new arrival

Question
Hi Jessica.  I am picking up my siamese kitten in a couple of days and would welcome some ideas for making him feel welcome, especially as it will be his first time away from his mother.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi, Stanley.  Siamese can be extremely sensitive about going to new homes.  As a rule, mine have always had about a 2-week adjustment period where they are shy and uneasy.  They tend to hide and cry.  There isn't all that much you can do about it besides allow the kitten some time.

A lot of breeders will send kittens to their new homes with a couple of their own toys or a blanky that the kitten is familiar with.  These would act sort of like a favorite doll with children.  They symbolize security and safety and give the kitten a sense of control when his life is changing.  You could ask the breeder if she will be sending home any of the kitten's belongings, and if not, see if it would be alright to provide a blanket for the mama and kittens to sleep on for a couple days, that you could bring home with the kitten.  

You could also try a product called Feliway.  This is a synthetic facial pheromone, which helps relax cats in unfamiliar circumstances.  I very highly recommend it.  It comes in a spray bottle, which you can apply to bedding and other surroundings, or in a plug-in diffuser called Comfort Zone, which treats entire rooms.  You can learn more and order at www.felineway.com, or purchase it at pet stores.

Other than that, just prepare to pay the kitten special attention, and provide him with toy mice/balls, a good scratching post, and a bed.