Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting time for any family. But just like people, kittens need a little help adjusting to a new environment. A smooth transition reduces stress, builds trust, and sets your kitten up for a happy, healthy life.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly introduce a kitten to their new home.
1. Start in a Small, Safe Space
Kittens can be easily overwhelmed if given access to a large house right away. Instead, set them up in a small room such as a bathroom, laundry room, or bedroom. This safe zone helps your kitten:
- Adjust to new smells, sounds, and sights gradually.
- Learn where their essentials (litter box, food, water) are located.
- Feel secure and less anxious during the first days.
After 2–3 days, once they’re confident, you can slowly expand their access to the rest of your home.
2. Keep the Litter Box Familiar
Cats are creatures of habit. Use the same litter box type and litter they were using before adoption. A sudden change may cause confusion or even litter box avoidance. After your kitten has settled, you can make gradual changes if necessary.
We use: Oko Clumping Pine Pellets.
In a standard litter box.
Need help with more supplies? View our full supply list.
3. Provide Constant Access to Food & Water
Kittens have fast metabolisms and small stomachs, so free-feeding (keeping food and fresh water available at all times) is important.
- Use the same food they were eating previously to prevent digestive upset.
- If switching foods, transition slowly over 7–10 days.
We use: Purina One Kitten Kibble and Fancy Feast Wet.
Also - here is a great option for an automatic feeder and water fountain.
4. Allow a Proper Adjustment Period
It generally takes three days for a kitten to start feeling comfortable. During this time:
- Keep the environment calm and quiet.
- Let the kitten approach you first to build trust.
- Avoid introducing other pets too soon — wait until your kitten is secure in their safe space.
Final Thoughts
Introducing a kitten to their new home doesn’t have to be stressful. By starting small, keeping things consistent, and giving them time to adjust, you’ll set the stage for a confident, loving companion.
For more kitten care tips, check out our
Kitten Care FAQ and other
Blogs.
At Royal Velvet , we want every kitten to start life with the best protection possible — which is why each of our Sphynx , Devon Rex , and Lykoi kittens goes home with 30 days of free Trupanion pet insurance. Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but even the healthiest, most well-bred cats can experience accidents or sudden illnesses. With Trupanion, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens, you’re covered from day one. 💕 What Does Trupanion Cover? Trupanion provides coverage for: Accidents & Illnesses : From tummy troubles to injuries, Trupanion covers the cost of diagnosing and treating unexpected conditions. Hospitalization & Surgery : In case of emergencies or major health issues. Medications & Diagnostics : Covers prescription treatments, imaging (like x-rays and ultrasounds), and lab tests. Congenital & Hereditary Conditions : Especially important for breeds like the Sphynx and Devon Rex, which can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy). Chronic Conditions : Lifelong issues like allergies or skin sensitivities can also be covered. What’s not covered: Pre-existing conditions or routine wellness care (like vaccines or parasite prevention). 💲 How Much Does It Cost After the Free 30 Days? Trupanion’s cost varies by breed, age, location, and deductible . You get to choose your deductible, which affects your monthly premium: Lower deductible = Higher monthly cost Higher deductible = Lower monthly cost On average, cat owners report plans ranging between $20–$40 per month , but it’s personalized to each pet. We recommend calling Trupanion directly or visiting their website to get an exact quote for your area and breed. 🏆 Why We Trust Trupanion We’ve partnered with Trupanion because they: Offer instant activation on your kitten’s pick-up day (no waiting period!) Pay 90% of eligible vet bills directly to your veterinarian Have a 24/7 customer service team who truly cares about your pet It’s one of the best ways to protect your kitten and your peace of mind — right from day one. 💬 Final Thoughts We’ve seen firsthand how valuable pet insurance can be — especially with unique breeds like Sphynx and Devon Rex cats, who deserve royal-level care. Activating your free 30-day Trupanion policy ensures your kitten is protected the moment they join your home. After that, you can choose to continue coverage for lifelong protection and peace of mind. 💖 Ready to activate? 👉 Call 855-266-2156 or visit Trupanion’s website and use our partner code BR1RV80219 to enroll your Royal Velvet kitten today.
Bringing home a Sphynx , Devon Rex , or Lykoi cat is an exciting journey into the world of rare and exotic breeds. These unique cats require special care, and as responsible pet parents, it’s important to understand their needs. This care guide covers everything from skin care to nutrition, helping you give your royal companion the healthiest, happiest life possible. Why Exotic Breeds Require Special Care Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi cats are very different from typical domestic breeds. They often require veterinarians who are familiar with their unique traits, health considerations, and care routines. At Royal Velvet, we stress the importance of education and preparation before welcoming your exotic kitten home. Essential Facts & Care Tips 1. Coat & Skin Sphynx cats have little to no hair, while Devon Rex and Lykoi cats have fine or sparse coats. Hair thickness and texture can change depending on hormones, seasons, and environment. Their skin produces natural oils that aren’t absorbed by fur, which means they may need occasional baths. But please do not over bathe!! Washing more than once a month is too often and can cause the skin to overproduce the oils. Use Hypoallergenic PH balanced shampoo (never baby shampoo). Avoid sunscreens or lotions — they will lick these off. Instead, use UV sun shirts or lightweight clothing, but allow the skin to breathe. Pro Tip : Many owners say their Sphynx smell like warm potato chips when cozy! 2. Nose & Sinuses Unlike other cats, Sphynx lack nasal hairs, which makes them prone to sneezing. Mild sneezing is normal, but colored discharge, coughing, or wheezing require veterinary care . 3. Ears With no ear hair, Sphynx and some Devon Rex/Lykoi cats collect more oil in the ear canal. Clean weekly with Zymox Cleaner and cotton swabs (never deep inside). Watch for itching, redness, odor, or head shaking, which can indicate infection or mites. 4. Eyes Sphynx kittens open their eyes early (1–5 days old), and without eyelashes, they are prone to tearing. Clear tearing is normal, but colored discharge or squinting requires a vet check . 5. Whiskers Many exotic cats (especially Sphynx) lack whiskers. They may use their paws like hands to sense depth or dip their feet in water to gauge levels. 6. Teeth Sphynx kittens may have brown-stained baby teeth due to porous enamel that absorbs natural oils while nursing. This is harmless and disappears as adult teeth come in. 7. Nails & Grooming Declawing is not recommended — Sphynx and Devon Rex use their paws almost like hands. Trim nails weekly and clean nail beds with baby wipes to remove trapped oil. Bath only when visibly dirty, not on a fixed schedule. 8. Diet & Appetite Exotic cats often have big appetites and fast metabolisms. Keep high-quality food available at all times. Provide access to fresh water (not milk). We recommend: Purina ONE Kitten Dry Food Fancy Feast Wet Food NuVet Plus Supplements for immune and digestive support 9. Litter & Hygiene Best options: Okocat pine pellets or paper pellets. Avoid dusty clay litters — they may irritate sensitive noses and skin. Use metal or ceramic bowls instead of plastic to prevent chin acne. 10. Warmth & Comfort These breeds feel warmer to the touch but have the same core temperature (101–102.5°F) Provide soft blankets, heated beds, or safe clothing in colder months. 11. Parasite & Health Care Fleas are less attracted to hairless cats, but protection is still important. We recommend Revolution for broad parasite control (fleas, ticks, mites, roundworms, mosquitoes). Routine deworming and yearly vet visits are essential. 12. Vaccinations Give kittens time to adjust before additional vaccinations. Stress can trigger sneezing or watery eyes. We recommend spacing vaccines: FVRCP and rabies should not be given on the same day. 13. Heart Health – HCM Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a serious heart condition common in Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi cats. At Royal Velvet, all breeding cats undergo yearly scans with a veterinary cardiologist . Pet owners should continue annual screenings for peace of mind and proactive care. Final Thoughts Sphynx, Devon Rex, and Lykoi cats are extraordinary companions that deserve extraordinary care. With proper nutrition, hygiene, veterinary oversight, and lots of love, your kitten will thrive as the royal family member they were born to be. For more resources, explore our educational blogs: 👉 Proper Kitten Introduction to Their New Home 👉 The Ideal Diet for Your Exotic Kitten 👉 Common Viruses in Kittens & How to Handle Them 👉 Heartfelt Care: Understanding HCM in Cats At Royal Velvet , we are always here to answer questions and guide you through every step of life with your exotic companion. 🐾👑