New Owner Resources

Before your kitten arrives, prepare a single room — a bedroom or bathroom works well — with their litter box, food, water, a cozy bed, and a few toys. This gives them a safe, manageable space to decompress before exploring the rest of the home.

Place the litter box in a low-traffic, quiet area away from their food and water. We send kittens home using unscented clumping litter. Stick with the same type initially — changes can cause litter box avoidance.

Check for open gaps behind appliances, loose cords, toxic houseplants, and small objects that could be swallowed. British Shorthairs are curious but measured; Devon Rex are acrobatic and will find every high surface. Maine Coons are large and need sturdy furniture.

Provide at least one tall, stable scratching post and a cat tree or perch. Kittens that have appropriate outlets for scratching and climbing are far less likely to redirect those behaviors onto your furniture.

Most kittens need 3–7 days to settle into a new home. They may hide, eat less than usual, or seem quieter than expected. This is completely normal. Give them time and space — don't force interaction. Let them come to you.

Resist the urge to give full house access immediately. A kitten that is overwhelmed may hide in an inaccessible spot and become harder to bond with. Expand their territory gradually over the first week as they grow more confident.

We will send you home with a supply of the food your kitten has been eating. Continue with this food for at least the first two weeks. If you want to transition to a different food, do so gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old.

We know everyone wants to meet the new kitten. Try to hold off on large gatherings for the first week. Too much stimulation too soon can set back the bonding process. Once your kitten is eating well, using the litter box consistently, and seeking out interaction, they are ready for more.

Your health guarantee requires a veterinary exam within 72 hours of pickup. This is also a great opportunity to establish care with a vet you trust and to ask any questions about your specific kitten. Bring your kitten's health records — we provide these at pickup.

Your kitten will leave us current on age-appropriate vaccinations. Your vet will advise on the timing of any remaining boosters. Core vaccines for indoor cats include FVRCP (distemper combination) and rabies. We do not recommend FeLV vaccine for strictly indoor cats, but discuss this with your vet.

All Whimsical Paws kittens are spayed or neutered before they go home — no exceptions. You do not need to schedule this procedure; it is already done. Your vet will simply confirm the surgery at your first wellness visit.

Your kitten will be dewormed before going home. For strictly indoor cats, ongoing parasite prevention is generally low-risk, but discuss flea and heartworm prevention with your vet based on your home environment and whether any pets go outdoors.

Cats are obligate carnivores with a naturally low thirst drive. A diet that includes wet food helps ensure adequate hydration, which supports kidney and urinary health long-term. We recommend feeding wet food at least once daily, with high-quality dry food available free-choice or as a second meal.

Kittens under 6 months should be fed 3–4 times daily. From 6–12 months, twice daily is appropriate. After one year, most cats do well on twice-daily scheduled meals rather than free-feeding, which helps maintain a healthy weight.

Many cats prefer running water. A pet fountain can significantly increase water intake, which is especially beneficial for British Shorthairs and Maine Coons, breeds with some predisposition to kidney issues. Change water daily and clean the bowl or fountain weekly.

Never feed onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, raw dough, alcohol, or macadamia nuts. Dairy is not toxic but many cats are lactose intolerant. Raw diets can be appropriate but require careful sourcing and handling — discuss with your vet before starting.

British Shorthairs have a dense, plush double coat that requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially during seasonal shedding. They are generally low-maintenance groomers but benefit from a rubber curry brush or slicker brush once a week. Bathing is rarely necessary.

Devon Rex have a short, wavy coat that is very low-shedding. Their coat is delicate — avoid over-brushing, which can break the curls. A soft cloth wipe-down once a week is usually sufficient. Devon Rex can develop oily skin and may need occasional baths more than other breeds.

Maine Coons have a long, silky coat that is surprisingly tangle-resistant compared to other longhaired breeds, but still requires brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent mats, particularly behind the ears, under the arms, and around the collar area. A stainless steel comb works best.

Trim nails every 2–3 weeks. Check ears weekly for wax buildup and clean gently with a cotton ball and a vet-approved ear cleaner if needed. Dental health matters — introduce tooth brushing early using cat-safe toothpaste, or ask your vet about dental chews and water additives.

Kittens need active play — not just toys left on the floor. Spend at least 15–20 minutes per day in interactive play using a wand toy or feather teaser. This burns energy, builds confidence, and deepens your bond. Devon Rex in particular need significant daily stimulation.

Cats habituate quickly to the same toys. Keep a rotation of 5–6 toys and swap them out every few days. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys add mental enrichment, especially for intelligent breeds like Devon Rex and Maine Coons.

A window perch with a view of a bird feeder provides hours of enrichment for an indoor cat. This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep a cat mentally engaged without any effort on your part.

British Shorthairs are affectionate but independent — they enjoy being near you without necessarily needing to be held. Do not be discouraged if your BSH prefers to sit beside you rather than on your lap. This is breed-typical and does not mean they are not bonded to you.