeks old. Researchers from the University of Helsinki even found that kittens show fewer behavioral problems and develop a particularly confident and friendly personality when they live with their mother and siblings for the first thirteen weeks. A little patience can pay off so that the cat develops into a characterful housemate. However, separation from mother and siblings is never easy for a kitten.
Take scent samples from the cat family before taking the kitten home. To do this, rub a cloth on the cheeks of the animals. In the first few days in the new home, the familiar scent will comfort the little kitten. Of course, it’s best if you can take two mini tigers in at the same time and a sibling comes with you to the new home. Conversely, it is advantageous if the kitten already knows your smell before moving. If possible, provide the mother cat’s breeder or owner with an item of clothing, such as a worn t-shirt, for the kitten to examine. A pheromone sprayer in the kitten’s nursery also has a stress-relieving effect on a young animal.
How can I train my kitten?
Every move is exciting. Even kittens can be overwhelmed by too many new impressions at once. If possible, prepare a room that the kitten will have all to herself at first. It must not be a connecting room. It is ideal if you can secure the room, for example with a puppy fence, so that the kitten can observe everything from its position without having to leave the arrival room. The kitten’s room should not offer too many hiding places but should contain everything the kitten needs: the litter box, a snuggle basket, food, water bowls, and a scratching post.
In specialist shops, there are extra low versions for kittens, from which even a clumsy kitten cannot fall down too far. When you get home with your new roommate, put down the transport container and open the door. However, allow the kitten to exit the carrier by itself and do not lift or pull it out. Only if the little tiger shows no signs of leaving the transport basket after several hours can you try to lure it out with a toy or a special treat. As difficult as it may be, hold back for the first few hours and give the little creature time to orientate itself and absorb all the new smells and sounds. An open-minded kitten will soon explore the room on its own and seek contact with people or other pets.
How long does it take for a kitten to settle in?
It is important to let the kitten take the initiative. It must first learn to assess the strange environment and the unknown people. It’ll probably soon want to find out what’s beyond the door. As soon as the kitten moves safely into the room, you can gradually show him the other rooms. If you can already touch it, carry it to another room – it may even grope after you. Let the velvet paw explore the new room and then bring her back to her room. There are also extroverted explorers and shy representatives among cats. Don’t be disappointed if your kitty is the cautious type and takes a little longer to accept their new surroundings or to socialize with you.
Resist the temptation to pick up and hold the kitten against its will, but wait for the moment when it comes towards you. At first try to surround the kitten with as many familiar things as possible: a blanket you brought from the old home, the usual food, and the same brand of cat litter. If you want to make changes to the food and bedding, do it gradually and gradually – once the kitten has gained confidence in the new home, the adjustment will be easier.