(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) The joy of bringing home a puppy or kitten is incomparable! Even though bringing a new pet home might sound simple, there are a few things you need to consider to make sure they develop healthy habits. 

You will need to prepare well in advance for the arrival of your new family member. Puppy-proofing or kitten-proofing your home is a must! You will also need to know how to handle your first night together. Routines should be established from the first week, as should scheduling visits to the vet. In addition, the first steps in socializing your pet also begin during this same period.

In this article, we will talk about how to prepare your home for a puppy or kitten, understanding their needs, introducing them to a family member or other pets, establishing a routine, the 3-3-3 rule, and much more.

Preparing Your Home Before Arrival

1. Puppy-Proofing vs. Kitten-Proofing Your Space

What does puppy-proofing or kitten-proofing your space mean? It means making your space safe for your new pet before they come into your home. When pets are young (and sometimes even when they are adults), they can act like children. They are small, curious, and love to explore. This is especially so with their noses and mouths. This will not only keep your puppy or cat safe but will also protect the things you hold dear.

Puppies explore mostly with their mouths. The goal of puppy-proofing is to prevent them from chewing on inedible objects, swallowing them, or injuring themselves. Here are some things you can do to make your home safe:

• Secure or hide electrical cords – puppies can gnaw on them and get electrocuted.

• Hide or put away small objects (especially those that can fit in a puppy’s mouth), clothes, and shoes. Swallowing small objects, pieces of clothing, or parts of your shoes can lead to suffocation, choking, and/or intestinal obstruction – all of these are life-threatening!

• Block off stairs or rooms they are not allowed in – this can be easily done with baby gates.

• Hide the trash can or put it in a place where your puppy won’t reach. The same goes for food containers. This will keep your puppy safe by not letting them eat inedible items (plastic bags, bottle caps, bones, and so on) or toxic foods (such as chocolate, raisins, products that contain xylitol, etc.). 

• Keep your cleaning products, medications, and toxic plants away from your puppy's curious eyes. This can cause serious intoxication or poisoning, which can be life-threatening. 

If you are considering bringing home a kitten, keep in mind that they climb high and squeeze into tight spaces. Also, some kittens (especially during their teething period) will start to gnaw on things. Here is what you can do to create a safe space for them:

• Secure windows, balconies, and screens. Cats are curious and love to sit by the window. They are unaware of the danger and may jump after birds or insects. Windows and balconies are among the most common sources of accidents.

• Tie up cords for blinds and curtains, as these are a real danger. Cats are attracted to dangling, moving cords, and they can get tangled in them, posing a strangulation and choking hazard. They can also chew on them, which can lead to veterinary emergencies.

• Remove fragile items from shelves. Cats are known for their habit of knocking things over. Broken pieces can cause cuts, and small objects can be a choking or swallowing hazard.

• Block gaps behind furniture or appliances to prevent your kitten from getting stuck in them.

• Keep toxic plants away from cats. The most toxic (and sometimes deadly) plants for cats include Philodendron, Alocasia, Monstera, peace lilies, devil's ivy, caladium (also known as elephant ear), sago palms, poinsettia, snake plants, aloe vera, jade plants, and calla lilies. The same goes for cleaning solutions and small objects. 

2. Essential Supplies to Have Ready

You’ve puppy-proofed or kitten-proofed your home successfully! Now it’s time to ensure they have everything they need for their arrival and their very first night. Here’s what you need to make sure you have in your home for their arrival:

• Food and water bowls

• Special food for their age

• Special sleeping area or designated pet bed

• Toys – avoid small toys that can be swallowed, plastic bags, aluminum foil, or those that can break into small pieces.

• Chewing toys for dogs

• Brush, nail clipper, special pet shampoo

• Collar and leash (especially for puppies) to take them out for walks, but only after they have their full vaccination schedule. Don’t forget to add an identification tag to the collar so you can be contacted in case your pet gets lost. 

• Cage or a pet pen

• Litterbox and litter (preferably unscented products)

• Cat trees or scratching posts

• Carrier 

3. Understanding Your New Pet’s Needs - Key Differences Between Puppies and Kittens

Dogs and cats have different instincts and needs. For example, cats like to climb and sleep in high places while dogs like to run and chase things. Because they have different needs and behaviors, understanding these differences helps them adapt more easily to their new home.

Puppies are usually more dependent on human interaction. They need training, especially during the first few months of life, as well as regular exercise to burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated. Puppies need a strict routine for feeding, sleeping, and education.

Kittens, on the other hand, are more independent. They can quickly learn to use the litter box and prefer to explore the environment at their own pace. However, daily play is needed. Kittens adapt more easily to changes, but they are creatures of habit. If you constantly change their environment, it can lead to medical problems.

What is The 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 rule refers to the time it takes for pets to adjust to a new home – 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months.

In the first 3 days, your kitten or puppy will adjust to a completely new environment: your home. This space brings many stimulating activities (new smells, new faces, new space) that can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is recommended that during these 3 days, your pet stays in a room that is only theirs.

After 3 weeks, they start to relax, explore, and show more personality. Your pet has already learned the daily routine.

After 3 months, most pets feel at home. Trust builds, behavior stabilizes, and bonds strengthen.

Introducing Your New Pet to Family Members 

Before bringing home a puppy or kitten, it's important to prepare all family members. Explain to them that your pet will need time to adjust to the new environment and that interactions should be calm and controlled so the pet feels safe and secure. Managing excessive excitement is also crucial, especially in the early days. Speaking in a calm tone, avoiding loud noises, and limiting visits help reduce stress and build a strong relationship.

Introducing a New Puppy or Kitten to Existing Pets

If you already have other pets at home, it's important to know how to introduce them properly. This will result in positive relationships, reduce stress (therefore reducing aggression or anxiety), and ensure the safety of the pets involved.

The process should be slow, gradual, and controlled to allow the pets to adjust at their own pace. 

1. Preparing Current Pets for the New Arrival

• Start by maintaining your pet's daily routine. 

• Familiarize them with the new pet's scent in advance (if you can). This can mean bringing an item that the new pet uses (a toy, bedding, collar, etc.).

2. Step-by-Step Introduction Process

• Allow pets to smell each other’s bedding or toys before introduction.

• Use separate spaces at first – this way, the new pet can settle in without pressure.

• Introduce them briefly from a distance or through a gate or cage.

• Keep interactions calm and controlled. For cats, you can use toys to lighten the mood and ease tension.

• Extend visits as comfort increases.

• Use praise or treats to reinforce positive interactions.

• Separate them if stress or aggression occurs.

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes include forcing interactions, allowing unsupervised contact too early, or showing favoritism, which can lead to stress or jealousy. The sudden and forced introduction "technique", where the new pet is brought home and allowed to roam freely in the house in the hope that they will adapt quickly, does not work. Instead, it often creates stress and anxiety for all pets involved, turning the experience into a negative one.

It is important to recognize when to separate them and when to encourage interaction. If signs of fear, aggression, or overstimulation appear, separation is necessary to prevent accidents and injuries. Positive and calm behavior should be encouraged and rewarded. 

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.