How to Set Up a Base Camp for Your New Siberian Kitten

Bringing a new kitten into a home can be exciting for people—but it can also be overwhelming for the kitten.

That is why we recommend starting with a “base camp.” A base camp is a comfortable, controlled area where your kitten can settle in before gradually exploring the rest of your home.

Why a Base Camp Helps

Giving a kitten access to an entire house immediately can sometimes be overwhelming. A smaller area allows your kitten to learn where their litter box is, find food and water easily, develop confidence, become familiar with your family's routine, have a safe place to rest, and adjust gradually to new sights and sounds. A small apartment may be okay if they are the only animal, but keep in mind we want to avoid losing track of your kitten in a big space on the first day.

Choosing the Right Room

The ideal base camp should be relatively quiet and easy to control. Look for a space that has a door, is free from hazards, does not have too many inaccessible hiding places, and can comfortably hold a litter box, food, water, and sleeping area.

Set Up the Litter Box

Place the litter box in a quiet location away from food and water. Your kitten should be able to reach it easily, and you should avoid constantly moving it during the first few days. We recommend a steel litter box, but if it's a temporary setup any small litter box will be fine.

Create a Comfortable Sleeping Area

Your kitten may appreciate a soft bed, blanket, or familiar-smelling item. Give them comfortable options and let them decide where they feel safest. When you bring a kitten home from us, we always include a toy or something that has their scent on it already. Make sure to include this in their base camp to make them feel comfortable with their familiar scent.

Food and Water

Keep food and water available in a location separate from the litter box. Fresh water should always be available. For our recommendations on water fountains, go to our Shopping Guide page.

Add a Few Toys and a Scratching Surface

Your base camp does not need to be filled with toys. A few safe toys are enough to encourage play and interaction. Your kitten will be used to playing a lot, and will want to continue this! It's a perfect time for you to bond with them, so play is important. If you have to be away from the kitten during this transition time, consider getting mechanical toys from our Shopping Guide. Include a scratching surface as well. This doesn't have to be an elaborate cat tree at this stage, just a simple cat scratcher will be enough to stimulate them to use it.

Give Your Kitten Time

Some kittens will immediately begin exploring. Others may hide for several hours or longer. Do not force interaction. Sit quietly in the room, speak gently, and allow your kitten to approach you when they feel comfortable. Most of our kittens are well socialized and have already met several people before they came to live with you so they won't be totally new, but the new environment may elicit some shyness depending on their personality. Just be patient with them at this time, we have never had a Siberian kitten not come around, they always do!

Expanding Beyond the Base Camp

Once your kitten is eating normally, using the litter box consistently, playing, exploring confidently, and comfortable with family members, you can gradually introduce additional areas of your home.

The goal is confidence. A base camp gives your kitten a manageable starting point and can help create a smoother transition into their new home. Search our other blog posts or the Get Your Kitten page for more details on this process.