Bringing Kitten Home

What should I feed my kitten?

Kittens need high-quality kitten food with a balance of protein, fat, and nutrients. Wet food is often recommended alongside dry kibble. Feed a mix of both to provide variety and ensure hydration.

Always keep dry food out and available. Kittens under 6 months should eat 3-4 small meals a day (about a tablespoon). After 6 months, you can transition to 2 meals a day.

✅ Safe foods:

  • Kitten-formulated wet/dry food

  • Plain, cooked chicken or turkey (as an occasional treat)

  • Plain, cooked eggs (small amounts)

    🚫 Unsafe foods:

  • Milk & dairy (causes digestive upset)

  • Raw meat & eggs (risk of bacteria and parasites)

  • Onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, caffeine (toxic to cats)

  • Dog food (lacks essential nutrients for cats)

Why do Cats experience Whisker Fatigue?

Whiskers (also called vibrissae) are specialized sensory hairs deeply embedded in a cat’s skin and connected to their nervous system. They help cats:
✔ Detect nearby objects and navigate their surroundings
✔ Sense air currents and changes in their environment
✔ Judge distances and space, even in darkness

When a cat's whiskers repeatedly brush against the sides of a bowl, the constant stimulation can become uncomfortable or even stressful.

Signs of Whisker Fatigue in Cats

😿 Reluctance to eat or drink despite being hungry/thirsty
😿 Pawing at food or knocking food out of the bowl
😿 Acting restless or pacing near the food bowl
😿 Eating only from the center of the bowl and leaving food at the edges
😿 Being hesitant to approach the food or water bowl
😿 Drinking from other sources (like faucets or puddles) instead of their bowl.

How to Prevent Whisker Fatigue

✅ Use Wide, Shallow Bowls – Allows the cat to eat or drink without their whiskers touching the edges.
✅ Use a Plate Instead of a Bowl – Flat plates work well for dry food or wet food.
✅ Choose a Cat Water Fountain – Provides fresh running water without whisker irritation.
✅ Keep Food and Water Bowls Separate – Cats prefer drinking away from their food source.

Special Water Bowl Considerations

💦 Cats prefer running water! Consider a cat water fountain, as kittens and cats often drink more from moving water, which helps prevent dehydration.

💦 Wide, shallow water bowls are best to prevent whisker discomfort. Stainless steel or ceramic is ideal to keep water fresh.

💦 Keep water clean and fresh! Change it at least once a day.

How do I litter train my kitten?

Your kitten has been using the litter box since they were five weeks old, which is great! However, when bringing them into a new home, they need time to adjust and relearn the location of their litter box.

Helping Your Kitten Adjust to Their Litter Box in a New Home

🐾 Start in a Small Area – Keep your kitten in a smaller, confined space (like a bathroom or a small room) for the first few days. This helps them feel secure and ensures they can easily find their litter box.

🐾 Gradually Expand Their Space – Once they are consistently using the litter box in their smaller area, you can slowly allow them to explore more of your home.

🐾 Take Them to the Litter Box Regularly – To reinforce good habits, gently place your kitten in the litter box after meals and naps since these are times they are most likely to need to go.

🐾 Make It Easy to Find – Keep the litter box in a quiet, accessible location where your kitten won’t feel trapped or disturbed.

How to Introduce Your Ragdoll Kitten to Other Pets?

Introducing your Ragdoll kitten to other pets should be done slowly and carefully to ensure a smooth transition. Ragdolls are known for their gentle and social nature, but they still need time to adjust to new animal companions.

1. Create a Safe Space for Your Kitten

🐾 Before introductions, set up a separate room for your kitten with food, water, a litter box, toys, and a cozy bed.
🐾 Let your kitten get comfortable in their new environment before meeting other pets.

2. Start with Scent Introduction

🐾 Swap bedding or toys between your kitten and the resident pet so they can get used to each other's scent before meeting.
🐾 You can also gently rub a cloth on one pet and place it near the other to create familiarity.

3. Let Them Hear Each Other First

🐾 Allow your pets to hear and smell each other through a closed door.
🐾 If they remain calm, reward both with treats and praise.

4. Supervised, Gradual Visual Introductions

🐾 Use a baby gate, carrier, or cracked door to allow them to see each other without direct contact.
🐾 Watch their body language: curiosity is good, but hissing, growling, or signs of fear mean they need more time.

5. Controlled Face-to-Face Meeting

🐾 Once both pets seem relaxed, introduce them in a neutral space with supervision.
🐾 Keep the initial meetings short and positive.
🐾 Allow the kitten to approach at their own pace, and don’t force interactions.

Kitten-Proofing Your Home: Keeping Your Ragdoll Kitten Safe

Ragdoll kittens are known for their gentle, affectionate nature and their love for following their family from room to room. While they tend to be more docile than other kittens, they can still chew, climb, or get into things they shouldn’t! Kitten-proofing your home ensures your new furry friend stays safe as they explore their environment.

1. Secure Dangerous Areas

🔹 Block off small spaces – Kittens love squeezing into tight spots. Check behind appliances (stoves, refrigerators, washers/dryers), under furniture, and inside closets.
🔹 Use baby gates – If needed, block off areas where your kitten shouldn’t go.
🔹 Keep toilet lids down – Kittens can fall in and struggle to get out.
🔹 Close washer/dryer doors – Always check inside before use, as kittens may sneak in for warmth.
🔹 Watch doorways – Since Ragdoll kittens love to follow their owners, be mindful of closing doors too quickly to avoid accidental injuries.

2. Remove Potentially Toxic Items

🚫 Toxic Plants – Many common houseplants are poisonous to cats, including:
✔ Lilies (extremely toxic!)
✔ Pothos
✔ Aloe Vera
✔ Philodendrons
✔ Snake Plants
🔹 Solution: Remove toxic plants or place them out of reach. Safe alternatives include spider plants or cat grass.

🚫 Household Cleaners & Chemicals
✔ Store cleaning supplies, detergents, and medications in locked cabinets.
✔ Avoid using strong chemical sprays where your kitten plays or eats.

🚫 Human Foods That Are Toxic to Cats
✔ Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners (xylitol) can be deadly to kittens.
✔ Always keep food covered or stored away.

3. Keep Small Objects & Choking Hazards Away

🔹 NERF Bullets & Small Toys – Be sure to keep NERF bullets and balls away from your cat and kitten, as there are multiple reported cases of cats needing emergency stomach surgery after swallowing these items.

🔹 Toys with Feathers – Some toys with attached feathers can pose a choking risk if kittens chew off and swallow loose pieces.
✔ Supervise play with feathered toys, and replace them if they start falling apart.

🔹 Small Objects – Hair ties, rubber bands, paperclips, and jewelry are choking hazards.
✔ Keep small items in drawers or containers.

🔹 Blinds & Curtain Cords – Kittens may tangle themselves in cords, leading to strangulation risks.
✔ Use cord winders or cut long loops to prevent accidents.

4. Protect Electrical Cords & Wires

🔹 Electrical Cords – Ragdoll kittens, like all kittens, may chew on cords, which can cause shocks or burns.
✔ Use cord protectors or cover them with PVC tubing.
✔ Keep chargers unplugged when not in use.

5. Keep Fragile & Dangerous Items Out of Reach

🔹 Breakable Items – While Ragdolls are less hyperactive than some breeds, they still love to jump onto shelves and tables. Store fragile decorations, vases, and glassware in secure areas.
🔹 Candles & Open Flames – Never leave a candle burning where a kitten can reach it.
🔹 Sharp Objects – Scissors, knives, and razors should be kept in drawers or cabinets.

6. Provide Safe Alternatives for Climbing & Scratching

✔ Scratching Posts & Pads – To prevent kittens from scratching furniture, provide designated scratching surfaces.
✔ Cat Trees or Perches – If your kitten loves to climb, a cat tree is a safe alternative to bookshelves and counters.
✔ Soft Beds & Hideaways – Ragdolls enjoy lounging, so cozy cat beds or small hideouts are great for them.

Can I Let My Ragdoll Kitten Outside?

Ragdolls are known for being incredibly docile and trusting, which makes them especially vulnerable to dangers outside. Unlike other breeds, they lack strong survival instincts and are at a higher risk of being fatally hurt by other animals, such as dogs, aggressive cats, or wildlife.

If you want your Ragdoll kitten to enjoy the outdoors safely, consider these options:

✔ Leash Training – Use a well-fitted cat harness and leash to allow safe, supervised outdoor time.
✔ Cat Backpack or Stroller – A great way for your kitten to experience fresh air without the risks of roaming.
✔ Outdoor Cat Enclosure (Catio) – Provides a fully enclosed outdoor space for safe play.

🚫 Never let your kitten outside unsupervised or allow free roaming.
🚫 Do not allow your kitten or cat outside at dusk – Owls and other large birds of prey can see small cats as prey, putting them at serious risk.
🚫 Avoid letting your kitten out near roads – Ragdolls may not recognize traffic dangers.

Leash Training Tips for Your Ragdoll Kitten

Since Ragdolls are laid-back and adaptable, many enjoy leash training when introduced properly. Here's how to get started:

🐾 1. Choose the Right Harness & Leash
✔ Use a soft, adjustable harness designed for cats (not just a collar).
✔ A lightweight, non-retractable leash is best for control and safety.

🐾 2. Let Your Kitten Get Used to the Harness Indoors
✔ Place the harness near their bed or food so they associate it with something positive.
✔ Let them sniff and play with it before attempting to put it on.

🐾 3. Start with Short Wearing Sessions
✔ Gently put the harness on your kitten without fastening it at first.
✔ Once comfortable, fasten it and let them wear it for a few minutes while giving treats.
✔ Gradually increase the time over several days.

🐾 4. Attach the Leash & Practice Indoors
✔ Let your kitten walk around with the leash dragging behind them (while supervised).
✔ Hold the leash loosely and encourage movement with treats or toys.

🐾 5. Take Your First Outdoor Adventure
✔ Choose a quiet, enclosed area like a fenced yard or patio.
✔ Keep the first trip short and stress-free (5-10 minutes).
✔ Let your kitten explore at their own pace—never pull on the leash.

🐾 6. Be Patient & Reward Good Behavior
✔ Use treats and praise to reinforce positive experiences.

With time and positive reinforcement, your Ragdoll kitten can safely enjoy the outdoors on a leash while staying protected from potential dangers.