BRINGING YOUR
KITTEN HOME
Here is some general information to help you prepare for bringing
your kitten home.
Don't forget to bring a carrier as your kitten/cat should always
be transported in a carrier for his/her safety and yours. Put
an old towel in the bottom of the carrier and bring an extra
towel and plastic bag in case your kitten has an accident during
the ride home (disposable litter boxes aren't recommended).
INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW HOME
We spend a lot of time and love socializing all of our kittens
but please remember that this is your kitten’s first time
away from her mom, siblings, and the only home that she has
ever known so she will probably be scared and confused at first.
Give your kitten time and soon you'll gain her trust.
Your kitten should be placed in a quiet room by herself for
the first week or so. Show the kitten her litter box and where
the food and water bowls are as soon as you get her home. Do
not place the litter box near your kitten’s food area,
they should be separate areas. A kitten will sometimes forget
where the litter box is, if she has an accident outside the
box, never scold or spank her, simply clean the soiled area
with a cleanser such as Nature’s Miracle and show her
again where the litter box is. Praise your kitten when you see
her using the box as this will reinforce proper habits.
Your kitten may cry the first several days home but this will
pass as she becomes settled and grows accustomed to you and
her new environment. It is not uncommon during this time for
a kitten to get a runny nose and/or eyes accompanied by sneezing;
this should clear up in a few days on it’s own but if
not then contact your veterinarian. Spend time just sitting
in the room with your kitten and let her explore her new surroundings
and you. After about a week (when she is feeling more at ease)
you can open the door to her room and let her venture out on
her own. If she becomes scared she may quickly retreat to her
new safe-haven but when ready she'll venture out again and will
soon be familiar with the rest of the house. Keep her introduction
to other family members and pets as quiet and stress-free as
possible and always supervise your kitten until you are sure
that any other pets (or small children) you have will not harm
her.
SAFETY
Before letting your kitten loose in your home, check for possible
safety hazards such as electrical and phone cords left dangling,
fringe or loose trim on furniture, dangling drapery cords,
plastic wrap that can be eaten, plastic bags that can suffocate,
toys with small parts that could be swallowed, small spaces
where the kitten may become trapped, sewing and knitting materials,
etc. Some houseplants are poisonous or hazardous to cats -
see CFA's
list of plants. Keep the phone numbers
of your local poison control center, your vet, and the emergency
clinic posted by your phone. Collars and leashes may be used
but only under supervision as they pose a choking hazard.
Never allow your cat to roam freely outdoors because there
are many risks, such as motor vehicles, fighting with cats
or other animals, disease, loss and/or theft.
FEEDING
Your kitten has been eating a mix of Purina Kitten
Chow and Purina Cat Chow Indoor Formula,
available at most local grocery stores. I also feed canned
food daily (Fancy Feast, I use the 3 oz. cans in any of the
chicken, beef, and turkey flavors). Should you choose to change
the brand of food being fed, please do so slowly by mixing
the new food in gradually to avoid upsetting your kitten's
stomach. Be sure your kitten has dry food and fresh water
available at all times. Cats tend to eat small amounts throughout
the day rather than one big meal so I make sure they always
have access to fresh water and dry food. Canned food should
be given daily at morning and dinner time. Unused opened canned
food should be stored in the refrigerator and heated to room
temperature prior to serving it to your kitten/cat. Treats
may be given occasionally but in moderation.
 I
recommend using stainless steel or ceramic dishes for feeding
as plastic can harbor germs and cause a condition known as
feline acne, which is difficult to clear up. Contrary to popular
belief, cow's milk isn't good for cats as most can't digest
it properly and consequently get diarrhea.
LITTER BOXES
Place litter boxes in a quiet, well-ventilated area. You should
have at least one box for each cat in residence. I recommend
the extra large litter boxes to accommodate the size of these
cats and I prefer the open, non-hooded type but you may use
what works best for you. It is recommended to use a non-clumping
litter but I use Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Scoopable
Litter and have had no problems with it. Scoop boxes
at least once daily and more often if necessary as there is
no substitute for a clean box! Boxes should be cleaned and
disinfected with bleach weekly.
GROOMING
A weekly combing with a wide-toothed comb is generally all
that is necessary. A fine-toothed comb works well on the face
and ear coverings. Trim the nails regularly, scissors or clippers
are available at pet supply stores. Check the ears and if
necessary, gently clean them with a damp cotton ball. If you
want to keep your cat looking like a champion, a bath once
a month with a good pet shampoo, followed by blow-drying and
a good combing out is recommended. If the tail is extra oily,
you may first apply Dawn dishwashing liquid (original blue)
to that area, rinse it thoroughly and then proceed with the
bath.
VETERINARY CARE
Your kitten has received her initial series of immunizations
as stated on the provided health record. It is essential that
your cat receive routine veterinary care to ensure a long
and healthy life. Your cat should be seen annually for a check-up
and booster shots and then whenever necessary, should a problem
arise. Spaying/neutering should be done by the age of 8 months.
Upon written proof of spay/neuter by your veterinarian, registration
papers will be provided to you.
*PLEASE NOTE- We strongly recommend that you do NOT have the
kitten FeLV or FIP vaccinated!
PLAY TIME
Kittens and adult Maine Coons like to play. Generally, morning
or early evening is the best time to interact with your cat
as they will be more responsive after a nap. Do not engage
in rough play as this can make your kitten too aggressive.
Provide plenty of safe toys and a scratching post, or better
yet, several scratching posts of various types because cats
have different scratching preferences. Remember that what
your kitten needs most is your time, attention and affection.
If your kitten is left alone during the day it will be very
happy to see you when you get home and will demand quite a
bit of your attention! Please keep in mind that kittens are
sensitive, living beings; don't allow your friends, children
or others to mistreat them in any way. With plenty of love,
attention and affection, your kitten will grow up to be a
loving companion that will give years of pleasure.
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