Prepare one quiet room
Before collection, set up a warm, peaceful room with food, water, a litter tray, familiar litter, toys, a scratcher and a soft bed. A safe hiding place is essential.
Kitten guidance
Kitten introduction guidance
A calm, gradual start gives a new kitten the best chance to settle confidently. Go at the pace of the kitten and your resident animals; there is no prize for rushing the process.
The first few days
Keep it familiar
Use the food and litter recommended by the breeder at first. Changes can be made gradually once the kitten is comfortable. If needed, familiar-scented litter can help the kitten recognise the tray.
Let the kitten choose
Show the room, then allow time to explore. Sit quietly nearby, use a calm voice or a toy to invite contact, and never pull a frightened kitten from its hiding place.
Helping your kitten settle
- Take the kitten straight to its prepared room and keep arrivals quiet and low-key.
- After a journey, gently show the kitten where the litter tray is, then give it privacy to use it when ready.
- Keep litter trays easy to reach as the kitten gradually explores more of the home.
- Do not disturb a kitten while it is eating or using the litter tray; both need to feel safe.
- Provide warm, soft sleeping choices. Many Tonkinese enjoy an enclosed bed or box and an elevated, draught-free sleeping spot.
Introducing resident cats
Separate animals initially. The guidance supplied with your kitten recommends a minimum of 72 hours, or longer if the kitten is not yet settled or circumstances require it.
- Build confidence first. Let the kitten become comfortable in its room before asking it to meet another animal.
- Exchange scents. Swap bedding or toys, or gently transfer each cat’s scent on your hands, so the animals become familiar with one another without pressure.
- Start with a barrier. Use a carrier, large cage, or a slightly open door for calm, short viewing and sniffing sessions.
- Keep meetings brief and supervised. Gradually increase time together only while both cats are coping. Hissing or growling can be normal; sustained distress means pause and try again later.
- Protect each cat’s choices. Ensure clear routes to safe spaces and separate access to food, water, litter trays and attention. A helpful rule is one more litter tray than the number of cats.
Never leave a new kitten unsupervised with another animal until you are confident they are safe together. International Cat Care’s guide to introducing a kitten to a cat offers further practical ideas.
Companionship, play and patience
Companionship
Tonkinese commonly enjoy being involved in family life. Plan for daily interaction, play and company rather than a hands-off pet.
Play and enrichment
Provide climbing space, sturdy scratching options, safe toys and regular interactive play. Rotate toys to keep curious minds engaged.
Take your time
Every cat is different. Some settle quickly; others need days, weeks or longer. Your calm, patient approach helps everyone adjust.
Before bringing a kitten home
- Arrange veterinary registration and suitable pet insurance.
- Kitten-proof wires, plants, windows and small objects.
- Choose a secure carrier and transport the kitten calmly.
- Read the contract and ask any questions before collection day.