Bringing Home A Kitten: Things You Need to Know

Kittens and cats are attracted to loose wires, so consider taping wires to baseboards or the underside of tables or desks.

- Dr. Irfan Ahmed*

Kittens are playful and adorable, but they're also unique individuals that have personalities, needs, and behaviours of their own. Before welcoming a new kitten (or kittens) to your home, you'll need to prepare your home for a curious critter with the ability to climb, leap, and scratch. You'll also need to provide your kitten with appropriate toys, bedding, litter box, and food.

Bringing a cuddly, appealing bundle of purr home is exciting, whether the kitten is your first pet or is an addition to your current pet family. Your kitten will be entirely reliant on you to ease its transition from mom cat's side or animal shelter to this strange new place. To keep it safe and happy it takes planning and patience for everyone in the household. The efforts will pay off, as your new little friend grows into a confident, affectionate kitty who knows there is no place like home.

Kittens are sometimes adopted at six weeks of age, but 10 to 12 weeks is better. Those extra weeks spent with its mother and siblings helps a kitten learn acceptable behaviour, from getting along with siblings to getting used to human contact. A six- or seven-week-old kitten may be stressed and confused at being separated from its family too soon; your kitten may be fearful of people and could try to hide or run away from interaction. If a kitten has been gently handled and has gotten used to humans, he will be friendlier and better adjusted. In choosing a kitten, look for one that is inquisitive, doesn't shy away from your touch, and is ready to play.