Now the wait begins

[Patti]

Even if you don't have other pets you will want to keep your little girl quarantined in a small space (preferably where her food, water, and litter box will be permanently located) for at least the first several days, then slowly introduce her to the rest of the house, one room at a time. Remember, she is just a little kitten and she is being introduced to a huge new foreign, and probably scary environment. It is easy to forget where the litter box is, and little kittens will play and play (or hide) until they suddenly realize they need to go, and if their litter box is not in sight they will probably go in the nearest corner.

As for bringing her home, I would leave her in the carrier, and keep it covered. Remember, you are a stranger to her as well, and could be very scary to her. Every kitten is different, some seem to have no problem whatsoever transitioning, others need several days, even weeks to fully adjust to their new home. But even if she comes to the door and appears curious, you can pet her but I wouldn't take her out. It only takes one sudden leap out of your lap and onto the floor under the driver's feet to cause a potential accident. Also, wasn't she just born the beginning of October? If you are bringing her home at the end of November that means she will only be eight or nine weeks old at that time - that is awfully young to be placing a kitten in a new home, IMHO. I hope she will have at least received two vaccines before making the transition.

 

[Rafiki]

When we picked up Rafiki, my husband drove and I had the carrier on my lap. She was a very upset kitten so I tried putting my hand in there to comfort her. She royally chomped down on my finger and drew blood. It was definitely not the reaction I had in mind!

 

[Hina]

IMO you have to have the carrier !!! We made the mistake of not carrying a carrier when we picked Sasha and even though the drive was just a lil over30 mins, it was an emotional roller coaster for me !!! I was the one who ended up being upset and on the brink of tears - it was just heart breaking to try to hold him and see him all miserable!

 

[aharter]

Thank you everyone! Looks like I will bring the carrier AND a blanket to put over the carrier. And leave her be the whole ride home. Her litter box will be in the master bedroom as well along with her food. I am hoping to move her food into the kitchen later and litter box into the master bath when she is older . She will be 9 weeks old, when I pick her up and will have her first shot and worming. I will say I am super paranoid about fip so I will not be taking her outside for several months after getting her and I bought all brand new cat stuff. Idk if all of that was necessary but it just scares me. Also won't have contact with other cats.

 

[aharter]

Patti, I do acknowledge that you said that 8 or 9 weeks is too young. Do you think I will have problems with 9 weeks? Have others brought their kitten home at that age? This is what the breeder told me, and a lot of people have rules about 8 weeks for domestic kittens and animals in general so I thought when she said 9 weeks that was good , but I value what everyone says here since many of you have lots of experience. I figured bonding younger was good

 

[admin]

Nine weeks is just too young! Have you read through this forum? http://www.savannahcatchat.com/thre...ns-should-not-be-sold-before-12-16-weeks.724/

Has your kitten had any vaccines? Been wormed? Yes, there is a breeder we know about who other people have bought from on this forum, who sends her kittens home way too early...you may want to ask her to hold the kitten as someone else did...

 

[aharter]

Ok thank you admin... I just read through that forum and it was really helpful. I am going to ask her to hold the kitten now definitely. I don't want anything to happen physically or emotionally to her by moving too early. I always thought if you waited too long then it wouldn't bond with you as well, but that appears to not be true.

 

[Patti]

I agree with Paige - I know it has been done before, but I would never let one of my kittens at eight or nine weeks of age. In fact, I won't let them go at 11 weeks unless it is a local home and the kitten has already visited the new owners.

 

[dice]

Yeah, she is quite the heart throb. Remember picking her up at the airport, brought wet food with me, so she could lick some of me fingers if hungry. I didn't even get out of the parking lot and she demanded to be released from the carrier. Pulled over and parked, opened the carrier, and received my first head butt. It was like bonding at first site. She spent most of the 90 minute roadtrip perched on my shoulders and behind my neck, purring and nuzzling all the way. 4 1/2 years later and she still loves to ride on my shoulders while traveling. Fact when strangers are about, whom she is leery of, she'll leap onto my shoulders, knowing she'll be protected and safe.

Am so excited that you are receiving your kit this weekend!!, the bounding encounter is one of the most precious and enlightening periods of the Savannah experience. A very special time.

Too this day, I often ask myself what I ever did to deserve such a beautiful and loving feline.

 

[aharter]

Dice, that is such a sweet story! I hope taking home my savannah goes as smoothly and sweet as that! I was supposed to get her nov. 22nd at 9 weeks, but now after hearing what others have said I am going to wait until 12 weeks, hoping that the breeder will hold her for me that long ( I don't see why she wouldn't). I hope waiting that extra time will make her confident like your sweet kitty was when you picked her up!