Your kitten is moving in - the right acclimatisation

The first few days and weeks are very important for the kitten to settle in well. In this article, you will find out what you need to bear in mind to ensure that your life together is happy and harmonious and that the acclimatisation process runs smoothly.

1. Your kitten has moved in: The first days & nights

The first days

To avoid stressing the kitten after separation from its mother, your home should be quiet. It is advisable not to cuddle the kitten at first so that it can slowly familiarise itself with its new environment. Give your kitten enough time to sleep, show her the litter tray, spend a lot of time with her in a quiet room if possible and always make sure the environment is cat-safe.

The first nights

The kitten may meow frequently and be restless for the first few nights. It should sleep close to you or next to your bed and preferably slightly higher than ground level. A warm and cosy place to sleep in a quiet spot as well as access to water, litter tray and food will make it easier for the kitten to settle in.

You may need to leave a night light on for the first night or two, after that you should support the natural night rhythm by switching off the light. Kittens need about 20 hours of sleep a day for their health
and to feel comfortable.

2. Familiarisation with other pets

If you already have a pet, the kitten will usually be quickly accepted by other pets. It is important that you hold the kitten on your lap or arm at first to familiarise it with the other pets and to observe the behaviour of all animals. In principle, all animals living in the household should receive the same affection.
It is important that each pet has its own food and water bowl and that each cat living in the household has its own litter tray.

3. Familiarisation with processes

Kittens have high nutritional requirements and need regular small meals
Call your little velvet paw often, calmly and friendly by its name and praise it
Get kittens used to having their own place to sleep
Get kittens used to using the litter tray
Thoroughly clean the food and water bowls and the litter tray daily
Regular preventive appointments (e.g. for basic immunisation) with the vet
Daily grooming: Be particularly careful and gentle during the first grooming session and do not extend the grooming process for too long. It is best to start with the kitten's back. A lot of stroking at first and less over time will make grooming easier and help the kitten to relax.
Regular cleaning of the sleeping area
Training: fixed rituals, calling by name, discouraging unpleasant behaviour
unpleasant peculiarities such as aggressive jumping

Tips:

Kittens need different areas in their territory.
These include zones for

Eating
Litter tray (cleaning and hygiene)
Playing
Rest

4. How long does it take to acclimatise a kitten?

Up to the age of 4 months, you should not leave your kitten alone for long periods during the day. Familiarise your velvet paw with being alone in a harmonious and stress-free way by withdrawing for approx. 5 minutes per hour at the beginning and gradually increasing this time. Take enough time and rest to familiarise yourself with the kitten's peculiarities, as the first few weeks of living together are crucial for your relationship of trust.
Normally, the familiarisation phase for kittens takes about 2-4 weeks.

5. How do I teach my kitten its name?

To get the kitten used to its name, cuddle and play with it and call it by name several times. The next step is to call your kitten several times from a short distance - rewards (e.g. your favorite treat) help when your kitten comes to you. Then call your four-legged friend from another room.

6. First time outside

You will probably be wondering how and when you can allow your kitten to run free. To do this, the kitten must have complete trust in you, your family, other pets and the new home! Wait around four to five weeks before letting your kitten out for the first time, as it should never be let out too early! Small cats should not go out in the cold or rain.

Important: Make sure that your kitten is chipped and vaccinated.