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Preparing for Your Kitten

Everything you need to prepare your home, supplies, and support system before bringing your kitten home.

Emergency Contact List

An emergency contact list for your kitten is essential because emergencies happen fast. Having your vet, a 24-hour animal hospital, and a trusted backup contact readily available saves precious time and reduces panic. Being prepared can make all the difference when your kitten needs help most.

  • Primary Veterinarian
  • 24-Hour Emergency Hospital
  • Backup Emergency Clinic
  • Pet Poison Control
  • Groomer
  • Pet Sitter
  • Breeder Contact

Essential Supplies & Equipment

Sleeping & Comfort

✔️ Soft, washable cat bed

✔️ Covered “cave” bed for security

✔️ Sturdy cat tree

✔️ Airline-approved carrie

Litter & Hygiene

✔️ Large open stainless steel litter box

✔️ Unscented clumping litter

✔️ Litter mat to reduce tracking

✔️ Grooming supply

Feeding & Enrichment

✔️ Stainless steel food & water bowls

✔️ High-quality kitten food 

✔️ Airtight food storage container

✔️ Healthy TREATS!!!

Feeding Your Ragdoll Kitten

  • High-protein kitten food
  • Wet + dry combination
  • 3–4 meals daily until 6 months
  • Fresh water always available
Avoid:
  • Dog food
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Grapes/Raisin
  • Chocolate
  • Milk
  • Avocado
Approved:
  • Fish
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Lean beef
  • salmon (boneless)
  • tuna
  • eggs

The First 7 Days

Day 1–2
  • Keep your kitten in a quiet, designated safe space.

  • Show them where the litter box, food, and water are located.

  • Expect hiding — this is normal adjustment behavior.

  • Keep interaction gentle and calm; let them come to you.

  • Maintain the same food they were previously eating.

Day 3–4
  • Begin short, gentle play sessions with toys.

  • Slowly allow supervised exploration of more areas.

  • Establish a consistent feeding schedule.

  • Start light bonding routines (brushing, lap time).

  • Monitor eating, drinking, and litter habits.

Day 5–7
  • Gradually introduce them to other pets (if applicable).

  • Expand their access to the home if they seem comfortable.

  • Reinforce litter box habits.

  • Continue daily play to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

  • Schedule or confirm their first vet visit if not already done.

Introducing Your Kitten to Other Cats

Taking the time for slow, calm introductions ensures a harmonious home where both your new kitten and resident cats feel safe and relaxed.

Before the Introduction
  • Scent swapping: exchange bedding and blankets between cats.
  • Maintain a separate safe room for the new kitten for the first few days.
  • Feed both cats on opposite sides of a closed door to create positive associations.
  • Keep routines normal for your resident cats to reduce feelings of competition.
First Meetings
  • Keep initial sessions short and always carefully supervised.
  • Let the cats choose their own distance; don't force proximity.
  • Use interactive toys and favorite treats during the encounter.
  • Never force physical contact; allow them to sniff and approach at their own pace.
Over the Next Few Weeks
  • Gradually increase the duration of shared social interactions.
  • Watch closely for signs of prolonged stress or redirected aggression.
  • Give each cat dedicated one-on-one time to prevent jealousy.
  • Be prepared to separate the cats again immediately if tension rises.
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