Helping your kitten transition to their new home.

Helping Your Kitten Transition: Why Following the Guidelines Matters

Bringing home a Ragdoll kitten is such an exciting time — but it can also be a little overwhelming for your new family member. Your kitten is leaving the only home they’ve ever known, their siblings, and everything familiar. That’s a big adjustment!

This is why I provide detailed kitten care guidelines to every adopter — not just as suggestions, but as a roadmap to help your kitten thrive.

🐾 Remember: They’re Living Beings, Not Stuffed Animals

It’s easy to get caught up in how soft and adorable your new kitten is, but it’s important to remember they are living, feeling beings. They may be scared, shy, or unsure in those first few days.

Would we expect a newborn baby to never cry, never wake up at night, and adjust to every new situation instantly? Of course not. Kittens are the same way — they need time, patience, and understanding.

🍽️ Consistency Is Key

Food & Water – Keep your kitten on the exact food and feeding schedule they’re used to, at least for the first few weeks. Sudden diet changes can upset their tummy and cause diarrhea.

Litter & Boxes – Use the same litter type and style of litterbox I recommend. Cats are creatures of habit, and sticking with what they know helps prevent accidents.

Basecamp Setup – Set up a small, safe “basecamp” room where your kitten will live for the first few days. This gives them a secure space to eat, sleep, and play without being overwhelmed. Spend lots of time in this room interacting and bonding — it’s the fastest way to build trust.

🐶🐱 Slow Introductions Are Everything

Already have pets? Take it slow.

Let your kitten sniff under the door first.

Do short, supervised meetings.

Make sure everyone has safe spaces to retreat.

Rushing introductions can cause fear, stress, and even long-term behavior issues. Slow and steady really does win the race.

✅ Acceptable “Mishaps”

Even with the best preparation, it’s normal for kittens to:

Have an occasional potty accident while they learn where everything is

Hide under furniture at first

Cry at night as they adjust

Be a little cautious about exploring new spaces

These are not signs of a “bad” kitten — they are simply part of the adjustment process. Patience, routine, and gentle reassurance go a long way.

📝 First-Week Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do:

Keep them in a basecamp room for at least the first 3–5 days.

Use the same food, litter, and water setup they are used to.

Spend quiet, quality time sitting with them daily.

Reward curiosity and praise them when they explore or play.

Introduce pets and new areas slowly, in short sessions.

❌ Don’t:

Free-roam the whole house immediately.

Switch foods or litters “cold turkey.”

Force them to interact if they’re shy — let them come to you.

Yell or punish for accidents — clean them with an enzyme cleaner and guide them back to the box.

Overwhelm them with too many visitors right away.

❤️ Your Role as Their Guide

Following the care guidelines I provide isn’t just about convenience — it’s about setting your kitten up for success. When you stick to the plan, you make their transition smoother, reduce stress, and help them grow into the confident, loving companion you’ve been dreaming about.

Your kitten only gets one chance to adjust to their new home — let’s make it a positive one.