The arrival of a kitten at home is a moment of great excitement. For the kitten, with its deep sensitivity, it is above all an enormous change: new smells, new sounds, new people, and the absence of the mother and siblings it has lived with until that day. The first month serves to turn this change into a new sense of security. Here is how we guide the kitten through it, and what we suggest to families.
Preparing the home before arrival
The best work is done beforehand: it helps to have everything essential ready:
– a litter tray with litter similar to the one used at the cattery;
– bowls for water and food, away from the litter tray;
– a soft bed and a couple of hiding places;
– a sturdy scratching post;
– a few simple toys, such as feather wands and balls;
– a sturdy carrier, which will also be used for vet visits.
It is also the time for a safety check of the home.
The base room
In the first few days the kitten should not have access to the whole house. A quiet room, with everything it needs, becomes its base: a small, predictable territory to start from. There it can eat, sleep, use the litter tray and receive short, calm visits from family members.
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When we see it exploring with curiosity, eating regularly and using the litter tray without hesitation, the door can be opened and it can gradually discover the rest of the house. A few days are usually enough, but every kitten has its own pace and it must be respected.
Litter tray and habits
A kitten used to a litter tray at the cattery finds it again quickly, provided it is easy to reach and clean. In the first days it helps to place it in the tray after meals and on waking. Accidents must never be scolded: they only show that the tray is too far away, not clean enough or has a litter it dislikes.
Food: continuity above all
Changing homes is already stress enough. For this reason we recommend continuing for the first few weeks with the same food used at the cattery, at the same times. A sudden change of diet can cause digestive upsets on top of the agitation of the move.
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If you wish to switch to another food, do so after the kitten has settled in, gradually, mixing increasing amounts of the new food over several days. For any specific dietary choice, the reference remains the veterinarian.
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The first vet visit
In the first few days it is wise to book an introductory visit with the vet chosen by the family. It is the opportunity for a general check-up, to hand over the health documentation provided by the cattery and to plan together the following vaccination boosters and parasite treatments. The vet is the person who will accompany the cat for life: starting with a relationship of trust is valuable.
Gradual socialisation
The Ragdoll is a sociable cat by nature, but even the most trusting kitten needs time. Some practical tips:
– let it be the one to approach, without chasing it or picking it up by force;
– introduce the people of the household one at a time, in a calm voice;
– with children, teach them to sit on the floor and stroke gently;
– introduce any other animals only after a few days, with short, supervised meetings;
– get it used early to being touched on paws, ears and muzzle, and to brushing, always with treats and short sessions.
Daily play and gentle contact, in these weeks, build the adult’s character and a bond that does good to the whole family.
Safety at home
A kitten explores everything, and the adult Ragdoll does not have the agility of many other breeds to get out of danger. Some precautions are essential:
– windows and balconies: protect them with specific netting. Falls are among the most serious household accidents for cats;
– plants: some common houseplants and cut flowers are toxic to cats, with lilies among the most dangerous. Before keeping them in the house it is wise to check them against a reliable list, such as the ASPCA’s;
– cables, wires, elastic bands and small objects: they can be swallowed;
– appliances: always check the washing machine, dryer and oven before switching them on;
– medicines and cleaning products: always shut away and out of reach.
What to expect, week by week
In the first week a little shyness, some night-time meowing and a variable appetite are normal. In the second the kitten begins to explore with confidence and to seek contact. Between the third and fourth weeks, usually, the house has become its: it plays, follows people, has its own habits. If something is worrying, such as a prolonged refusal of food or diarrhoea, it is best to contact the vet straight away.
You are not alone
In our experience, families who prepare calmly have a peaceful first month, and the kitten feels it. We are always available to talk through the questions of these first days.
To keep learning about daily life with this breed, visit our guide Living with a Ragdoll.
Sources
– ASPCA, list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
