meetings

If your new kitten will be joining other pets in your home, don’t rush the introductions. If you’ve got a dog, set up a safety gate with enough room underneath for your kitten to “escape” and feel safe. Let current cats sniff the newcomer in a carrier, through a safety gate, or even underneath a closed door. Give your kitten a “safe place” like a spare bedroom for a few days until everyone becomes pals.

scratching

A natural behavior for cats, scratching helps your kitten exercise. It feels good, too! If you catch him shredding your couch or curtains, carry him to an appropriate scratching post. He’ll catch on if you do it consistently

grooming

Although he’ll usually take care of himself, your cat will need help with some grooming. Get him used to being handled now, while he’s young. Gently touch nail clippers to his claws, a cat toothbrush to his mouth, or a brush lightly along his back. Once he’s used to the experience, you can gradually work up to clipping his nails and brushing his teeth.