Getting Ready for Your New Royal Oriental Kitten
The 1-2 weeks before go-home are when you set everything up. Here is the checklist we send to every family — it is the same setup we use in our own home for our queens and studs.
The Supply Checklist
Essential (Day 1)
- Food: Royal Canin Mother & Babycat (we send transition pouches with kitten)
- Water bowl + food bowl: Stainless steel or ceramic (not plastic)
- Litter box (1 to start, ideally 2): Low-sided for kittens, plus an adult box
- Litter: Unscented clumping clay (Dr. Elsey, World Best, Tidy Cats Unscented)
- Carrier: Hard-sided plastic carrier for vet trips and emergencies
- Cat tree: At least one 6-foot tower near a window
- Scratching post: Sisal-wrapped, sturdy enough to handle adult Oriental energy
Recommended (First Week)
- Wand toys (Da Bird, Cat Charmer)
- Soft bed in a quiet spot
- Blanket (optional — we send one scented with cattery + mother for transition)
- Nail clippers (cat-specific, never human clippers)
- Soft-bristle brush for occasional grooming
Environment Setup
The Quiet Room (First 24-48 Hours)
Pick one small room for your kitten — bedroom, office, or large bathroom works well. Put litter box, water, food, bed, and a few toys in this room. This is where kitten stays for the first 1-2 days while they adjust.
Gradual Expansion
After 24-48 hours, open the door and let kitten explore the rest of the home at their own pace. Some kittens emerge in hours; some take days. Both are normal.
Other Pets (If Applicable)
Per contract, if you have other cats, isolate the new kitten for 14 days. This protects against communicable diseases (FeLV, FIV, FIP, URI). Existing pets should be current on FVRCP and rabies vaccinations and FeLV/FIV negative.
The First 72 Hours
Vet Exam Within 72 Hours (REQUIRED)
Per our Pet Sale Contract, you must take kitten to your own licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of receipt. Any findings (qualifying or not) must be reported to us in writing within 7 days of the exam. Failure to do this voids the health guarantee.
What to Tell Your Vet
- This is an Oriental Shorthair (Siamese breed group)
- This breed has documented anesthesia sensitivity — please use breed-appropriate protocols if any sedation is needed
- Parents DNA-tested; copies of test results in kitten care packet
- Microchip already implanted (number on registration card)
Anesthesia Sensitivity — Critical Disclosure
Oriental Shorthairs are documented by TICA as having sensitivity to anesthesia. Before any sedation, anesthesia, or surgical procedure — including routine spay/neuter and dental cleanings — you must inform the treating veterinarian. This is per Section 5(a) of your Pet Sale Contract.
Diet — Keep the Same for 30 Days
Continue feeding kitten the diet we provided for at least 30 days. Sudden food changes cause diarrhea and stress. After 30 days you can transition gradually if you want to switch foods.
Indoor-Only Lifestyle
Per contract, your Royal Oriental is indoor-only. Harness/leash walks with adult supervision are allowed. Catios are great. Free-roaming outdoor access is a contract violation.
Stay in Touch
Send us photos. Send us videos. Ask questions whenever you have them. We love hearing from our families for years — not just the first month. Lifetime breeder support is included.
Call Aleks or Ekaterina