Has the big day finally arrived, or maybe it’s coming very soon? One thing is for sure, your new kitten’s family is anxious to meet him. Were your kids the only ones to count down the days, or were you just as excited as your kids for the kitten’s arrival? We have prepared this guide to make the first ten days as easy as possible with your new companion as you start a new adventure.
Before the kitten arrives :
Even though the Cornish Rex is known for its sociable and loving personality, we cannot ignore its territorial feline nature.
Make sure to have a room ready to welcome him in order for him to acclimate to his own space. In this room, there should be a litter box, food, water and a safe spot he can climb up to in order for him to keep an eye on his new home. Also, since the Cornish Rex has very short hair, they love heat… try to keep the room warm.
You will have to make sure to take care of his medical follow-ups such as vaccination, health examination, and anti-parasite treatment, so make sure you have a reliable veterinarian.
You are going to adopt an energetic, and playful kitten, make sure to offer your kitten appropriate surroundings. He will need a cat tree to hide and climb, shelves to walk around, a scratcher, and a pillow to keep him warm and rest.
Choose safe and stimulating toys; he must be able to play by himself as well as with you.
The big day :
Before going to your breeder, prepare a clean carrier with a blanket inside. Once you’ve arrived, assess your kitten’s health (do a little check-up :eyes, ears and rump must be clean, with no excess of dirt, mucus or blood). Alternatively, it would be preferable that the breeder consults a veterinarian before the kitten goes home with you. On the way home, even if he meows, the kitten must stay in the carrier for his safety and yours.
Once you arrive home, go directly to his prepared room, open the carrier’s door and let the kitten out. You could leave the room or sit down on the floor and stay with him. Let the kitten come to you and pet it gently. Don’t worry if he doesn’t come to you directly…it’s a stressful day for him.
Make sure he uses the litter box correctly. Otherwise, show him the litter box several times a day.
2nd and 3rd day :
It’s time to play with your kitten, but start with short periods of games and cuddles. You also have to let the kitten sleep. When you play with him or pet him, encourage his good behavior with treats or positive physical contact. Make sure you don’t feed or hold the kitten if he meows or acts inappropriately. Don’t encourage bad behavior by giving him attention.
Follow the diet given by the breeder at least for the first weeks in order for the kitten to avoid having gastrointestinal problems. If you need to change the diet, you will need a one week transition. Make sure the food is adapted to his development cycle. Adult food should not be given before 8 months.
Following days :
It’s now time to let the kitten explore the house. It is recommended to have more than one litterbox, and the first step is to show the kitten where they are. Afterwards, you can let the kitten discover his new home by himself. It’s unnecessary to give him access to all the rooms at once, so if possible, close those room’s doors.
If you already have other pets :
The introduction to the other pets (dogs, cats or other) must be done gradually. It is not recommended to introduce them face to face. The key is to be patient. At first, promote distant visual encounters by providing treats and physical contact to both pets. Give them time to get used to each other’s smell and respect the fact that it might take time. The new kitten arrives in another pet’s territory, it needs time to make his own place and be accepted by the others. They need to make their own rules, you can’t do anything about it, and you shouldn’t intervene unless the safety of one or the other is threatened.
We also recommend you to read this article for more information to help acclimatize your new kitten.
http://www.educhateur.com/introduire-un-nouveau-chat-chien-dans-votre-demeure
Don’t hesitate to share your concerns as well as happy moments with your breeder, as they will be happy to have news of this little one. Your breeder should commit to support you during any issues that might arise.
The only thing left to do : enjoy your new Cornish Rex and develop a deep love and friendship with him.
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