01 · THE FIRST DAY
Skip the group welcome
Take the carrier straight to the prepared room. Do not introduce your kitten to resident cats or dogs immediately. Let your kitten explore its safe space first.
HEALTH AND PREVENTION · A KITTEN’S NEW HOME
Quarantine for a new catWhy does it matter?
How can you protect your kitten and the animals already living with you? Simple steps for the first few days after a move.
© Agnieszka Mianowska · Aggio Cat*PL · aggiocat.pl
A kitten leaving Aggio Cat*PL is vaccinated and treated for parasites as appropriate for its age.
If you already have cats or dogs, check before your kitten arrives that they are healthy, up to date with vaccinations and receiving regular parasite prevention.
Remember: quarantine protects both ways. It protects your resident animals, and also helps protect your new kitten from possible infections.
Even correctly vaccinated animals are not protected against every disease. That is why preparing carefully for a new family member matters.
Why is quarantine so important?
Moving home is a major change for a kitten. It leaves its mother, siblings and familiar surroundings to meet new people, sounds, smells and daily routines. Even a confident, well-socialised kitten may feel stressed at first.
Significant stress can temporarily affect immune function. During this time, a kitten may be more susceptible to infection, and previously symptom-free infections may become apparent. This does not mean that every kitten will become ill after moving.
A quiet room and initial separation from other animals reduce the number of new experiences, make it easier to monitor your kitten and lower the risk of infections spreading in either direction.
A new arrival can also be stressful for resident cats, and stress may affect their immunity too.
Quarantine helps protect your kitten’s health during a major change, while giving every animal in the home a calmer start.
Do not isolate your kitten from people. Visit, play and let it get to know you at its own pace. We initially separate the kitten from other animals, not from its owner.
What should you prepare before arrival?
A quiet room where your new kitten can move around comfortably is ideal for the first few days. Prepare:
A Sphynx particularly needs a comfortably warm place to rest, without overheating the room.
02 · HYGIENE
Keep supplies separate
Your new kitten should have its own litter box, bowls, bed and toys. Clean the litter box regularly, and wash your hands after handling waste and before caring for other animals. Do not move shared supplies between rooms.
03 · OBSERVATION
Learn your kitten’s daily routine
Watch appetite, drinking, urination, stools, activity and general wellbeing. Brief changes in appetite after travel may be stress-related. If your kitten goes without food for a prolonged period, does not drink or behaves in a worrying way, do not wait until quarantine ends. Contact your veterinarian.
04 · CONTACT
Do not leave your kitten to cope alone
Spend time together regularly. Sit nearby, play with a wand toy and let your kitten approach or move away when it needs rest. Your calm presence helps it settle in.
05 · DURATION
Look beyond the calendar
The initial quarantine period usually lasts 7–10 days. However, the cat’s health determines when it can end. This gives your kitten time to adjust calmly to its new surroundings and allows you to observe its behaviour and wellbeing. After this period, if all the animals are healthy, gradual introductions to resident animals can begin.
06 · THE NEXT STEP
Ending quarantine does not mean sharing a room straight away
Once you are satisfied that all the animals are healthy, introductions can begin. Start with scent exchange, followed by careful meetings where each animal can retreat. A certain number of days passing does not, by itself, mean they are ready for direct contact.
Quarantine and introductions to resident animals
Quarantine helps reduce the risk of infections spreading. Gradual introductions with separation are a separate process in which animals become familiar with one another’s presence. Scent exchange, such as swapping blankets or other used items, is an important first step. Do not start swapping items during health quarantine. First, make sure your kitten and resident animals are healthy and that there are no veterinary reasons to keep their belongings separate. Then begin controlled scent exchange and plan the later stages of introduction.
A useful tip: protect your resident animals’ comfort too. Do not suddenly take away favourite places or familiar routines just because a new cat has arrived.
For a step-by-step guide, read Introducing a kitten to a resident cat or dog.
© Agnieszka Mianowska · Aggio Cat*PL · aggiocat.pl
Frequently asked questions
Should my kitten be alone throughout quarantine?
No. We separate kittens from other animals, not from people. Your kitten needs contact with you, play and a calm introduction to its new home.
How long should a new cat’s quarantine last?
Initial quarantine usually lasts 7–10 days, but its length depends on the cat’s health. If all the animals are healthy, gradual introductions can begin after this period. Do not rush contact simply because a set number of days has passed.
Is quarantine necessary if my kitten is vaccinated?
Vaccination reduces the risk of certain diseases, but cannot eliminate every possible infection. Initial separation is particularly important if you have other cats.
Can the cats meet freely as soon as quarantine ends?
Do not assume they are ready. Introductions should be gradual, at a pace that suits both animals.
Read also
Your kitten’s first days in a new home and Kitten essentials: getting ready for your kitten.
Aggio Cat*PL · An original guide for cat owners. This educational material does not replace individual veterinary advice.
© Agnieszka Mianowska · Aggio Cat*PL · aggiocat.pl