Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

How to Adopt Kittens: 10 Kitten Adoption Do’s & Don’ts

by | May 18, 2021 | Cat Behavior & Care | 33 comments

How to Adopt Kittens: 10 Kitten Adoption Do’s & Don’ts

Kittens are rarely in short supply. With the current rash of kittens, summer break on the horizon, and the pandemic easing, kitten adoption may be in your future. But there’s more to kitten adoption than bringing home your baby cat. Maybe you’ll want to foster a needy kitten (tips here). What is the best age to adopt a kitten? Is it OK to adopt a kitten at 8 weeks? What do you need before adopting a kitten? Learn how to adopt kittens, what to do–and what NOT to do–in this kitten adoption guide.

kitten adoption

KITTEN ADOPTION 101: What is the best age to adopt a kitten

It’s kitten season! Is a new fur-kid in your future? You’d think kitten care would be easy–just love ’em and feed ’em and listen to ’em purr, right? But more goes into proper care than plopping food in a bowl and setting up a litter box.

Is it OK to adopt a kitten at 8 weeks? Adopting kittens too early often means kittens bite and claw more than those who have been kitty-corrected by Mom and siblings. They also may be fearful or less tolerant of other cats. They don’t understand all the proper feline etiquette of the social structure.

kitten adoptionKITTEN ADOPTION & KITTEN SOCIALIZATION?

Dog people know about the socialization of puppies, but kittens also benefit from socialization–except it comes WAY EARLIER in cat babies. The prime kitten socialization period falls between 2-7 weeks (yikes!) which means rescuers, shelter personnel and breeders are vital to the future well-being of cats and how they look at their world. Socialization teaches kittens what’s safe (other cats, dogs, VETERINARIANS, carriers, cars) and a positive normal part of their lives. It also teaches what kittens should fear.

Proper socialization not only includes interaction with other cats (and also dogs, if you have both–get intro tips here!) but positive handling by different people during this critical period. That ensures the baby becomes well adjusted, confident, and emotionally healthy. I’ve got all the kitten must-knows in my COMPLETE KITTEN CARE, but you don’t need the book to get started. Before you adopt, review these 10 do’s and don’ts to ensure your kitten love lasts a lifetime.

adopting kittens

Image courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

10 DO’s & DON’Ts OF KITTEN ADOPTION

1. Don’t adopt kittens too early.

Adopting kittens too young bite and claw more than those corrected by Mom and siblings. They also may be fearful or less tolerant of other cats because they don’t understand proper feline etiquette. Cat babies should stay with siblings and Mom for at least 12 to 16 weeks. Learn more about kitten development here. That’s not always possible, though, and if you find yourself in that situation, it means you must be “cat-mom” and teach Junior claw, potty and other manners. It can help enormously to adopt two kittens at once, so they teach each other bite limits and target each other in play instead of biting your ankles.

2. Do see a vet ASAP.

Kittens seem indestructible but get sick easily. A vet’s early diagnosis improves the chances of a speedy recovery especially after you first adopt kittens. Screening tests and preventive care — vaccinations, flea prevention, worm medications — save lives and ensure your kitten grows to healthy adulthood. Learn more about FIP and cats here.

kitten adoption

Newborn Kittens are blind and deaf, and use cries to call for mom and help.

3. Don’t bathe a kitten until it is at least 4 weeks old (12 to 16 weeks is better).

Very young kittens can’t regulate body temperature and can become chilled from a bath. When you do bathe the kitten, use only kitten-safe products — adult cat or dog products can be toxic. Introduce combs and brushes immediately to longhair kittens to prevent grooming problems later on.

adopting kittens4. Do “fix” kittens.

Spaying and neutering prevent pregnancy, urine spraying and health issues such as breast cancer. Female kittens can get pregnant as early as 4 months old, so don’t delay. Many shelters and professional breeders spay or neuter kittens at 8 to 12 weeks old (or once they weigh 2 lbs.) because babies recover more quickly than older cats.

adopting kittens5. Don’t rush kitten introductions.

Tiny kittens get lost or find trouble if not confined to a kitten-safe room. When you adopt kittens, let the new baby get used to one room so he knows the location of his litter box, bed, scratch objects, food bowl, and toys. When you can’t watch him, confine him in his safe room. Even healthy-looking kittens could be contagious and the vet may recommend quarantine for up to 30 days. Resident pets accept new ones more quickly when only part of the house has been “invaded.” They can meet with sniffs and paw pats under the door until it’s safe for a nose-to-nose greeting. Learn how to introduce kittens to other cats here, and how to read kitten tail talk to stay ahead of your furry wonder.

naming kittens adoption6. Do kitten proof the house.

Kittens explore with paw pats, licking and biting. Chomping or clawing electrical cords or poisonous plants, swallowing string toys or hiding inside the clothes dryer can be deadly. Invest in knee pads and crawl around on your hands and knees for a kitten’s-eye view of potential dangers.

Orphan Kitten adopting kittens

Hand-raised newborn kittes need to be fed every 4 hours or so with an appropriate kitten milk replacement.

7. Don’t feed kittens milk, as it can cause diarrhea.

Queen-replacement milk is available, but most babies eat solid food by 4 weeks old. Tiny tummies can’t eat enough to sustain in one meal, so feed three or four small meals daily until the kitten is 6 months old and twice daily thereafter. Monitor your kitten for a healthy appetite.

8. Do train your kitten.

Routinely handle her ears, paws, and mouth so she learns it’s not scary from you or the veterinarian. Make carriers fun playpens by tossing toys inside or turn them into napping spots so she’ll accept being in the carrier for visits to the vet or grandma’s. Listen to your kitten to choose a name–looks and/or behavior offer hints.  Learn how to stop loud mouth kittens from meowing too much.

9. Don’t declaw kittens.

Instead, train from the beginning with lots of legal scratch objects. Catch her in the act of scratching the right objects and reward with praise, treats or toys. Start trimming claws when you first get your kitten — one nail a day with your own clippers is fine — so she knows this is normal. That way if she forgets claw-training, she won’t damage property or skin with blunt claws.

10. Don’t let kittens outside…

until they’ve received all preventive vaccinations, microchip identification and parasite treatments — and you have a safe outdoor sanctuary. It’s nearly impossible to kitten proof the great outdoors. Instead, leash-train your kitten to keep her safe and/or make the indoors so interesting with toys, cat trees, and your love that the kitten never misses going out.

(Bonus) 11. Do let the kitten pick YOU!

My Facebook friend Eliyahu offered this great comment and gave me permission to add to the list:

Don’t pick out the kitten. Let it pick you. It’s easy to be attracted to the one you think is the cutest or the prettiest, but that may not be the right one for you. I’ve always gone to the shelter with a couple of hours free time when getting a kitten or cat. Our shelter back in Washington had a big cat room with all the cats together. I’d sit in a chair and let the kittens come to me, then see how each interacted with me and which one wanted the most to be with me.

Here, there isn’t a cat room, so I had the worker bring kittens one at a time and played with them. The prettiest one turned out to be skittish around people, another just sat in the corner and stared. Finally, about eight kittens later, she brought one in that walked up, sniffed at me, climbed up on my lap and made it clear to us that she’d chosen me to be her human. A year later, Cenerentola still spends much of her time climbing on my lap and shoulders or sleeping by my feet when she’s not playing with the other cat.

What else have I missed? Maybe you’d like to share what do you need before adopting a kitten (besides litter box, litter, food, scratch object, toys, and LOVE)? Are there other DO’s and DON’Ts that are important to include when planning your new kitten’s gotcha day? Please share!

NEW-KITTEN-COVER-lorez

All the Kitten Must-Knows!

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

 

33 Comments

  1. Derek Dewitt

    I want to get a kitten soon. I like your point about kitten-proofing the house. I’ll be sure to move any electrical cords.

    Reply
  2. Karyl

    Definite yup on the kittens adopted too early part! Our wee shelter baby was only 10 weeks old when we brought her home, so we know she can’t have been with momma long enough. She had to learn not to nip, and she was obsessively trying to nurse on everything for a while.

    Now she’s almost 9 months old, learning for the most part not to nip (though she forgets when we go to trim her nails – I tried to start her early on that and she STILL hates it) and sort of sometimes learning how to sit not-quite-still in a lap. LOL

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Has it been that long, she’s 9 months now? Wow, kittenhood sure is fleeting.

      Reply
      • Karyl

        Hard to believe, isn’t it? If you look at my latest blog post I managed to get a bit of video during a VERY short period where she actually sat semi-still. LOL She’s getting to be a pretty big girl but it’s so weird because she’s got an adult cat body now, but with the baby face still stuck on it.

        Reply
  3. Maureen

    great info! I love cats but I am allergic. Your post is really insightful and I will share with an adoption pet agency I work with. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Sorry you’re allergic that’s a bummer. There are steps to take (AllerpetC helps) but it’s hard to manage.

      Reply
  4. Ryan

    Great points! We actually take our kittens to the plant nursery in town and let people play with them to get them used to strangers. Our kittens are definitely NOT shy now! lol

    Reply
  5. Jodi Jarvis-Therrian

    Great advice !! Thanks for sharing purrrrfect ideas !

    Reply
  6. MyDogLikes

    Lucas certainly picked us! He was returned twice from owners who didn’t take the time to get to know him before taking him back to the shelter. They actually claimed that he didn’t like dogs HA! He is the sweetest, most lovable, cat (who thinks he is a dog) in the world!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Awww…so glad you found each other.

      Reply
  7. Sadie

    It’s been so long since I’ve had a kitten in the house I forgot everything that’s involved!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      It’s like riding a furry bike…comes back pretty quick.

      Reply
  8. Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats

    All great points. Four years ago I adopted 2 kittens — my first cats ever. I read a half dozen books and did all the things you suggest, plus I had the added challenge of introducing them to 2 dogs, which required a very slow and careful introduction. It took about three months to get everyone settled. Today, everyone gets along.

    –Purrs (and wags) from Life with Dogs and Cats

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      When Magic came to us as a puppy, we took a lot of time to introduce him to our cat. It took her over 9 months before she’d stay in the same room. Now she’s 18 and the boss of him and the new cat.

      Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Thanks for visiting and commenting!

      Reply
  9. Robin

    Great article! This is so spot on. There is a lot to know about kittens before you bring one into your life. I think that a lot of people don’t realize that.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      It’s no different than prepping for a human baby…you need to educate yourself first, or you’re always scrambling to play catch-up.

      Reply
  10. Michelle Wolff

    #11 is my favorite! 2 of our cats chose us and it’s such an honor.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Ain’t it the truth! Both my cats chose me.

      Reply
  11. Aimable Cats

    I’ve raised a few kindles of kittens from feral queens. Some of them I waited too long to get them used to humans. Others I had on my lap and loving it. There was one day with one litter where mom came up on my lap too, and the kittens were nursing up there. Blanche was more interested in my lap than in the food I was bringing, and her brother Simon would look at me with a Don’t go! look when I went back to the house.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Love it that Mom-cat also benefited from the situation!

      Reply
  12. The Swiss Cats

    Great advice ! Don’t adopt too early and do socialization teaching on time are so important ! Purrs

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Thanks so much for visiting!

      Reply
  13. Peggy Frezon

    Great point to get the kitten used to being handled, so that she will be more comfortable at the vet’s. I can’t imagine not wanting to handle and cuddle a kitten all day!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Thanks for visiting, Peggy. Yes, cuddling kittens is a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it! *vbg*

      Reply
  14. Franny Syufy

    They both still have their issues. Jaspurr is uber-alpha, and I think he takes Jenny’s calico-sassiness as a threat to his standing. But Jack the Ripper could come to our house and Jaspurr would be his best friend, while Joey, Billy, and Jenny ran for cover.

    Gotta love them!

    Reply
  15. amyshojai

    That really HISSES me off, that your kitties had to go through such things! They “learned” an important lesson, not to trust…how fortunately that you came along. Franny, after reading this awful history, it’s amazing Jaspurr and Joey are as well adjusted as they are.

    Reply
  16. Franny Syufy

    I can vouch for “don’t adopt too early.” The majority of problems we’ve had with Jaspurr and Joey are because we brought them home at 6.5 weeks. I had planned to wait until they were at least 8 weeks. However the *woman* whose cat mothered them (and likely several dozen litters before) called the rescue gal who was my contact, and said “get these kittens out of here! They’re driving me crazy.” I found out later that they were abused by the young kids in the family. The boys would pick up kittens and hurl them at the other kittens. And the sweet little 5 YO girl would pick one up by the neck and carry him swinging back and forth.

    Jaspurr, now 9, still has a habit of “nursing” on his foreleg for comfort, and Joey is terribly timid of strangers. But they are both loving kitties and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Fostering Kittens? Kittens Thrive with Training, Socialization, & LoveAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] Yes, kittens (and cats) CAN be trained! I know that I’m preaching to the choir. Never doubt that you…
  2. Kitten Development! Learn About Newborn Kitten Development - […] Adopting a pair of kittens can be a good option, so the babies wrestle and play with each other…
  3. Tips for Adopt A Cat Month and Adopt a Shelter Cat Month - […] If you adopt a kitten younger than this, you should either have a friendly adult cat in the house…
  4. How to Adopt A Perfect Shelter Cat: National Adopt A Shelter Cat Month - […] Age matters. While space concerns force shelters to adopt out kittens as early as possible, a shelter cat will…
  5. Mothers Day Gift Book Contest: Enter to Win Kitten Book Give Away! - […] KITTEN CARE is your go-to guide for kittens information on kittens health, new kitten care, and buying a kitten or…
  6. Cat Introductions: Kitten to Cat Introductions & Introducing Cats - […] Kitten Care made such a positive difference. The book covers lots more of course about choosing, adoption options, caring for,…
  7. How Pets Play, Why Cats Play, and What Dog Play Means - […] Karma has decided “riding” a towel dragged across the floor is great fun. Kitty sledding, anyone? Keep in mind…
  8. Kitten Litter Box Training: Learn How to Potty Train Cats - […] on your new kitten adoption! Most cats come pre-programmed to use the potty but you’ll need help if the…
  9. Cat Colds: How to Cure Cat Colds & Upper Respiratory Congestion - […] While we often fall in love with that poor little sick shelter kitten, an upper respiratory infection (cat cold)…
  10. Feline Friday, ps: 10 Kitten Care Do's & Don'ts « Amy Shojai's Blog | How to Care Tips for Cats - [...] Read more: Feline Friday, ps: 10 Kitten Care Do's & Don'ts « Amy Shojai's Blog [...]

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Name That Hero Dog for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO DOG contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO DOG requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO CAT character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO DOG

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

Name That Hero Cat for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO CAT contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO CAT requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO DOG character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO CAT

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

September & Shadow Audiobook Trilogy only $2.99!

In a lead up to the release of thriller #7 DARE OR DIE, I’ve discounted the first three books in the September & Shadow Thriller Series in a CHIRP deal yee-haw! So if you’ve not yet listened, here’s your chance to get all 3 for under $3.

LOST AND FOUND (#1) kicks off the saga, with September searching for her missing nephew in a snowstorm–aided by Shadow the service dog.

HIDE AND SEEK (#2) shares September’s tragic backstory when a stalker from her past finds her, and Shadow helps her heal.

SHOW AND TELL (#3) gives previous victims the chance to become heroes, helping September and Shadow vanquish a deadly drug dealer.

All three books combine in the trilogy (audio), discounted from $24.99 to $2.99 for a limited time at these links…

Leaving Pets Behind: Choosing Pet Sitters

When the holidays or business travel rolls around, pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog or cat. After delaying plans for over two years due to the virus, many of us now will travel to visit family and friends, have folks visit, or spend vacation time away from home. Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members. That’s where pet sitters come in. This week is the 29th annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™ — do you have a pet sitter for your furry wonders? Here’s what you need to know!

Cover Reveal: DARE OR DIE, a September & Shadow Thriller #7

COVER REVEAL for the latest September & Shadow Thriller! If you love thrillers, mysteries, or suspense that include pets, watch this space for DARE OR DIE, coming soon! In each of my thrillers, I include HERO PETS nominated by readers and voted on by the public. In the past, the books have included every day dogs and cats, service animals, and beloved companions that now live on in the stories. Last week, I announced the latest contest, and today I sent out the invitation to nominate pets to my newsletter list. The suggestions already started pouring in. Watch this space to VOTE on your pick for HERO CAT and HERO DOG.

AAHA: THE STANDARD OF VETERINARY EXCELLENCE

While I was at the BlogPaws conference some years ago, I attended a special session sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.org). Having previously worked as a vet tech, I’m familiar with this organization and learned even more during the presentation by Dr. Heather Loenser. If you’re not familiar with this wonderful organization, here’s what you need to know.

What Is AAHA?

The American Animal Hospital Association, founded 82 years ago, is a voluntary accrediting organization for small animal hospitals in the United States. That’s right…accreditation is VOLUNTARY, and it is not required by law. Only 12-15% of animal hospitals have gone through the rigorous and stringent evaluation process to attain this distinction.

That’s not to say that animal hospitals without AAHA-accreditation don’t offer great care from talented and dedicated veterinarians. Dr. Loenser noted that to achieve accreditation requires cooperation and dedication from the entire staff, from veterinarians and technicians to front desk staff and everyone who has a “paw” in the success of the practice.

6 Easy Fresh Breath Tips & How to Brush Doggy & Kitty Teeth (Without Getting Bit!)

Do you brush dog teeth? How about brushing cat teeth? The AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February to help prevent pet dental problems.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

But it’s never too late (or too soon) to get your pets’ pearly whites checked out by your veterinarian. Often the doctor has some great tips for keeping cat teeth clean and dog breath at bay, including how to brush doggy teeth.

Does the thought of brushing dog teeth make you cringe, roll your eyes, whimper, slink away–and feel guilty? You’re not alone. But once that puppy-sweet breath morphs into curl-your-eyebrows stench, it’s long past the time to address that stink-icity.

Inspirational Book Giveaway & Thriller Teaser Info

Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you… Most times I send these notices out to my newsletter, but this offer (sorta-kinda different for me!) begs sharing widely. I’ve teamed up with 50+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Inspirational Fiction & Non-Fiction books to 2 lucky winners!

Oh, and read on for a hint about the upcoming thriller DARE OR DIE and how to nominate YOUR special pet for a hero pet character!

Does Your Pet Have Paunch? How to Know They’re Overweight & What to Do

Ok, who doesn’t love a little paunch on your favorite pet? I have to admit a round puppy or kitten tummy just begs to be cuddled. Adult cats commonly have a pouch–primordial pouch–that won’t go away even when they weigh the right amount. Even wild cats have this extra-belly, possibly as an added protection from tooth-and-claw, or to give more flexibility when running. But more than that and it’s important to recognize when it’s a sign of something serious or is putting your pet at risk of long-term harm.

I get it. The chubby look on some pets can literally melt hearts! 😍But as someone who has been in this industry long enough, I know that a little chubbiness can lead to some pretty large and serious health issues. Paunch and obesity in pets are serious issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s take a closer look at pet paunch and what you can do to help manage your pet’s weight.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 87% of veterinary professionals surveyed consider pet obesity a disease. But the same survey found that fewer pet owners think their pets are obese versus the general percentages that actually are. This means a lot of pet parents aren’t recognizing that pudge as a potential problem.

Top 5 Dog Exercises to Keep Fido Fit and Strong for Life

It’s time to get physical! Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. I walk on my desk treadmill every day to keep my joints loose and muscles toned. The Pet Health Network notes that obesity can lead to future health issues like arthritis, heart and breathing issues, and can even take two years off your dog’s life!

I love sharing pet health tips from other pet professionals. But always check with your veterinarian about your own dog’s specific issues, to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Here are my top five fitness tips for dogs.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships