First Day Guide

A gentle step-by-step guide for your kitten's first day home.

Siberian Cat | Fuluck Cattery, Osaka

3 min read | Text updated: February 2026

※ This page is for general reference only. If you are concerned or symptoms are severe, please consult your veterinarian.

What to Do Right After Getting Home

A starter space with water, bedding and a litter tray (AI illustration)
A starter space with water, bedding and a litter trayAI illustration
  1. Place them in the cage/playpen (don't force them out)
  2. Prepare water (fresh water inside the cage)
  3. Set up the litter box (use the same type of litter)
  4. Offer a small amount of their usual food (it's OK if they don't eat)
We recommend keeping them mainly in the cage for the first week. You might feel it's "too small and sad," but for kittens it's like a cozy, safe nest.

Common Signs on Day 1-2

Observing eating and drinking from a distance (AI illustration)
Observing eating and drinking from a distanceAI illustration
SymptomWhat to Do
Eating lessReduced appetite from environmental change is normal. Supplement with wet food.
Drinking lessThey may not drink due to nervousness. Try changing the bowl's location.
No bowel movement1-2 days is no worry. It will come once they settle in.
Sneezing / soft stoolMild cases are stress reactions to change. Usually settles in 2-3 days.

What to Avoid on Day 1

AI illustration of a brown tabby observing from a sheltered box at dusk
A quiet retreat for the first dayAI illustration
  • Chasing and grabbing — If they hide, don't force them out. Wait for them to come out on their own.
  • Bathing / shampooing — Please wait 1-2 weeks after pickup.
  • Sudden food changes — Keep feeding what they've been eating.
  • Visitors / loud noises — Keep the environment quiet for the first few days.

When to Contact Us

Recording everyday behaviour to share during consultation (AI illustration)
Recording everyday behaviour to share during consultationAI illustration
SituationAction
Watch for half a day to 1 dayLow energy, appetite not returning, ongoing diarrhea, not drinking water
Contact us promptlyRepeated vomiting, heavy breathing, bloody stool, lethargic
When in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us on LINE. Send photos or videos and we'll advise you right away.