Newly adopted kitten desperate to wander the house.

[JusWunderin]

Hi all!

We adopted a kitten from RSPCA on Monday, he’s settled so well so far and is super comfortable with myself and the kids, at the moment he’s in my office with several beds, a cat tree/hammock/scratchpost and loads of toys.. but all day today whenever I’ve popped in to see him he’s been desperate to get out of the door, not so much when I go in, but when I leave he wants to come with me.

the RSPCA suggested we let him settle in one room for about a week, then introduce him to one room at a time after that. Is that the minimum? Could I give him day 3/4 full days in my office then let him explore?

I’m starting to feel so sad for him that I keep leaving and plopping him back a bit when he’s trying to squeeze past me out of the door 😂

What are the implications of him not staying in the office for a week?

Awh, he's a kitten and wants to be with someone! I tried to follow that advice too but I did end up bringing them with me when I changed room and sleeping with the kitten. Then after a few days I gave up and just let him wander as he was happy!

I thought that was the advice if the kitten was upset or overwhelmed. I didn't think you needed to limit a kitten wandering around if it's happy.

he so pretty 🥰

"What are the implications of him not staying in the office for a week?"
he won't get much work done, but that probably wouldn't have happened anyway.

Let that little stunner survey his kingdom.

Oh my he is just gorgeous! Personally I would let him wander if he is comfortable too but I suppose the worry is if he should get out of an open window or door as he’s still so new. Just be super careful and he should be fine.

He's really cute!! He probably just wants to be with you!

If there are no other cats/pets (to get cross with him) then let him out.. he is showing you he is ready.. I would still pop him into a ‘safe’ room when you go out and he is still tiny but other than that I would let him have run of house ( and play elephants on the stairs)

Some cats are bolder and more confident than others. My boy came out of the travel box, walked around the sitting room, went into the hall, used the litter tray, went into the kitchen, ate a bowl of food and then came back into the sitting room and curled up on the sofa. He had been at the rescue for six months ( complex surgery) and wanted to stretch his legs! The only issue I can see is that you will need to be VERY vigilant with open windows and doors, which is trickier in summertime but I think it would be fine to let him have carefully supervised time wandering about the house,

He is a very handsome chap btw.

Make sure all windows and doors are shut first and then let him out. We had similar advice with our rescue cat but he just wanted to explore and was happier doing this.

Yes this. Do make sure that he can't escape, he needs to get to know his territory- his home, before getting to know his wider territory- your garden. Let him explore the house, but make sure he can't escape. With our cats they were inside for about 3-4 weeks and then let out on an empty belly for 5 minutes and then called in for food. The time outside was gradually increased, so they got used to their surroundings and got used to coming back in for a food reward.

He's so beautiful 😍

What gorgeous markings he has.

id just let him come with me.

He wants company! Let him be with you if you have no other cats he needs to be introduced to.

😂😂😂 @EmeraldRoulette

OP I have no advice, zero experience with cats but I love threads about cats on MN.
Your kitten is absolutely adorable and I'd just let him follow everywhere because I wouldn't be able to resist.

I would let him explore
Mine got out the carrier, rolled over for belly rubs and installed himself under the sofa for 12hrs to survey the place and me
After that he climbed on my bed that night and demanded to sleep under the duvet

I think the one room thing means the room you are in? Not on his own . Yes to leave shut in safe space if you are out but I'd want him where I was . Just shut door on room you are in. Also do you really want his litter tray permanently in your office? I'd really think about moving it now to where you want it to be (or at least a second one there) as v hard to change their routine later

Aw what a gorgeous little chap! 😍
If he's confident and nosey, let him out to explore. They all have different personalities. My youngest cat was not content to be in one room when he was little. Nor did he want the kitten food or the kitten litter tray! The other two had more cautious temperaments.

Unless he needs temporarily isolating from existing cats there's no reason why he can't have the run of the house if he's up for it

Thank you for rescuing him. He's gorgeous 🩵

Cats are curious by nature. Let him explore. If you know where his bed and litter are going to be permanently give him an extra set up there. If he gets overwhelmed put him back in the office. Once he is settled take away the extra bed and litter.

He's gorgeous, how can you leave him alone?

I took the advice to leave a new kitten in a room on its own to get acclimatized to our house and regret it. Don't know why I did it, every other kitten I've had, I've given free range as soon as it knows where the litter tray is and mostly want to hang out with it constantly because they are sooooo cute.

Look at that belleh.

OP Kitten led venturing out is the best way to go, if he wants to follow you let him.

No advice but that is a super gorgeous kitten 13/10.

My cat when a kitten had free run of the house from the time we got him. We did put a cover over the unused open gas fire until he was too big to squeeze up it but other than that we left him do what he wanted. However there are only 2 adults in the house and a visiting child.

Let him explore. The advice we were given was if they were nervous. But honestly every rescue we ever had wanted to check out their new domain and train the new staff. If you want a social cat you need to reinforce the bond now.

Which they may choose to ignore because they are a cat 🐈.

As long as I'm in the house to supervise, I've always allowed kittens to have free roam and to follow me about.

The only get confined overnight and while we're out, and even then that's only for a month or so.