Adoption fee

Depending on what kind of kitten you’re getting, it can cost you anywhere from zero to as much as thousands of dollars. The fee usually just pays for the veterinary costs that were spent on the kitten. Still, this doesn’t mean that you won’t have to spend money on your new feline friend. Cats need food, shelter, a litter box, scratching posts, toys and yearly vet visits.

What needs to happen before you take them home?

Obviously, you have to meet the kitten and play for a while to see if their character meets your expectations. Most shelters will allow you to play in a closed room with the little one. Make sure you don’t come across as threatening by standing over them or staring at them. Simply sit down and allow them to approach you. If you’re not able to have some one-on-one time, you can also simply meet your kitten through the cage they’re in: cats like small, safe places and they will be in their comfort zone this way. If you’re adopting a kitten from a cattery or from friends, you’ll have plenty of time to introduce yourself to the little furball.

Cat carrier

If you’re going to pick up your kitten, you’ll need something to carry it in. While it might be cute to carry your new best friend home in your arms, it’s not the safest way to travel and neither, for that matter, is a cardboard box. Bring a small, sturdy carrier with a cozy blanket to ensure a safe and comfortable trip home!

Care package

When a kitten leaves their previous home, whether it’s at the shelter, at a cattery or at an individual’s home, they often get a ‘care package’. This usually consists of something to help them adjust to their new home, such as a toy or blanket with their smell. Sometimes some food is also given, or the medication that the kitten might need at that time.

Don’t forget the vet

You’ll also have to take your kitten to the vet, preferably before you bring them home. Make sure to ask the previous caretakers about the veterinary care the kitten has already received. And remember that even kittens can carry infectious diseases! Therefore, it would be best to keep your new kitten separated from any other cats until after the first vet visit.