We should only go ahead with the blanket swap procedure if we're confident that the new kitten is negative for panleuk, as it's highly contagious, correct? Do the vaccines eliminate the virus completely, or is there a possibility that it can 'hide' or 'move' within the cat? If the kitten has been tested and vaccinated, is a two-week quarantine still necessary? As the article mentions, it's quite likely that after just a week, the little one will be eager to leave the confinement and explore the house. In that case, is it okay to place the kitten in a cat backpack and enjoy a safe walk in the park together, using a leash for extra security? Since I work from home and have a 14-year-old resident cat, I'm thinking of placing the new kitten in the bathroom. I’m curious about how often I should spend time with the kitten and whether I should wash my hands after playing with it to keep my resident cat safe. Any advice would be appreciated!
Dear Vin
Congratulations on adopting your new kitten!
Can you please confirm whether your kitten has been diagnosed with Feline Parvovirus (panleukopenia)? While the Feline distemper vaccines do not eliminate the virus, they effectively prevent the disease and reduce its severity. If your kitten has been diagnosed with panleukopenia, it should not be introduced to other cats until your veterinarian has given the all-clear.
To help your kitten settle into its new home, it should be confined to a separate room. This space should be warm and equipped with all its basic needs, such as water, food, litter, toys and bedding. A small room or bathroom can work, although a bathroom might be slightly cold or damp. If space is limited, a playpen could be a good alternative.
Most kittens don’t enjoy being confined for prolonged periods; some may want to leave after just 2-3 days, while others might take up to a week. It’s recommended to avoid using a cat backpack or taking your kitten for leash walks right away, as they typically need about 2-4 weeks to adjust to their new environment.
Once your kitten is settled and is eating and using the litter box appropriately, you can begin introducing it to other cats. Make sure to spend equal time with your new kitten and your resident cat. Be aware that your 14-year-old cat may find the experience unsettling and stressful because of the difference in age and energy levels.
Lastly, please remember to maintain good hand hygiene throughout this process.
I hope that helps. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. You’re also welcome to enrol in our Kitten Kindergarten virtual course at https://www.petnurture.com.au/welcome-to-kitten-kindergarten-online-classes/
All the best
Melina
Hi Melina,
I hope you’re doing well!
Thank you for your quick response! I haven’t chosen the kitten yet, as the litter is still with their mother at the foster home. I know they’re all tabbies, and I plan to adopt a laid-back male. The family appears healthy, and if the mother tests negative in a couple of weeks, I should be able to bring him home by mid-August. Should I take him to the vet for a check-up right away?
I believe he’ll be dewormed and parasite-free before adoption, but I'll confirm that. I plan to keep him in the bathroom initially, with blankets and supplies.
I have a few questions about the bathroom quarantine: If he seems eager to leave after 2-3 days, what should I do? How often should I interact with him and provide him with food? Should I leave the lights on at night or check on him every time he meows? Would music help soothe him? Once the vet clears him of diseases, should I still be super cautious about hand hygiene? If I get a playpen, can I bring him to my home office if he has no contact with my resident cat? Is there any risk of disease transmission in that case?
My resident cat, a 14-year-old female, has a mild temperament, and I aim to choose a kitten that isn’t too energetic. By the way, what age do you suggest neutering the cat?
I appreciate your help, and I apologize for the many questions! It’s been 14 years since I had a kitten, so I feel a bit like a newbie 🙂
All the best,
Vin
@vinvogel
Hi Vin
Thank you for your feedback. Don’t hesitate to ask since, as you know, being a cat parent is a long-term responsibility.
Here is feedback on your questions:
1. Yes, a vet checkup is recommended. It’s a good idea to let your kitten settle in for a week or two before the checkup.
2. Bathroom Quarantine recommendations: your kitten should be allowed to inspect another part of the home if he wants to leave after 2 days. I would restrict access to only two rooms initially; ensure they are not rooms your resident cat spends most of its time in.
3. You should interact with your kitten frequently throughout the day (at least every 2-3 hours during the first week). Please don’t forget to give equal attention to your female kitty.
4. You should feed him the same food as the foster carer. Kittens aged 8 to 12 weeks need at least four meals a day, three to six months need at least three, and cats over six months need at least two small meals.
5. You don’t have to leave the lights on at night, but please check on him the first few days, especially if he meows, but don’t let him out at nighttime.
6. Classical music is soothing, and I highly recommend it for kittens and senior cats.
7. Always observe hand hygiene, but please don’t be too obsessed unless he has a contagious disease.
8. A playpen is a great idea since you can bring him to your home office; however, keep the resident cat away until you start cat-cat introductions.
9. The kitten should be disease-free; however, if he is sick, transmission is unlikely if you use separate food and water bowls, litter, and bedding.
10. Neutering is recommended between 5 and 6 months of age. Most foster kittens come neutered, so this is a good question for the rescue.
11. Since you have a senior female with a mild temperament, I recommend adopting a kitten with similar energy and personality. Male kittens are usually boisterous until they turn 1-2 years old.
Here’s an excellent resource for everything cat-related in addition to the Cats.com website: https://icatcare.org/cat-advice
Please don’t apologize for wanting to learn how to be the best cat parent – that’s why I’m here. Feel free to contact me directly if you have additional questions: [email protected].
Wishing you all the best with the new adoption and cat-cat introductions.
Melina