New home

Instructions for adapting a kitten to a new home.
Congratulations on acquiring a new friend from our cattery!
1. The on way home - "Carrying"
A small kitten needs a safe space on the road. The carrier will also be needed for preventative trips to the veterinarian. In my experience, the most reliable and convenient way to do it is a plastic carrier with a metal door.

"Water and bedding"-
Usually cats do not eat or drink on the road, but it is advisable to have water and replacement bedding for them. The kitten may vomit or defecate from stress. All of our new owners are proud to report that the kittens handle the road well.

2. Arrival home -
"Toilet"- Show the kitten their litter box. Choose a large tray with high sides or a house tray. Maine Coons are big cats and love to dig. I recommend using several trays of the same litter we used in our house. For small kittens I use natural litter; later I suggest switching to another, easy-to-use and economical litter.

3. Bowls for water and food -
"Material" It is better to choose bowls made of ceramic, glass or stainless steel. Plastic scratches quickly, and bacteria multiply in scratches.
"Accommodation"- It is better to keep bowls for water and food separately, as Maine Coons love to play with water, and dry food should not get wet.
"Natural food"- A separate bowl is needed for the natural food that the kitten will eat in the morning. After eating, the bowl must be thoroughly washed and put away.
4. Food
"Ration"- All our kittens eat natural mixes in the morning, and throughout the day they have free access to Royal Canin dry food. If you want to change food, be sure (!!!) to do it gradually so as not to burden the kitten’s digestive system.
"Transition period"- For the first time (1-2 weeks), I give the kitten the necessary natural food and dry food.
5. Grooming
"Comb"- To maintain a beautiful and well-groomed appearance of the cat, as well as for less frequent (but necessary) visits to the groomer, I recommend combing it with a special comb. Cats self-clean their fur, so there is no need to bathe them often, just brushing the undercoat once every few weeks is enough. Choose high-quality metal combs with rare and frequent teeth. - "Checking the comb" Before purchasing, run the comb along the inside of your wrist; If you are scratched, you should not buy such a comb. In the baby box for the kitten, I put 2 types of combs as a gift and also demonstrate how to use them.
6. Personal space-
"House" The kitten loves to have his own personal space to relax. Ideally, a large, stable house with many shelves and high posts. This is especially important for Maine Coons, who like to lie in high places, and because of that, cat trees with houses are especially popular with them. I also recommend that owners purchase smaller houses for the first time. This will make it possible to understand what their pets like most, what type of wood, shape and size of the house or other furniture is suitable for this pet.
"Clawing post"- The kitten should have a scratching post to prevent damage to furniture. Cats love to sharpen their claws, and a properly selected scratching post will save furniture from damage.
"Toys"- Maine Coon kittens love to play. A couple of mice, balls and feather teasers are a great choice. While the kitten is growing, it is better to choose larger toys so that he cannot swallow them. I also put a few of my kitten's favorite toys in his baby box.

7. Adaptation period
"Time and patience"- The adaptation period can last several days. The kitten needs to get used to the new environment, smells and sounds. He may not be immediately in the mood for games and affection; he needs time.
"Experience and socialization"- According to my experience and the experience of new owners, for kittens from our cattery takes one day. I spend a lot of time socializing kittens, accustoming them to various sounds, rides in the car, and walks in the yard. The kittens are raised as part of the family with my 10 year old son with special needs and our two toy poodles.

ATTENTION: Remember that the kitten should always have access to water and toilet. If the house has several floors, then the tray should be on every floor. This need is associated with the kitten’s still unformed bladder. He cannot wait and needs to be given a litter box within easy reach. Our kittens stay at home absolutely calmly, they usually sleep. To make you less anxious, you can purchase a video surveillance camera.

FAQ:
Is it possible to sleep with a kitten together?
My family and I love sleeping with our cats, it makes us happier, calmer and gives us a feeling of extraordinary comfort.

My cattery congratulates you on your new family member! Welcome to the Maine Coon community of my beautiful cats! I wish you long and happy years together!