I always try to advise people adopting kittens to have two. Unless you are at home all day, it is important for your kitten to have a companion and what better than her littermate. Remember that she has only ever known her mother and littermates and it will be very frightening for her to be suddenly without them. NEVER take a kitten home that is less than 8 weeks old, they should still be with mum!

You should always collect a kitten on a day when you will be able to spend a few days at home. Make sure that the kitten has a warm, quiet place to sleep. If she has been used to a pen or box then try to make sure that she has the same type of bed.

It is a good idea to restrict your kitten to one room at first. Block all nooks and crannies that she may be able to fit into and close all windows and doors. Do provide your kitten with a toy. A ping pong ball, imitation mouse or rolled up piece of paper will help her to play and exercise. String can be swallowed and is not therefore a good idea.

Bringing a Kitten Home

Introducing new Cats to the household

Protect your cat from common diseases

Using Bach flower remedies

Using Catnip

Ensure your kitten has a clean litter tray, which it can easily get to but is away from the feeding area. Your kitten should be used to a litter tray by the time you get her but if not, gently lift your kitten onto the tray after feeding. If you should see your kitten scratching in an area, again lift her into the tray. Faeces should be removed from the tray immediately and the litter tray cleaned at least once a day.

Provide a tasty meal for your kitten on arrival. Find out what the kitten has been used to and do not vary the diet to drastically as this will cause upset stomachs. At first your kitten will need small meals often (about four or five a day). By the time your kitten is about six months old, two meals a day should be fine.

If you have any other pets in the house, keep them away from the kitten for the first few days and then gradually start introducing them to each other by bringing your old pets into the new kitten's area.

Register your kitten with a vet and find out what vaccinations she has had. Neuter or spay your kitten at the age of 6 months and DO NOT allow them outdoors until this has been done.