Bringing Home a Siberian Kitten: First Week Checklist

The day you bring your Siberian kitten home is special, and a little bit of preparation makes it smoother for everyone. Here is the checklist I share with every family from Siberian Legacy Cats.

Before the kitten arrives

Supplies to buy

• A sturdy carrier for the trip home
• Food: the same brand your kitten is eating now, so there is no stomach upset
• Two or three shallow bowls, one for water and one or two for food
• A litter box and the litter your kitten is used to
• A tall cat tree, plus a scratching post
• A soft bed and a blanket
• Toys, including a feather wand and balls
• A steel comb and slicker brush
• Nail clippers made for cats

Prepare the home

Walk through each room at kitten height. Tuck away cords and blind strings, move toxic plants such as lilies, and close any gaps behind appliances. Secure windows and balcony doors.

Set up a sanctuary room

Choose a small, quiet room, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom. Put in food, water, a litter box, a bed and a few toys. Keep the litter box away from the food.

This gives your kitten a safe place to adjust to the new sounds and smells. It also helps other pets get used to the new scent slowly.

Pickup day

If you collect your kitten at our home, bring a secure carrier with a soft blanket. Local pickups can include a receiving blanket, a small litter box with pine pellets, starter food and a toy. You will also receive the vet and health records.

Go straight home. Do not let the kitten roam the car, and keep the trip calm and quiet.

If your kitten is flying, I arrange everything, including the health certificate signed by a vet that the airline requires.

The first day

• Carry the carrier into the sanctuary room and open the door. Let the kitten come out on its own.
• Show the litter box and food.
• Sit quietly on the floor and let the kitten come to you.
• Keep visitors away for a day or two.

Do not worry if your kitten hides or eats little for the first day. That is normal. Shy kittens may need a few days to a couple of weeks.

Feeding

Keep feeding the same food at first, then change gradually over about a week if you want to switch. Offer three or four small meals a day for young kittens, and keep fresh water out. Canned food helps hydration and is good for urinary health.

Build trust

Establish a regular feeding routine to build up trust quickly. Once your kitten starts rubbing against your legs, open the door and let it explore the rest of the house at its own pace. Our kittens are used to being held, brushed and bathed, so most settle well.

The first vet visit

Book a check-up within the first week or two. Bring the records. Your vet will confirm the vaccination schedule, discuss parasite prevention and plan the spay or neuter, usually between about 5 and 8 months. TICA registration papers are emailed to you once you send proof of the surgery.

Introducing other pets

Keep pets apart at first, and let them sniff each other under a closed door. Swap blankets so they learn each other's scent. Allow short supervised visits, and reward calm behaviour.

Common worries

• My kitten is hiding. Give it time and keep the room quiet.
• My kitten is not eating. Offer the food it is used to, and call the vet if it lasts more than 24 hours.
• My kitten is scratching furniture. Provide posts near the spot and reward use.
• My kitten cries at night. Leave a warm bed and a soft toy, and try a play session before bed.

Stay in touch

I would love to hear how your kitten is doing, and you are welcome to join our Facebook owners group. If you have a question at any time, contact us. If you are still planning, read about our adoption process or join the waitlist.