New kitten tips

[Thewinedidit]

We are just about to get a kitten for the first time. Previously had several cats but all older rescues so I'm a bit out of my depth with a kitten. Does anyone have any hints and tips to make it easier on them and us?

Just give up now. You will not win. Ever.

And emotionally detach from all your soft furnishings, they'll be gone.

I am so jealous 😻.

No pics
No tips
Them is the mn rules

You need to put anything breakable away and check any house plants aren’t toxic to cats.

If you have any plants that grow from bulbs it’s best to get rid now eg tulips, lilies, daffodils. The allium family is toxic too so any chives, garlic need to go as well.

She is a wee dot of a thing. Just home with her and she's obviously super nervous.

You need to cuddle her 24/7 and if not I will gladly do it

Block up all kitten sized escape routes.
Be ultra careful not to allow kitten to escape.
Get microchipped when neutered.
Little balls of paper or a laser pointer (be careful with eyes though) are useful to tire the little buggers out when it's midnight and they are having a mad half hour.

Play with her a lot. Keep her in one room initially or a couple of rooms and then gradually let her get used to the house. Get her a scratching post or your furniture will be ruined very soon. Don't give her too many different things to eat or you'll upset her tummy, just water and kitten food. Don't let her out until she's been with you at least 3 weeks, and then gradually build up, letting her out a little while at a time with you in the garden. Get her used to her name, so when you call her she knows . Don't let children manhandle chase her or frighten her. Get her a nice bed to sleep in or a cardboard box with a blanket. Kitten like small spaces and being up high, they feel safer. Get her wormed and start flea treatments, get her neutered when she's six months. Why am I assuming it's a she?
Also, get her used to sleeping in one room at night with the door shut , utility room is best, with her litter tray and bowls. Otherwise she will wake you up constantly . Feed her at regular times.
Kittens just want love, reassurance, food, warmth and safety really.

This may be a weird one but ask for some of the used kitty litter and put it on top her fresh one in your house so she knows that it's hers.

Get a blanket and sleep with it then use it to put it in the carrier when you collect and then place it on your house.

If she bolts when she first gets to yours give her space and leave some warmed food out. Warming it makes it smell stronger. Block any places where she could get stuck.

Create a space that is hers and don't disturb it and slowly expand that space. For the first few days avoid suddenly standing up or walking past her quickly. If she is refusing to eat out her food in her quite space and leave her to it.

'uncle' Hamish?

april he is a beauty. Very similar.

Thank you all for your tips. She will be loved and spoiled. I've had a big cat shaped hole in my heart since my last one was PTS and I'm over joyed to have her.

Has she got non clumping litter? Just incase she eats it.

She’s exceptionally pretty.

I bought special kitten litter. She seems to be ok with it, using box no issues. She just wants cuddles all the time.