Kitten Collection Day: What to Bring and Expect

Collection day is exciting and slightly nerve-wracking in equal measure. A short list of what to bring and what to check will keep it calm — for you and for your kitten.

What to bring

• A secure carrier — the single most important item. It should be sturdy, well ventilated and able to be secured in the car.
• A towel or blanket to line the carrier, and spare towels in case of travel sickness or accidents.
• Something that smells of the cattery. A small blanket from the litter’s bedding helps enormously on the first night.
• Water and a small bowl for longer journeys.
• A copy of your questions — it is easy to forget them in the moment.

What to check and take home

• The health record, including vaccination dates and microchip number
• The registration or pedigree paperwork, if applicable
• A supply of their current food — sudden changes upset stomachs, so feed the same food for at least the first week
• Any contract or aftercare documentation
• The breeder’s contact details for follow-up questions

Questions to ask on the day

Ask what and when they last ate, what litter they are used to, what their routine looks like, and whether they have any quirks you should know about. Ask about the microchip registration process in your state, since requirements differ across Australia.

The journey home

Keep the carrier secure and the car quiet — no loud music, and resist the urge to open the carrier to comfort them. Go straight home rather than making detours. At home, take your kitten straight to their safe room, show them the litter tray, and let them come out in their own time.

And afterwards

Book a vet check within the first few days and keep in touch with your breeder. Our FAQ covers the questions that come up most often in the first week, and we offer lifetime aftercare to every family — just get in touch.