1. The best way to acclimate a new kitten to your home is to choose a bathroom or a small area where there is nowhere for him/her to hide and put his/her food & water and litter in there. 

1. Begin by selecting a bathroom or a small area where your new kitten can acclimate comfortably. Ensure there're no hiding spots and place his/her food, water, and litter box in this space.
2. Allow the kitten to stay in this designated area for a few days. During this time, take him/her out occasionally, keeping him/her on your lap and gently petting him/her. When you're unable to supervise him/her, return him/her to his/her safe space.
3. Monitor his/her behavior to ensure he/she is eating, drinking, and using the litter box properly. Additionally, observe his/her response to affection and interaction.
4. Once you are confident that the kitten is adjusting well and displaying positive behaviors, gradually introduce him/her to other areas of the house.
5. Be patient and understanding, as it may take up to 1-2 weeks for the kitten to overcome the stress of travel and settle into her new environment.

2.  Allow the kitten to gradually explore the rest of its new home.

Ensure there are multiple litter boxes strategically placed throughout the house to provide easy access, especially considering that kittens, much like young children, can become easily distracted during playtime. 

3. Introduce other pets in the household gradually. This process allows for a smoother transition, ensuring that all animals feel comfortable and safe in each other's presence. 

Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats typically exhibit fearlessness and affection towards others, making the introduction process vital for both the new and existing pets in the household. We utilize a variety of security doors with mesh barriers, allowing the animals to safely interact, sniff noses, and become acquainted with one another. However, it's important to remember that each cat is unique, and some may readily accept the new arrival, while others may take more time. It's normal for older cats to require 2-4 weeks to fully accept a new kitten, so patience is key as they adjust to the changes in their environment. 

4. Toys

Toys are an essential part of our cats' entertainment. We procure a variety of toys from trusted sources like Amazon.com, focusing on items with feathers, cat toy balls with bells, and fake mice, which our kittens particularly adore, albeit occasionally submerging them in their water dish. It's wise to stock up on toys, as they have a tendency to find their way under furniture.

While laser pointers may seem like harmless fun, they pose risks to both humans and cats. The erratic movement of the laser beam can frustrate cats, denying them the satisfaction of a successful hunt. Instead, we recommend interactive toys like dangling toys on poles, ensuring they're safely secured when not in use to prevent tangling.

Birdfeeders positioned near cat ledges provide safe entertainment for both cats and owners, offering a captivating view of birds without harm to any party involved. For outdoor excursions, we advocate for the use of pet strollers as the safest means to enjoy the outdoors with your furry companion.

5. Scratching posts

When selecting a scratching post for your cat, consider investing in a high-quality option as there are various types available. Experimenting with different designs can help you find the one that best suits your cat's preferences. Alternatively, if you're inclined, you can craft your own by wrapping sisal rope around a sturdy board, or you may find that a scratching post is already included in your cat tree. 

6. Cat tree

Your kitten is likely to be quite active and will benefit from opportunities to play, climb, and explore. We highly recommend investing in a cat tree to provide her with a designated space for these activities. Amazon offers a wide variety of cat trees to choose from, allowing you to find one that suits your kitten's needs and preferences. 

7. Litter

Your kitten has been accustomed to Tofu Litter, which you can conveniently purchase from Amazon/Chwey, with various brands available to choose from. However, we've found that they transition easily to traditional clumping clay litter if that's your preference. We no longer use clumping litter due to its dust factor, lack of biodegradability, and the risk of kittens ingesting it. If you opt for a different litter type, we recommend introducing it gradually by mixing it with the old litter to help your kitten adjust. 

8. Litter boxes

We recommend starting with a standard flat litter box for your kitten. Once you're confident that the kitten is using the litter box properly, you can gradually introduce litter boxes with flaps or cubby hole entries. However, we advise against using flap-style litter boxes until the kitten is older, as they can be intimidating for young kittens. Introducing such a litter box too early may lead to the kitten avoiding it and using alternative locations, such as the floor or even your bed, for littering. 

9. Cat food

We feed our kittens Instinct Grain-Free Dry Food, providing them with dry food available at all times for free feeding, along with wet food twice a day. It's important to note that some kittens may not recognize dry food as food initially, so offering a variety of both dry and wet options can help cater to individual preferences and ensure they're getting proper nutrition. Quality food options can be found at various pet stores like Petco or Petsmart, Alternatively, you can order online from Amazon or Chewy.com. Any well-balanced food formulated for kittens will suffice, and if transitioning from our food to another, a gradual transition over a week or two is recommended for the kitten's ease. We advise consulting with your veterinarian regarding the best feeding Raw Diet for your Ragdoll/Maine Coon kitten, as opinions on feeding methods can vary. 

*We strongly advise maintaining the kitten's current food and diet regimen until they reach at least 12 months of age. Consistency in their diet during this critical growth period is essential for their overall health and well-being. Should there be any considerations for dietary changes beyond this timeframe, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian for professional guidance tailored to the kitten's specific needs. 

9. Nail trimming

While not mandatory, trimming your kitten's nails prevents them from getting caught in fabric, which can be uncomfortable for both the fabric and the kitten. To acclimate the kitten to nail trimming, gently massage her feet, particularly the front ones, when she's calm. Gradually push the claw forward and use regular nail clippers to trim the tip, ensuring not to cut too close to the quick. It's crucial to avoid declawing your cat as it's painful and unethical, leading to lifelong suffering. 

10. Vaccinations

We recommend only the core vaccines, which are FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). We advise against administering vaccines for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), Bordetella, and Chlamydia.

Vaccinations are medical procedures, and like all medical interventions, they carry risks. Live vaccines contain weakened forms of viruses or bacteria, which can lead to symptoms resembling the diseases they're designed to prevent, along with potential allergic reactions and tumors at the injection site. Moreover, vaccinated cats shed these viruses or bacteria in their stool and saliva for up to 12 weeks, posing a risk of infection to unvaccinated cats in the vicinity, including pregnant cats and kittens too young to be vaccinated.

The most common reactions observed in Ragdolls/Maine Coons include fever, weakness, lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes or eye discharge, mouth sores, pain at the injection site, and limping.

For more detailed information on vaccinations, please refer to the Cornell University Feline Health Center website: Cornell Feline Health Center.

Regarding specific diseases prevented by vaccines:

• Feline Herpesvirus (Viral Rhinotracheitis) causes upper respiratory infections with symptoms such as fever, sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the cornea, and lethargy. Kittens are particularly susceptible.
• Calicivirus is highly contagious and a major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. Symptoms include sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, lethargy, loss of appetite, oral sores, and, in severe cases, pneumonia and other complications.
• Rabies virus is a deadly infection transmitted primarily through bite wounds, with wild animals like skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and bats being common carriers. Rabies is fatal once symptoms develop and poses a risk to humans if they are bitten by an infected animal or come into contact with its saliva.