Before bringing your kitten home: Designate a small room or area for your new friend. Make sure the room is kitten proof and keep the kitten’s food, water, litter box, bed, scratch posts, and toys in this area. This will be your kitten’s safe space for the first couple days at home. Keep your kitten here until they are comfortable to start exploring other rooms one at a time. Doing so will help your kitten adjust and not feel overwhelmed.

What you will need at pickup: Please bring a carrier for your kitten. Depending on your method and length of travel you may also need to bring a disposable litter box. I will send your kitten home with a few snacks and toys, as well as a small blanket that has the scent of the kitten’s mother and littermates. The familiar tastes, toys, and smells should make the journey more comfortable for your kitten.

First day(s) home: Upon arriving home after pickup, place the carrier in the room you have designated for your new kitten. Allow the kitten time to come out of the carrier by themself. Once the kitten is out, place his or her front paws in the litter box to show them where it is. Show them where their food and water is as well. This will likely be a stressful time for your kitten, so make sure to give them lots of space to explore on their own time. Do not force socialization or petting as it may overwhelm them. Instead, allow them to feel comfortable with your presence by building trust via exploration and play.