When you bring home a new kitten, odds are that everyone in your house will be very excited about the new addition to the family. But you should remember that your kitten is very tiny and to her, you are very huge. For many kittens dealing with so many gigantic humans, loud noises, and unfamiliar smells can be overwhelming. Those first hours at the new homestead can be traumatic, so take a few steps to help her adjust.
Before you bring home your new cat or kitten, prepare a confined area for her to stay. Set up a bed and her litterbox in there, along with a few toys. Keeping her in a spare bedroom or bathroom for a few nights makes it easier for her to adjust to the new space gradually. (Again, to a little kitten, your bathroom may seem like a vast new frontier.) When you bring your kitten into your house, also make sure you choose a time when the house is quiet. If you have another cat at home, keep the existing cat and the new cat separated for a few days so that they can get used to each other’s scent. After the new cat has adjusted somewhat, let the two meet. They may hiss at one another or one may run away. If they should get into a fight, squirt them with water and confine one or both of them and try again later. If you have dogs or young children, the same rules apply. Make sure to introduce them to the new cat slowly under close supervision. Kids and canines alike should understand that the new cat is not a toy. Never let either one of them tease or chase the cat.
Remember that a kitten is just a baby, as a good parent you should be there to help her cope with new experiences. When the going gets tough, pick her up out of harm’s way and help her feel secure.