Bringing a kitten home is an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when you’ve chosen to adopt. From its first purr to its playful antics, the journey is sprinkled with memorable moments. So, how to behave when you are driving an adopted kitten home? Indeed, the journey home can be as important as the journey itself. Cats are creatures of habit. They like to have a routine and can be scared of changes. Imagine the number of sounds in a car – the humming of the engine, the sound of air rushing past the car, and let’s not forget the beeps of other cars.
Preparation is Key
There are some essentials you’ll want to arrange before you even head out to the shelter though. It is important to make your little furball a cozy corner. It doesn’t have to be grandiose – a soft blanket, a small water bowl, and a tiny toy will do just fine. Also, bring along a carrier. Having a secure place for your kitten can make all the difference.
Did you know? Cats, unlike dogs, can often sense aftershocks of earthquakes well before they occur. Their heightened sensitivity makes them naturally cautious.
The Crate or No Crate Debate
Ah, the age-old discussion! Some prefer keeping kittens in a crate for their own safety during the drive. Others voice concerns about confinement. Honestly, it’s about balance. If you opt for a crate, ensure it’s spacious and well-ventilated. On the flip side, some parents prefer to hold the kitten in their laps. If that’s your choice, just be wary of sudden stops or swerves.
- Check the crate’s stability
- Check that there is good air circulation
- Precense a blanket to put on the crate to make it more comfortable
Those Feline Gut Feelings
So, pay attention once the kitten is in your car. They may meow, possibly out of anxiety or curiosity. It’s a new world for them. Gentle words can help to soothe them and talk to them – your voice can be a comforting undertone amidst the car sounds. Remember, some kittens are music lovers. A soft tune can soothe them or even make them sleep.
Embrace the Unpredictable Moments
Here’s the thing: journeys can be unpredictable. Traffic jams, unexpected turns, or sudden stops might occur. Just stay calm if things go awry. Cats sense your energy. If you are calm, they will be calm as well.
Tip: Put the carrier in a stable position and place it on the passenger seat with the belt loose on the carrier. This reduces movement and increases safety in case of a sudden stop.
The Arrival: First Impressions Matter
Pulling into your driveway (or garage), check your entryway one last time. Make sure other pets aren’t around and the environment is quiet. Gradually put the crate on the ground and let them out if you have set them free. At times, they will scurry off; at other times, they will stay there a little longer. Respect their pace.
Welcome to the New Home
Let them have access to one room at first, when you take them inside. They will smell, pat, possibly even jump. But you should watch them and let them have some space. This is a way of helping them to feel less threatened.
The Intricacies of Kitten Behavior
When they start to settle in, you will start to see their routines emerge. Food, play, sleep – the cat routines. It is possible to see them grooming themselves or taking a sunbath in the most illuminated area or getting their tails caught in your shoes. These are the moments that bring you and your kitten together.
| Activity | Time | Description |
| Arrival | 0-10 mins | Let them come out when they are ready to |
| Exploration | 10-60 mins | Modervised inspection of the home |
| Acclimatization | 1-3 days | Getting used to new sounds and faces |
FAQ
What if my kitten doesn’t eat? It has to be said that this is quite normal.
Should I adopt two kittens? If you can manage, cats usually do well with a buddy.
Do kittens need immediate vet visits? It is advisable to have them checked to make sure they are okay and have been inoculated.
Conclusion
Adopting a kitten and taking them back home can be both fun and scary. Although the drive itself is full of challenges, the real fun starts when you bring them to their new house. In time, with love, and a lot of patience, you and your kitten will begin a journey of a lifetime, filled with purring, chasing, and hugging. Thank you for reading! Why not check out some other articles on our website for more feline insights?
