Set up before arrival
Choose a quiet room with a litter box, separate food and water, a hiding place, bed, scratching surface, secure toys, and a carrier. Remove cords, toxic plants, small objects, open windows, and unsafe gaps.
The first day
Place the carrier in the prepared room, open it, and allow the kitten to emerge without being pulled. Speak softly and keep visitors limited. Show the locations of essentials, then let curiosity set the pace.
The first week
Maintain the familiar food and schedule. Watch eating, drinking, urination, stool, play, and sleep. Expand access after the kitten uses the litter box consistently and appears comfortable. Some kittens explore quickly; others need more time.
Introducing children and pets
Begin with scent and calm observation. Dogs should be controlled, rewarded for quiet behavior, and never allowed to chase. Resident cats need separate resources and gradual contact. Supervise until interactions are reliably peaceful.
Plan veterinary follow up
Arrange a veterinary visit and bring all health records. Discuss remaining vaccinations, Texas rabies requirements, nutrition, parasite prevention, and any concerns. Seek prompt advice for breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, inability to urinate, marked lethargy, or refusal to eat.
Your first 24 hours
Take the carrier directly to the prepared starter room and open it without pulling the kitten out. Show the locations of water, food, litter, hiding places, and a scratching surface, then allow quiet exploration. Keep the first day calm, use familiar food and litter when possible, and postpone introductions to the entire house.
Your first week
Build a predictable rhythm for meals, litter cleaning, play, and rest. Introduce family members one at a time and let the kitten choose contact. Exchange scent with resident pets before controlled visual meetings. Expand access only when the kitten is eating, using the litter box, playing, and relaxing comfortably.
Schedule veterinary care and bring all records. Contact a veterinarian for breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, straining to urinate, marked lethargy, or refusal to eat. Use our American Shorthair kitten care guide as your ongoing checklist.