The arrival of your new kitten is an exciting day, and certain items should be pre-purchased to make the transition as smooth as possible. This includes a cat carrier for the car ride home, a bed/blanket, kitten food, food/water bowls, a litter box, kitty litter, kitten-safe toys, and a safe area for down time. Because the transition to a new home can be stressful to a kitten, it is best to follow the protocols and routines of your breeder to encourage good eating and kitty litter habits. For ideas on what and where to buy, visit the Fun and Essential Purchases section under Kitten Care.

Prior to your kitten's arrival, you will also want to walk around your home and consider how you will create a comfortable and secure space for your itty bitty kitty. Ask yourself these questions:

When not loving on my kitten, where is a good location for the kitty litter, bed, food and water? This includes bed time and other times when your Ragdoll will be unsupervised.

When you pick up your Ragdoll, you will have a tiny, trusting kitten in your hands that needs to feel secure and aware of a safe spot to call home. Though you will regularly love on your kitten, it is nice to have a secure, visible location so that you are not worried about losing sight of your kitten during down times.

During the daytime and when they are not being loved on, it is a good idea to have them in a safe area that is open for them to see you and familiarize themselves with the regular sounds and scents of your home (Note: When something is new and unfamiliar, calmly reassure them as you pet them). It is important that this calm and inviting area have a litter box, a cat condo or bed to rest, a few toys, food and water. Consider the type of area you choose, and remove any potential hazards (fragile decor, glass, plants, etc.). At night, they will likely want to cuddle with you as you sleep, so just make sure they have access to their food, water, and their litter box.

Are there any unsafe areas for my kitten such as a doggy door, slats on a stairwell, or other non-pet friendly areas (a commonly used exit/entrance, stairs, an area where things are not secured, another family pet they will be adjusting to, etc.)?

If any of these potential hazards exist, discuss and brainstorm ahead of time with your family on how you will safeguard these areas prior to the kitten's arrival. Remember that kittens will quickly jump and climb, so make short- and long-term plans for kitten/cat safety as you gradually open the funnel to more freedom.