12 wk old rescue girls arriving tomorrow - help!

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We have been waiting to rescue kittens for a while and heard yesterday that 2 girls have become available.
I went to visit them yesterday (in owner's home where they live with mum) and have agreed to collect them tomorrow.

We've not owned cats before but have had small animals in the past (hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils etc).

We have the essentials (food, litter, bed) and will buy anything else as needed.
We will take them to the vets this week as they've had no vaccs, no worm tablets etc.

I'm aware they need to be kept indoors for first 3 months to get used to the house. They will then have the roam of the house and at some point be let into back garden which backs onto other gardens/fields. We live in a quiet cul-de-sac.

Any other tips/advice for a newbie kitty parent would be much appreciated!

Try to confine them to one room at first so they are not overwhelmed and you aren't constantly playing 'find the kitten'.

Block off any small gaps they might get into, especially chimney if you have one.

Decide whether you're going to let them sleep on your bed - if not, a warm hot water bottle can be a comfort to them. If you are, they will make themselves cosy on your pillow.

Keep them on the food they're used to at first to avoid tummy upsets. If changing their food, mix the new food in gradually over a few days.

Kittens love to play, so get some interactive toys!

Oh, and if you have curtains you care about consider taking them down because kittens love going up and down your curtains! Back in the day, my dark blue curtains ended up looking like the sky at night because they were full of pin-prick holes and 'shooting stars' made by my first dkitten!

Also get a few cardboard boxes, they can provide hours of fun.

Expect them to be nervous & hide at first, & especially manage your DC’s (if any) expectations. Sitting in the room they’re in & just chatting quietly will help get them used to you.

I’d also recommend getting a cat tree for exercise, entertainment & hopefully use of the scratching poles.

Don’t let them out until they are neutered.

Oh God yes - my curtains were my biggest extravagance when I bought my flat, I’ve now got a couple of pairs of cheap B&M ones that only go up when I’m fostering kittens!

Most important tip - once the kittens arrive, be sure to pay your kitten tax with photos!😻

Ah, thanks so much, all - and yes, kitten tax will be paid in due course 😄

Dkittens certainly don't need 3 months inside!! Spayed. Know their names... Out in the garden with you.

Teach them their individual names by saying the relevant name as you feed a treat. Gradually move further away and feed the treat only when the correct kitten comes to you when called.

Don't forget to get them microchipped.

Most cats prefer a small basket or cardboard box as opposed to a cat bed. Use a small blanket to provide comfort

Depends very much on where you live, how secure your garden is etc. A small (e.g. under 6 months) kitten would have no chance against a large crow for example, or a wandering neighbourhood tom feeling territorial, or a dog who has slipped his lead.

Thanks to all while replied. The advice about rewarding them for responding to their names is useful.

We live on a quiet road but as a PP said there are wandering tomcats and crows/birds of prey above so I'd rather they were bigger before going outside.

There is absolutely no chance I would let a 4-5 month old kitten outside - they are so small and vulnerable at that age.

Kittens Indoors get bored and love to climb- watch out for open windows and close internal doors before opening the front/ back door. Bored kittens chew plants so consider moving house plants. Don't put their litter tray near their food tray. Get lots of scratch posts and mats.

When you feed them, ring a bell. They'll associate the bell with food which is useful for calling them in when you start letting them out for short bursts. Spayed cats stay closer to home as they're not looking for a mate.

The girls are settling in well. Thanks for the brilliant advice, all.
They're eating and drinking and exploring.

We haven't cracked the litter tray yet - they pooed next to it last night...

They're lovely. What have you named them?

Kids are picking names from their shortlist..

And thank you, we adore them already 😃

Have they a litter tray each? Are you keeping them really clean, like cat standard clean? Are they used to that style of litter?
Our boy pooed next to his litter tray a couple of times in his first week, but never again.

They are gorgeous!

Thanks Yorktown. We do have 2 litter trays but previous owner only used one (huge) tray so we've done that.

The brand of litter we bought is different though so am going out at lunchtime to buy the one they're used to.

Hopefully it's a one off due to new home anxiety and they'll get he hang of it soon.

Welcome to the world of cat slavery. You have two beautiful kitties.

I was just about to come on and say do you have same litter they used too!
If you want to change them over do it but by bit by mixing the two litters
ps I’m a big fan of worlds best- expensive to buy but lasts really well so saves money in long run

They are SO beautiful!

At least they're not using the litter tray & hanging their bums over the side, that does my head in lol

Oh lord, Miss Peachykeen - that has to be deliberate goading of owner/slave..