Kittens Homecoming

Basic Supplies

Here is a list of items that will help you and your new kitten get off to a great start:

1. Bed or sleeping area

2. Water and food bowls

3. Toys

4. Litter box and litter

5. Cat carrier

6. Brushes and combs

7. Scratching post

8. Kitten food (We recommend Innova Kitten Food)

9. Collar and ID tags

Easing The Transition

Introduce your new kitten to your home gradually by following these helpful hints:


	•	For the first day or two, keep your kitten confined to one room with a food, water and a litter box. Let your new kitten become comfortable in this room before introducing her to the rest of the house.


	•	After your new cat is relaxed and acclimated allow her to explore and roam the rest of the house.

Safe Toys

Cat toys like toys for small children, are wonderful amusements and should be chosen carefully. Use these tips:


	•	Avoid toys that have sharp edges or parts that your cat might swallow


	•	Choose soft toys that bounce erratically (the more bounce the better).


	•	Beware of yarn and toys with strings. Yarn or sting is dangerous if ingested. Supervise all play with these toys.


	•	We have found that our Ragdolls love to play with drinking straws, this a safe and cheap source of amusement for you kitten.

Children In The Household

Show your children how to properly pick up a cat and how to play with their new pet. Teach them that cats don't like to be teased or have their ears or tails pulled. Always supervise your children's interaction with your new cat, especially when they have friends over to play. Our Ragdolls are raised in our home with the help of our children, they are excellent with children.

Other Pets

Before you introduce a new cat to the household, be sure it (as well as your resident pets) are disease-free and has all age appropriate vaccinations. Older, settled-in pets may resist sharing their domain, and it may take a few weeks before your new cat is an accepted member of the family. Follow these steps for a smooth introduction:


	•	Put your new cat in a separate room away from the other pets for the first day or two and leave her travel crate open in the room. The familiarity of the crate may make a safe haven. (Resident pets will become aware of her presence from her scent.) If you have another cat, he may prowl around the doorway and show signs of aggression. During this period, spend extra time with your resident pet to relieve any anxiety and minimize tension.


	•	When your new cat seems comfortable allow the m to start viewing each other


	•	Allow your pets to meet. Stay in the room while they get acquainted. Let them sniff out each other's space and one another. Make sure each pet has an easy escape route if the other wants to leave. Some hissing or growling is to be expected.


	•	If one pet shows hostility toward the other during the initial introduction, don't punish them, instead just give them some time, if necessary start the whole process over again.


	•	Respect each pet's territorial rights. If your older cat has claimed the sofa as her favorite spot, allow him or her to keep that space as their own domain.

Cat-Proofing Your Home

Your cat's inquisitive nature can be dangerous. Follow these recommendations:


	•	Keep all medicines and household cleaning agents locked up.


	•	Shut the bathroom door when running water in a bathtub.


	•	Keep string material away from your cat, except under your supervision. Items like string, yarn, fishing line or thread attached to a needle can be lethal if swallowed.


	•	Close toilet lids and make sure the fireplace is tightly screened.


	•	Secure unscreened window. Cats may jump out of open window, and injure themselves


	•	Close all garage and appliance doors. A warm dryer may entice cats in search of a warm place to sleep.


	•	Remove all known poisonous plants from your home. Here is a list of some common houseplants that are poisonous.

1. Ivy

2. Philodendron

3. Dieffenbachia

4. Easter lily

5. Caladium

6. False Jerusalem cherry

7. Oleander

8. Azalea

9. Rhododendron

10. Common or Cherry laurel

11. Mistletoe

12. Poinsettias

These are only a few, consult with your local nursery or Veterinarian if you have a plant that is in question.

Good luck with your new kitten, we know it's an experience you will love.

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