Instructions For Bringing Your Ocicat Kitten Home

On the way home:
Kittens have the ability to fit through very small openings.  If they get out, there's a risk of them escaping through a window or hiding under car seats or pedals.  It's always best to keep them securely inside a carrier when traveling.

It is also worth noting that like humans, kittens can also experience motion sickness when in the car. If your kitten is becomes soiled, you can easily clean them up once you are home by wiping their fur with a warm, damp cloth.

When you arrive home:
When you arrive home with your new kitten, it may be scared and insecure. Keep in mind, your kitten has just been separated from its mother and siblings. Below are some suggested remedies for the behaviors you may experience the first few days your baby arrives home:

 
1. Meowing or crying

• You kitten may be calling for its mother because it feels lost.
• Spend as much time as possible focusing on bonding with your kitten.
• Place a heating pad (on low) under the kittens bedding if you think the kitten may be cold.
• Your kitten will stop crying usually within the first three days.

2. Hiding under beds, couches or in closets

• Your kitten will be frightened in its new surroundings.
• Put your new kitten in a small room with its litter box, water, food and toys. A bathroom can be cold and isolating to a new kitten. It is advisable to choose a room, such as your bedroom, where you spend a lot of time and provide comfort.

3. Afraid of other family pets

• If you have other pets, do not directly introduce them for the first few days. Allow them to smell each other under the door. You can also place one of the pets in a kennel or carrier where they feel secure, while the other pet is free to roam. This allows them to see each other, familiarize themselves with each other scents, and become accustomed to one another without much physical contact.
• When introducing your kitten to other family pets, it's essential to ensure that both the kitten and the other pets have recently had their nails trimmed. This precaution helps to ensure that they do not injure each other.
• Introduce them slowly by starting with short supervised visits. Once they seem more comfortable with each other you can increase the length of time they are together. Do not leave your kitten with your other animals unattended until you are sure they have a relationship of trust and mutual regard.

4. Not eating

• If the kitten is stressed, they may not eat the first day. Make sure there is food and water is always available. If the kitten is not eating after the first 24 hours, dehydration may occur. It's advisable to reach out to your veterinarian and have the kitten evaluated to determine if it requires fluids.
• If your kitten chooses to hide under furniture like a sofa or bed, place the food and water dishes underneath so they have access to them. Many times, a frightened kitten may wait to eat until the house is completely quiet at night.

5. Not using the litter box

• Your kitten has been accustomed to using a litter box and has been doing so since around 4 weeks of age.
• Sometimes, when a kitten has eaten very little upon transitioning to their new home, they may not eliminate much during the first 24hours.
• Initially, keep a litter box near the area where your kitten is spending most of their time. To familiarize them with the box's location, gently place your kitten inside it and allow them to walk away.

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Kitten-proof your home:

1. Remove objects that could potentially get damaged if your kitten pushes them off a table or shelf. This precaution helps prevent accidents and damage to your belongings.

2. Your kitten has never encountered open water sources before and they cannot swim.  Since there is a risk of drowning, until it is older:

• Do not leave toilet lids open.
• Do not leave buckets of water unattended.
• Do not leave your bath / hot tub unattended when full.

3. Sofa Beds, recliners, and couches can be hazardous for small animals, often causing injuries or even fatalities. Kittens in particular, have the tendency to hide under pillows and explore the interiors of sofa beds and recliners. To insure your pets safety, please take the precaution of confirming your kitten's location before folding your sofa bed or recliner, and be sure to check under couch cushions before sitting down.

4. Window blind cords can present a danger to inquisitive kittens as they may become entangle and injured. To safeguard your kitten, it's essential to secure and tie up these cords out of their reach.

5. It is crucial to remove any plants from your home that might be toxic to your kitten. This includes checking your existing plants and being cautious with floral arrangements, as some flowers, like lilies, can be particularly toxic. Taking these precautions is essential to safeguard your pet form accidental ingestion and poisoning.

6. Be sure to diligently search for and properly dispose of any dropped human medications. Even a seemingly innocent medicine like Tylenol can pose a significant risk of injury to your cat. Thorough attention to medication safety will ensure a safe environment for your pet.