Bringing home a new kitten is always an exciting occasion and the way you introduce your new cat to your home can make a big difference in how well your new addition makes the adjustment. 

Cats are creatures of habit and like things to be predictable from day to day. When you bring home your new kitten you are taking your cat our of a familiar environment, putting it into a car (more than likely for the first time in it’s life) and then expecting it to settle into the new environment and surroundings. This is a lot to ask and can be quite stressful for your cat. 

Making some plans ahead of time will make the transition to a new home much easier for you and your cat. Make sure you have a sturdy travel crate for the cat to ride in. When cats are nervous, they may feel more secure in an enclosed space. An unrestrained cat can be a deadly driving hazard, especially if it climbs down by the foot pedals or jumps onto the driver. Having a carrier is also handy for when the cat vomits, urinates or defecates, which some cats will do if they are nervous. 

To limit the number of changes your new pet will need to experience the first day, before you get the cat, find out what food and litter the cat has had, and try to get the same brand. You can always introduce a change gradually at a later stage. 

Cats need to become thoroughly familiar with new surroundings before they feel comfortable and an entire home can be overwhelming all at once. Many kittens will hide under furniture, often for days. Allow your cat to learn about you and your family in it’s own time, particularly if there are multiple people and pets in your household.

Before you bring your new cat home, put his food, water, toys, scratching post, and litter pan in a quiet room. When you bring your kitten home, place him in the room you have prepared and allow it to explore that area first. Allow the kitten to come out of its crate in its own time. Cats are curious and most will soon come out to explore their surroundings. When the cat is ready to come out, stay where you are and let it come to you. Talk in a soft, reassuring tone and pet it if it seems interested but do not pick it up. Give the kitten time to learn to trust you. 

Introducing other family members must be done slowly. Let each member come into the room one at a time to meet the new addition. If you are bringing your new cat into a home with other cats, it is crucial to keep it in a separate room. The other cats will quickly become aware of your new cat and sniff at each other under the closed door. Encourage your cats to eat its food at the closed door to create an association with the new kitten’s smell and food. When you release the kitten, place your older cats in the room while the kitten has time to explore for a few hours. 

Allowing your new kitten to acclimatise to the new surroundings slowly and in its own time will allow your kitten to settle in comfortably without excessive stress and fear for the new addition.