Preparing Your Home for Your New British Shorthair
April 12, 2024
A complete guide on how to prepare your home for your new British Shorthair. Tips on safety, feeding, resting areas and more.

Preparing Your Home for Your New British Shorthair
Introduction: Creating a Welcoming Home for Your British Shorthair
Welcoming a British Shorthair into your life is a truly exciting moment, filled with anticipation and joy.
To make sure your new family member feels safe and comfortable from day one, it’s important to prepare your home with care and attention to detail — small adjustments that can make a big difference in your kitten’s adaptation.
1. 🏡 Set Up a Safe and Calm Space
Reserve a quiet, low-traffic room in your home where your kitten can start exploring at their own pace, away from loud noises, visitors, and other pets.
This will be their initial "nest," offering protection and security.
A cozy, calm environment helps ensure a smooth adaptation.
2. ⚠️ Remove Potential Hazards
Before your kitten arrives, carefully inspect your home and remove or secure:
- Cleaning products and medications;
- Loose or accessible electrical cords;
- Plants that are toxic to cats;
- Small objects that could be swallowed.
Creating a safe environment is key to your kitten’s well-being.
3. 🚽 Set Up the Litter Box
Choose a spacious, easily accessible litter box and place it in a quiet, private location — away from food and water bowls.
Keep it clean at all times to encourage good habits from the start.
A clean, accessible litter box is essential from day one.
4. 🪵 Provide Toys and Scratchers
Offer a variety of toys and sturdy scratchers to your kitten.
Not only will they keep your kitten entertained, but they’ll also help relieve stress, promote physical activity, and protect your furniture.
Scratchers encourage healthy behaviors and emotional well-being.
5. 🧸 Items with Familiar Scents
Before shipping, we apply catnip (catnip herb) inside the transport crate and on the hygiene mat sent with the kitten.
This familiar scent helps the kitten feel more secure and comfortable during the first days in the new home.
We recommend keeping the mat for a few days to support the kitten’s adaptation process.
🐾 FAQ – Preparing Your Home for a British Shorthair Kitten
Do I need to take my kitten to the vet right after arrival?
No.
Our kittens are delivered with a complete veterinary protocol: up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, and health checks.
However, we recommend scheduling a "welcome visit" with your trusted vet to continue regular monitoring and help your kitten get acquainted with their new caregiver.
How can I help my kitten adapt in the first few days?
Create a safe, quiet space — ideally a dedicated room for the first few days.
Placing familiar items (like blankets and toys from the breeder) nearby will also make your kitten feel more at home.
Does a British Shorthair need scratchers from an early age?
Absolutely!
Scratchers help relieve stress, strengthen muscles, and establish healthy habits early on.
Can I leave my kitten alone during the first few days?
Ideally, your kitten should have company for the first few hours or days.
After the initial adjustment period, British Shorthairs usually handle short absences well if the environment is safe and enriched.
How do I choose the ideal litter box?
Opt for a large, easy-to-access litter box placed in a quiet, private area.
We recommend bigger models that offer more comfort and are easier to maintain.
Can my kitten go outside?
We do not recommend outdoor access.
Indoor environments or securely screened balconies are ideal for ensuring your kitten’s safety and well-being.
🐾 This content was created by British Village
We are passionate about what we do.
At British Village, each kitten is raised with love, responsibility, and the preparation needed to arrive at their new home ready to win over their family.