• Plan to bring your kitten home on a day that you can spend a lot of quiet time with her. If possible, arrange to bring her home early in the day to allow for plenty of adjustment time before she is put to bed for her first night at home.

• Avoid introducing your new kitten during holidays or when there is company visiting. Try to select a day when things are quiet and just family is at home.

• When you first arrive home with your kitten, do not give her free access to the entire house. Rather, confine her to one room and allow her to slowly explore and acclimate to the new environment.

• As your kitten explores, interact with her by speaking to her quietly, sitting on the floor next to her and petting her, or enticing her into a game with a toy. If your kitten is coming into a family setting, introduce each family member one at a time, allowing her several minutes to get to know each person.

• Begin introducing your cat to your daily routine as soon as you bring her home. Feed her in the same place and at the same time each day. Also, provide your new kitten with regularly scheduled attention and play periods.

Some kittens may be timid or fearful during the first few days in their new home. If your kitten seeks out a hiding place, such as under a chair or behind furniture, do not disturb him. Maintain peace and quiet in the area and wait for him to come out when he has become more comfortable with his new surroundings. Always wait for your kitten to approach you if he is nervous – remain sitting on the floor and encourage him to climb into your lap or to play with a toy. Although it is tempting to shower a timid kitten with affection, the key to helping shy newcomers is to allow them to control the pace of the introductions!

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