🏡 Kitten Care & Preparation Guide
Bringing home a new Munchkin kitten is an exciting time! This guide provides essential information to help ensure a smooth transition and a happy, healthy start for your new family member.
Phase 1: Preparing Your Home
Make sure these essentials are ready before your kitten arrives.
- The Sanctuary Room: Designate one small, quiet, and easily kitten-proofed room (like a bathroom or laundry room) for your kitten’s first few days. This helps them adjust without being overwhelmed.
- Essential Supplies:
- Food: We will provide a small supply of the food they currently eat. Do not switch foods immediately. Any changes must be made slowly over 7-10 days to prevent stomach upset.
- Water: Use a heavy, non-tippable water bowl.
- Litter Box: Use a low-sided box that is easy for short legs to climb in and out of. Use the same litter brand we recommend.
- Bedding: A soft blanket or bed placed in the sanctuary room.
- Toys: Focus on interactive toys (feather wands) and small, safe solo toys (balls, mice).
- Kitten-Proofing: Cover or remove all exposed electrical cords, secure any poisonous household plants, and ensure toilet lids are down.
Phase 2: The First 72 Hours (Settling In)
The first three days are crucial for bonding and adjustment.
- Arrival: Upon arriving home, take your kitten straight to their sanctuary room. Place the carrier on the floor, open the door, and let the kitten come out on their own terms.
- Litter Box Introduction: As soon as they are out, gently place them in the litter box so they know where it is located.
- Food & Water: Show them where the food and water are. It’s common for them to eat and drink little on the first day.
- Limited Interaction: For the first day, keep interactions quiet and calm. Limit visitors and loud noises. Sit quietly in the room and allow the kitten to approach you for petting.
- Introducing Pets/Children: Do not introduce the kitten to existing pets or unsupervised young children during this period. The kitten needs time to bond with you and feel safe in their new territory first.
Phase 3: Ongoing Health and Care
| Topic | Advice from Southwest Munchkin Cattery |
| Diet | Feed kittens 3 times per day until 6 months of age. Always follow the guidelines provided by your veterinarian. Ensure fresh water is available 24/7. |
| Vaccinations | Your kitten has received age-appropriate vaccinations prior to leaving our care. You must follow up with your veterinarian to complete the kitten vaccine series and schedule annual boosters. |
| Parasite Prevention | Munchkin kittens are susceptible to common parasites (like coccidia or giardia) due to stress from moving. If your vet discovers parasites, this is common, treatable, and not covered under our Health Guarantee (see our [Health Guarantee Page]). |
| Handling | Always support the kitten’s body, especially when picking them up. Due to their short legs, prevent unsupervised jumping from heights (like high counters or shelves). |
| Spaying/Neutering | Your Adoption Contract requires proof of sterilization by [Age/Date]. This is crucial for their health and temperament. Discuss the best timing with your vet. |
Need Help? We Are Here for You!
We want you and your kitten to thrive together. If you have any concerns or questions that are not medical emergencies, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We offer lifetime support to all adopters.
