Bringing Home a Maine Coon Kitten

Congratulations on choosing to adopt an amazing European Maine Coon kitten! Whether it is your first or fifth kitten we know it is a very exciting and special experience. Now that you have chosen your new baby, we want you to have the best experience possible! So here are a few pointers on how to make the transition to your home, a safe and enjoyable one for both of you.

1. Prepare for your kitty beforehand:
   a. First make sure your home is cat proof. Put away anything that might be a danger to your kitten (small pieces of toys, medications, frayed electrical cords, etc.). Many plants are toxic to cats also…..research those and remove them or put dangerous ones out of reach. Also be certain that ALL windows ever opened contain screens.
   b. Purchase the same cat litter and food that your breeder has been using so your kitten will be familiar with them and be less likely to have accidents or get an upset tummy. Purchase metal, glass or ceramic food and water dishes (never plastic). Purchase kitten safe toys (no small loose parts, feathers/glitter that come off, no bits of string, etc.).
   c. Prepare a room for him/her to feel safe in. If you give them a quiet, area (one or two rooms at most) to explore without other pets or a lot of noise and people traffic, they will have time to adjust to their new home. Equip their safe area/room with their food, fresh non-chlorinated water, a comfy kitty bed, a litter pan (in a private area) that is larger than the cat, a scratching post and a few toys.
2. Again, try to keep things as familiar as possible in the beginning so the transition will be as easier. You can even ask for a familiar toy or blanket that has the smell of home and siblings on it. Important Note: If your kitten traveled in a carrier, when you bring it home, set it down in their safe area and open the door. Never force them to come out! Sit outside and speak soothingly and encourage them to come out on their own! Remember while this is fun and exciting for you, your new furr baby is going to be experiencing mild to moderate stress at being relocated to a strange place and a new family. Go slow and be patient…
3. Give your kitten some breathing room; time to bond with you and learn where the litter is and become used to their new quarters before introducing them to other pets and people. Don’t introduce him/her to other pets and children immediately. As hard as it may be to take your time, if you introduce your new kitten to everyone at once they may become frightened which will make the adjustment much harder. Your kitty needs some time to become familiar with its new family and environment. When you do introduce children or other pets, do it slowly and with careful supervision so no one is scared or hurt.
4. Be sure to provide a scratching post for your kitten! Cats love to scratch. They’re not trying to be destructive, but it is their instinct to mark their territory with their scent and also to file down their claws. In order to protect your furniture, get one or two scratching posts and put them in areas where you kitty will be hanging out. Kittens and cats will also enjoy a scratcher/cat tree combination or a low window perch. While it is young be sure and only buy shorter climbers. DO NOT GET YOUR KITTEN A TALL CAT TREE until they are over 6 months old, as they can fall and injure themselves!
5. Spend lots of time playing with and showering love on your new furr baby and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! 🙂