5 Things To Do When Bringing Your Kitten Home
Introduction
Bringing home a new kitten — especially a Ragdoll kitten — is an exciting and rewarding experience. But for your new furry family member, it can also be overwhelming. Kittens are entering a completely new environment filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
To make the transition as smooth as possible, it’s important to plan ahead. Here are five things you should do before and after bringing home your Ragdoll kitten to ensure they feel safe, secure, and loved.
Arrange a Safe Space for Your Kitten
Before your kitten arrives, set up a dedicated space where they can settle in. A small bathroom, laundry room, or quiet guest room works best. Limiting their space at first helps reduce anxiety and makes it easier for them to adjust.
Include the following essentials in their space:
A cozy box or carrier – gives them a safe place to retreat
Water bowl – clean, fresh water should always be available
Dry food bowl – keep dry food out at all times for free-feeding
Litter box – place this away from their food and water, as kittens instinctively want to separate eating and bathroom areas
👉 Tip: A smaller safe space will make your kitten feel less overwhelmed and more secure in the first few days.
2. Transition to New Food Slowly
Your kitten will likely be used to eating a certain brand or type of food. A sudden switch can cause digestive upset.
Bring home some of the food they are already eating
Mix small amounts of your new chosen food with their current food
Gradually increase the amount of new food over 7–10 days
Don’t worry if your kitten eats very little the first couple of days — this is normal while they adjust. Their appetite usually picks up once they feel comfortable.
3. Use Pet Rescue for the Drive Home
Traveling can be stressful for kittens. Natural calming remedies, such as Bach’s Pet Rescue Remedy, can help your Ragdoll kitten remain calm during the drive or even air travel.
Reduces anxiety from loud noises and new environments
Keeps kittens calm, happy, and relaxed
Safe and natural for young cats
Consider giving your kitten a dose before pickup to make their first journey home smoother.
4. Let Your Kitten Explore at Their Own Pace
Every kitten has a unique personality. Some will be curious and adventurous from the start, while others will prefer to stay close to their safe space.
After the first few hours, allow short, supervised explorations of new rooms
Keep other pets away during these early sessions
If your kitten seems anxious, gently return them to their litter box and safe area
Introducing Your Kitten to Other Pets
Start by letting pets sniff each other through a gate or screen
Allow them to get used to each other’s scent gradually
When both seem calm, arrange short, supervised introductions
This step-by-step approach reduces stress and helps foster positive relationships.
5. Spend Quality Time with Your Kitten
Ragdolls are known for their affectionate, people-oriented personalities. Your new kitten will crave time with you, especially during their transition period.
Sit with your kitten in their safe room
Offer gentle play and cuddles
Consider keeping them in your bedroom at night for the first few days (with a litter box nearby)
As they become more comfortable, they’ll be able to spend time alone. But remember, Ragdolls will always prefer being near their humans — they’re loyal companions for life.
Conclusion
Preparing for a new kitten takes a little planning, but the effort is well worth it. By arranging a safe space, transitioning food gradually, providing comfort during travel, introducing them slowly to your home and pets, and spending quality time together, you’ll set your Ragdoll kitten up for a smooth, happy transition.
With patience, love, and the right preparation, your kitten will quickly become a confident, affectionate member of your family.
