Thank you for adopting kitten/s from Croydon Animal Samaritans! We hope your new arrival/s settle in quickly to their forever home with you. Here are some tips to help both you and your kitten/s get started on your new life together.

Housing

We recommend for the first few days you restrict your kitten/s to either one or a few rooms to allow them to adjust to their new home and not feel overwhelmed. Make sure they have everything they need – litter tray, food, water and somewhere cosy to sleep. Kittens can be very

curious and adventurous so you need to make sure your home is free from potential dangers, for example, toxic house plants, exposed electrical wires and that your kitten/s cannot get trapped in small open spaces, such as behind wardrobes, appliances, up chimney places or under

floorboards. Be careful of ornaments and glassware which could be knocked over. If you have children small toys, such as Lego, can be choking hazards. Once your home is kitten proofed and your kitten/s are eating and drinking well, using the litter tray successfully you can open up more rooms and let them explore gradually. Kitten/s should always be kept indoors and not

allowed outdoors until fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and grown near to full size. Windows and doors should be secured and screened if necessary. Outdoor kitten harnesses are not recommended as they can be unsafe.

Feeding & Nutrition

Dry food should always be provided for free feeding and should be a good quality complete food such as Royal Canin, Iams, James Wellbeloved, Applaws etc. Basic brands often contain low quality meat and grains that are not nutritionally suitable. Kitten pouches should also be provided 3-4 times a day for very young kittens (8-16 weeks) or 2-3 times a day for older kittens. Your fosterer can advice current brand your new kitten/s are eating and any other dietary requirements. Clean fresh water should always be provided. Kittens are lactose intolerant and should only be given kitten/cat milk, not cow’s milk.

Litter Training

We recommend using covered litter trays without cat flaps, so kitten/s have more privacy and usually the kitchen, utility area or bathroom is the best place to position trays. It is best to use a small amount of litter per tray and change it regularly. Litter trays should be checked daily and any stools and wet patches scooped and removed. Litter trays should be fully emptied, cleaned and disinfected at least every 1-3 days with a bacterial litter tray disinfectant. A second litter tray should be provided if possible, to encourage litter training as kittens are still growing so they may have to use the tray more often and may have weaker bladders than adult cats. One upstairs and downstairs if applicable is usually helpful.

Handling

It is a good idea to handle your kitten/s gently and safely as much as possible, so they get used to it. Choose times when they are calm and settled. Make sure you handle their face, ears and mouth if you can as it will help you to check them as they grow and keep them healthy.

Rewarding handling with treats also helps to make the experience positive and build a bond.

Vaccinations

Kittens should start initial vaccinations at 9 weeks providing they have not had any physical or developmental illnesses or problems. If they have not yet started vaccinations, you will need to call your local vet and book a convenient appointment. Kittens are then due a second

vaccination 3-4 weeks later and following this will need a booster vaccination each year. Our homing donation fees include full vaccination cover. Details of your kitten vaccinations will be listed on their vaccination card.

Parasite control

Kitten/s will need to be regularly treated to prevent flea and parasite infestations, such as worms and ear mites. There are several products available, but it is important to make sure you use a good quality one prescribed by your vet as shop-based products are simply not strong enough and some are dangerous.

Neutering and Microchipping

All kittens should be neutered and microchipped at around 5 months old depending on their development and size. If they have not yet been neutered you will need to book the neutering in advanced with your local vet and they will explain the costs, neutering procedures and advice.

Pet Insurance

Cats and kittens adopted from Croydon Animal Samaritans come with 5 weeks free pet insurance – whatever their age! We will register you with Agria Pet Insurance to activate the insurance. You will receive a welcome pack from Agria with the cover details and the option of receiving a quote for continuing the insurance once the 5 weeks free ends. We strongly recommend you have Pet Insurance for your kitten/s as vet bills can be very expensive. Always look at Lifetime Cover Policies as they provide the most comprehensive cover.

Settling in Problems

We hope your kitten/s settle in well but sometimes there can be a few further questions and queries, just contact us if needed.