First Night Home

Set aside a private area, with a bed, food, and a litter box for your kitten. It doesn’t have to be a whole room, but can be a quiet corner. A cat kennel with a soft blanket in it helps.  This will also be your kittens “safe” spot if he gets scared.  Keep the kitten in this area if you leave or if you’re not watching him.  Even though he’s already litter box trained, if a kitten goes too far from their box and they can’t see it they will find a corner to use.  Once the kitten has learned his way around the house you won’t have to worry about keeping him near his box.  If you have a large house I recommend temporarily having a couple of small litter boxes ,especially if the kitty is following you room to room playing or you have an upstairs.  Your cat will learn in just a few weeks where his litterbox is located.

Don’t overwhelm the kitten on the first night with a bunch of visitors.  Your kitten will already be stressed out because of the car ride and he will probably be missing his mom, brothers, and sisters. It’s normal for some kittens to cry for their mom for a few days after going to their new home.  Just reassure the kitten that you are there for them.

Socialize

Even though you kitten has already been socialized to people, he now needs to be socialized to you and his new home.  The first few weeks in a kitten’s life are the most important ones in terms of socializing and bonding with a human, and should be treated as a very precious time in your relationship. This is the time for cuddling and holding, playing gently, and talking to your kitten. Properly handled, he will associate these happy times with you and be a friend to you for life. 

Something to remember at this age: don’t let your kitten start to associate your hands with a play toy. Doing so can develop into bad habits of scratching and biting fingers. Hands are for holding, stroking and gentle hugs; toys are for rough play.

Kitten Proof

Kittens are inveterate snoops and their favorite toys might be harmful to them: things like the cords on blinds, electrical cords, Washing Machines/ Dryers, or yummy (and toxic) plants to nibble. They can also do a certain amount of damage with their little needle claws by climbing curtains or your good furniture. Therefore a certain amount of cat proofing will be necessary.

Feeding

Kittens need twice the nutrients of an adult cat at this tender age.  Make sure you only feed a kitten kibble that says “kitten” on the package.  It’s best to leave a bowl of kibble out all time and a bowl of fresh water.  Bengals really really like their water fresh.  Make sure to give them a new bowl of water every morning or they may drink out the sink or toilet!  Cats should always be free fed.  Unlike dogs they will not over eat.  Depending on the cat and when they are spayed or neutered they will need to be switched to “adult” food at some point around 1 year old.  Talk with your vet and decide when it’s best for your cat. 

I Will also attach a take home sheet along with your pets paperwork, outlining some key points for bringing a new Bengal kitten into your home.