The first week with a new cat is just like welcoming a tiny guest who knows nothing about your home and what to expect. Most cats spend this week navigating a mix of curiosity, fear, and the search for a safe haven where they feel secure. This is where the discussion aboutraising cats begins—as a relationship built step by step, not simply providing food and a litter box.
This article provides you with a clear and simple vision of how to deal with a new cat in its early days, based on behavioral basics and real experiences, with practical tips and information to help you make the beginning of your relationship strong and stable.
Before the cat arrives: Smart preparation
Successfulcat rearingbegins before the kitten even sets foot in your home. Preparation in advance reduces the cat's stress and greatly facilitates the adjustment process.
Setting up a safe room
The first and most important step inraising a cat forbeginners is setting up a "safe room." This small, quiet room will be your cat's private kingdom in the early days. Choose a room with minimal traffic, such as a guest bedroom or a small office. Seal any openings where the cat could hide and be difficult to get out of, such as behind heavy furniture or inside closets.
Place in the room:
- A clean sandbox in a corner away from food.
- Food and water containers on the opposite side
- Soft bed or comfortable blanket
- Some simple games
- small scratching post
Hamtaro offers complete cat breeding packages that contain all these essentials at high quality and reasonable prices, saving you the trouble of searching for each item separately.
Choosing essential cat grooming tools
Cats don't need a huge budget, but they do need the right, good-quality grooming tools. Here's the essential list:
For food and drink:
- Non-plastic containers (ceramic or stainless steel)
- A water fountain if possible, as cats prefer moving water.
- High-quality food suitable for the cat's age
For hygiene:
- A suitable size sandbox (Rule: one box per cat + one extra)
- Highly absorbent cat litter
- sand shovel
- A small rug in front of the box to prevent sand from spreading.
For relaxation and play:
- Scratch post (a necessity, not a luxury)
- Various toys (feathers, balls, rag mice)
- soft blankets
- Safe transport
Hamtaro's Caneva rangeoffers professional grooming tools from brushes to durable scratching posts, designed to last and meet your cat's diverse needs.
Day 1: Calm and Patience
The long-awaited moment has arrived! Here's how to make your first day smooth and less stressful:
Getting home
Place the cat in its carrier and go directly to the safe room. Do not open the carrier in the large hallway, which is full of stimuli. In the room, place the carrier on the floor and open its door, then step back and sit quietly. Let the cat go outside on its own when it feels ready. This may take minutes or hours; never rush it.
Some cats will immediately come out and begin exploring curiously, while others will hide for hours. Both behaviors are perfectly normal. Do not try to drag your cat out of hiding or force it to interact.
Establishing the first league
Sit on the floor at the cat's level, not standing over it. Speak in a calm, low voice. Don't suddenly reach out your hand towards it. Instead, gently extend your finger and let the cat approach to sniff it if it wants. Sniffing is a cat's way of "greeting."
If the cat seems comfortable, try offering a small treat (a piece of meat or a cat treat). Place it near the cat, but not directly in its face. Food creates positive associations.
Days 2-3: Gradual Exploration
Understanding cat behavior and how to handle it
During these days, you'll begin to notice your cat's unique personality. Some cats are sociable and curious from the start, while others are more cautious and need more time. Observe their body language:
Signs of comfort:
- High tail with a slightly curved tip
- soft purr
- A slow wink or "blink" with the eyes (that's a cat kiss!)
- Rubbing your face or body with you or with furniture
Signs of fear or anxiety:
- A fluffy tail or one attached to the body
- flat, back-facing ears
- Dilated pupils with a steady gaze
- Hissing or moving backward
Always respect the cat's space. Slow progress is much better than trying to force interaction.
Serving food intelligently
Cats are creatures of habit. Establish consistent mealtimes (two or three times a day depending on the cat's age). Kittens need more frequent meals than adults. Choose high-quality food rich in animal protein.
Do not leave wet food out for more than 20-30 minutes, but you can leave dry food out. Always ensure that fresh water is available.
Days 4-5: Boundary Expansion
If your cat seems comfortable in the safe room, it's time to gradually expand his territory.
Opening new doors
Open the door to the room and let the cat out if it wants, but keep the door open so it can return to its safe place whenever it wants. Let it explore one new room each day instead of suddenly letting it loose in the whole house.
While exploring, a cat might suddenly stop, sniff deeply, or rub its face against corners. This is perfectly normal; it's leaving its "scent marks" to feel a sense of ownership over the space.
Raising kittens step by step with family members
If you have other family members, especially children, teach them the golden rules:
- Do not chase or forcibly pick up the cat.
- Don't raise your voices around him.
- Do not hold its tail or ears
- Let him come to you first.
Raising cats with children requires careful supervision at first. Teach children to sit quietly and let the cat approach them, and reward them when they behave gently. This teaches the child responsibility and protects the cat from unintentional rough handling.
Days 6-7: Establishing the routine
Tips for raising cats at home emphasize the importance of a consistent routine. Cats thrive when they know what to expect.
Fixed daily schedule
- Morning:Meal, light play session, quiet time
- Afternoon:Nap (cats sleep 12-16 hours a day!)
- Evening:Meal, active play session, quick grooming
- Nighttime:A light meal if the cat is small, a quiet time
Play is not just entertainment; it's a psychological and physical necessity. Use interactive games that simulate moving prey. 15-20 minutes of active play daily burns off excess energy and prevents annoying behaviors like attacking your feet in the middle of the night.
Sandbox training
Most cats instinctively know how to use the litter box, but may need a little encouragement:
- Gently place the cat in the box after meals and naps.
- If you see him sniffing the ground and circling (signs of need), take him to the box.
- Clean the litter box daily; cats hate dirty places.
- Never punish him for accidents; instead, clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner that removes odors.
If the cat refuses to use the litter box, check: its location (away from food? in a quiet place?), the type of litter (some cats prefer certain types), its cleanliness (is it cleaned regularly?).
Common mistakes to avoid when raising cats
Even with the best intentions, new breeders make avoidable mistakes:
- Over-interaction:A scared cat doesn't need constant petting, but rather space and patience. Let it set the pace for interaction.
- Noise and a lot of movement:The first week is not a time for parties with friends or letting all the strangers in to see the new cat. Quiet is a priority.
- Changing food suddenly:If your cat has been eating a particular type of food in its previous diet, stick with it for the first week. A sudden change can cause digestive upset and add extra stress.
- Neglecting veterinary check-ups:A veterinary visit within the first week is essential to check the cat's health, vaccinations, and removal of parasites.
- Punishing a catby hitting, yelling, or spraying it with water only teaches it to fear you. Use positive reinforcement and rewards instead of punishment.
Taking care of your new cat's hygiene
Although cats clean themselves, raising kittens requires some help from you:
Brushing:Start with short, gentle brushing sessions. The soft Caneva brushes available at Hamtaro are ideal for sensitive kittens. Regular brushing reduces hairball formation and strengthens your bond.
Bathing:Cats generally don't need frequent bathing, but if you do, use a shampoo specifically formulated for cats from the Ron Ron range. Human shampoo can damage a cat's sensitive skin.
Cleaning the eyes and ears:Gently wipe around the eyes with a cotton ball moistened with warm water if you notice any discharge. See other articles on the Hamtaro website for more details on this step.
Building long-term trust
The first week is just the beginning. Raising cats is a journey that requires commitment and consistency. Here are some basic principles:
Patience:Every cat adapts at its own pace. Some become socialized in two days, others need weeks.
Consistency:The rules you set must remain consistent. If you forbid the cat from climbing on the table, don't allow it sometimes and forbid it at other times.
Environmental enrichment:Provide a stimulating environment with a variety of toys, climbing areas, and observation windows. A bored cat develops destructive behaviors.
Unconditional love:Your cat isn't a dog, and it won't obey commands or run to you when called. But it will give you silent loyalty, warm companionship, and love in its own unique way.
Hamtaro: Everything you need for a great start
Don't let preparing for your new cat overwhelm you. Hamtaro has everything you need in one place:
Beginner savings packages:Complete packages containing a sandbox, food containers, toys, and cleaning supplies at competitive prices.
Ron Ron Care Collection:Safe shampoos, cleansing wipes, and deodorizing sprays keep your cat and home clean.
Caneva Professional Tools:Grooming brushes for all types of fur, sturdy scratching posts, and interactive toys to keep your cat happy and busy.
Food and supplements:High-quality nutritional options that support your cat's growth and health from day one.
Investing in quality products from the start will save you from constant replacements and future health problems. Begin your cat-rearing journey with confidence using Hamtaro.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start raising cats at home, step by step?
Begin by preparing a safe room with a litter box, food, water, and a bed before bringing the kitten in. Upon arrival, place the kitten in the safe room and allow it to settle in on its own without forcing it to interact. During the first few days, remain calm and offer food at consistent times. Once the kitten has settled in, gradually open the door to allow it to explore additional rooms at its own pace. Schedule a veterinary checkup and establish a consistent daily routine for meals and playtime. Patience and consistency are key to successful cat breeding.
What are the basic tools for raising a kitten?
Essential kittens include: a clean litter box with highly absorbent litter, non-plastic food and water bowls, high-quality age-appropriate food, a safe carrier, a scratching post to protect your furniture, a variety of toys for entertainment, a bed or soft blankets, and a grooming brush. Hamtaro offers complete kitten breeding packages that include all these high-quality essentials, making it easy to get started without any hassle.
How much does it cost to raise cats per month in Saudi Arabia?
The monthly cost of raising cats in Saudi Arabia ranges from approximately 70 to 200 Saudi Riyals, including food, litter, and some supplies such as toys. Annual expenses for cat care also apply, such as vaccinations and veterinary checkups.
Estimated monthly expenses
Food and healthy sand: These are considered basic monthly expenses, and their cost may range between 70 and 200 Saudi Riyals depending on the type and quality of food.
Other supplies: These include toys and scratching posts, and their costs vary depending on the purchases.
Annual and emergency expenses
Vaccinations and tests: Their annual cost ranges between approximately 100 and 350 Saudi Riyals.
Other healthcare: This includes veterinary visits for any emergency or to treat illnesses that may affect the cat.
Sterilization: There may be an additional cost for the sterilization process, which varies depending on the type of cat and the clinic.
Other supplies: You may need to purchase other supplies periodically, such as medications or cat grooming products.
How do I train my cat to use the litter box?
Most cats instinctively use a litter box, but to encourage litter box use: gently place your cat in the box after meals and upon waking, keep the box clean (clean daily), place it in a quiet spot away from food, and use unscented litter. If accidents occur, don't punish your cat; instead, clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner. If the problem persists, check the location of the box, the type of litter, or consult a veterinarian to rule out any health issues.
Is it better to raise one cat or two cats together?
It depends on your personal situation. Two cats provide companionship, play together, and reduce boredom, which is suitable for busy people. However, the cost and responsibility increase, and territorial conflicts may occur. If you choose two cats, bring them together at the same time or introduce them to each other gradually after the first one has settled in. For beginners in cat ownership, starting with one cat may be easier to gain experience first.
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