That tiny little ball of fluff you have been anxiously awaiting is finally ready to come home with you! A kitten will grow to be your best furry-friend for the next 10-15 years, and you’ll want to start the relationship on the right foot. There’s nothing worse than learning the hard way that you could have had a smoother beginning!

A Checklist For Bringing Home a Kitten

Kitten-proof your house.

Just as new parents baby-proof everything, you will want to ensure your furbaby is safe while exploring your home. A few things to consider:

• Keep caps on all chemicals and place them in cabinets.
• Store all medications inside of a cabinet and in a room that your cat will not have access to.
• Find a way to keep blind cords wound up and inaccessible to your cat.
• Invest in electrical cord covers.
• Make sure your trash can and recycling cannot be opened easily.
• Trash chemical fragrances like plug-ins, and make sure any natural oils used are pet-friendly.
• Store all nice decorations away until your cat knows the difference between toys and house items.
• Check your plants to ensure they are not toxic to cats.
• Put away all non-pet items such as yarn, thread, string, floss, bottle caps, and other choking hazards.
• Keep windows closed and remember that any open doors will create an escape option for your new kitten.
• Walkthrough each room from a cat’s perspective. Look for small nooks and crannies that could make for risky hiding places. 

Create a safe space.

• Choose a small room in the house that is quiet and secluded.
• Set up food, water, and the litter box here to start, but remember that cats do not like their litter box next to their food and water.
• Provide cardboard boxes or other safe items that your kitten can hid in and play with.
• Give him safe climbing and scratching opportunities.

Bringing him home.

• Get his carrier cozy for the ride home.
• Bring a small blanket that you have slept with so he can start smelling you and your house.
• Keep treats ready.
• Introduce him to his safe place, not the entire house.
• Do not give your cat freedom right away. Never let him explore without you.

Keep crate training.

Not many cats are crate trained, but it will allow you to utilize the crate as a safe place over the years. You will be able to travel easier, host events at your home without worry, and not stress when leaving your kitten home alone in the beginning.