You go to the breeder’s home. The kittens are all social and running around. For weeks now, you have watched videos the breeder posted showing how well-socialized the kittens are.

Then reality hits. The kitten may cry in the carrier on the way home and possibly for the first few nights making you tired and agitated. The happy, social kitten is refusing to greet the half dozen overly excited friends you invited over to see your new kitten. The kitten refuses to play. Many are wondering how my perfect kitten turned into a nightmare.

First, the kitten has been in the breeder’s home since birth. They had their mother and often littermates. As well as the other cats and pets in the breeder’s home. They had their routine, were taught expectations and were completely in their comfort zone. They are well socialized with their housemates whether dog or cat (or in my case, both).

Now suddenly each kitten is taken to a totally new environment (YOUR HOME). Picture yourself being dropped into an unknown country, often in a different part of the world. You know only a few words of their language. Different scenery, smells, temperature, and people. Now in the middle of this we are switching up your routine, deciding to have a party with people you don’t know, and ask you to come out and be social. For a human this is overwhelming to say the least; think about it from your new kitten’s viewpoint. Please....

This is what every kitten goes through when going to their new home. This can cause Stress which manifests in different forms. From not eating, litter box difficulties, reluctancy to play, be social, or hiding. Diarrhea, vomiting and even depression can occur. Sometimes, a new kitten can be apprehensive at the new vet’s office or as strangers reach for them.

The Most Important Thing to know is:  most kittens take 3-4 weeks to acclimate to their new home.

REPEAT  AFTER  ME.

THREE to FOUR WEEKS!     

Not in 1-2 days.

I can’t stress this enough about how much time is needed for a cat or kitten to feel comfortable in their new home!

It is VERY IMPORTANT to make sure the kitten has fully become adjusted to their new home BEFORE introductions to outside the home family, friends, etc.  Follow these easy steps to give you and your kitten the best possible chance of a stress-free adjustment period.

Limit guests during the first week. I completely understand you are excited to show off your new baby, but they need time to adjust. Plan on waiting 1-2 weeks before inviting people over.

Ask a guest to sit on the ground and let the kitten approach them.  No squealing and grabbing the kitten. Make use of teaser type toys to engage with the kitten.

Restrict the kitten to a small area or room of the house for at least two - four weeks. This not only reduces the kitten from becoming overwhelmed but also allows you to watch them.  Do not isolate the kitten, spend time during the day playing with the kitten, and engaging with it when doing routine feeding, cleaning litter box or these types of things.  The litter box, food, water, toys, and scratching posts or trees should also be in this room.  Usually, if you have a master bathroom or laundry room those works great for a "temporary home" during the adjustment period.

Understand your kitten needs time to see you as family. Expecting an immediate bond is unrealistic. However, this is often tempered by the fact you have made the smart decision to get the friendliest cat breed ever, the Persian!

Lastly, be patient. Don’t declare “omg there’s something wrong with this kitten”.  Nothing occurs overnight.

Remember if the kitten was wonderful at the breeder’s house but now struggling the problem is YOU.  You, as the owner, need to help the kitten adjust which takes time, patience, lots of love and play time. Have realistic expectations and give the kitten positive experiences. Each kitten is an individual, don’t compare your current kitten to past pets and judge their behavior based on how another cat handled things.

Lastly, try to see things from a kitten’s perspective and adjust situations accordingly.