Russian Blue Kitten Adoption

Bringing Home Love

New Kitten Owner Check List

Feel free to ask us any questions in regard to any necessary pet supplies or kitten preparation information mentioned below. We do our best to help you prepare for your new arrival, and although we don't have all the answers, we have done our best to provide you with a helpful checklist to start you off on the right track.

New Russian Blue Kitten Supplies:

You should have the following supplies on hand at all times to provide your Russian Blue kittens with proper care

  • Food (I recommend the dry food, "LIFE'S ABUNDANCE", and "INSTINCTIVE CHOICE" canned)
  • Food & Water Bowls (I Use Gravity Feeders & Stainless Steel)
  • NuVet Plus Feline Vitamins
  • Cat Carrier Travel Crate With Comfortable Bedding (Medium for kittens, Large for adult Russian Blue cats)
  • Litter Box Materials (Litter Pan, Litter Scooper, Litter Mat)
  • Bed (Comfortable & Washed Before It Is Used)
  • Scratching Post (or go nuts! Invest In A Cat Condo or Cat Tree!)
  • I.D. Collar (A Safe Small 8-10 Inch Collar That Snaps Apart If The Russian Blue Kitten Gets Caught On Something)
  • Grooming Tools (De-Shedding Tool Furminator, and or a gentle brush for your Russian Blue cat)
  • Lots, and Lots of Toys...Especially feather teasers with bells or streamers!

Welcoming Your New Russian Blue Kitten:

The thought of bringing home a new Russian Blue kitten can be at once exciting and overwhelming. Here are some kitten-specific suggestions that will help make your new friend's welcome a warm and lasting one. Before bringing your kitten home, review our Kitten Kit page to see what comes with each kitten, and check our FAQ page for answers to common questions.

First Two Weeks:

Keep your new Russian Blue kitten in a small room for the first 2 weeks (quarantine period) so that it can use its litterbox, and put its scent on it so it can find it when it's moved to a permanent location later. You can also better monitor that your kitten is eating, drinking water properly, and adjusting to its new home. If you do not give your Russian Blue kitten an opportunity to do this, it can accidentally end up eliminating in an inappropriate location (under the bed, in a closet, on a bed, etc.), and this will make it harder for your kitten to adjust to its new home and new family. Set your kitten up for success by following this two-week quarantine rule from the start. A small bedroom, home office, bathroom, or enclosed laundry room works well for those first two weeks. After that quarantine period, you can allow your Russian Blue kitten to explore your home at your own leisure and once your kitten is fully acclimated, you can then move the litter box to its permanent location, as well as the food/water bowls. Make a vet appointment for your kitten's wellness check-up before you even pick up your Russian Blue kitten to further ensure that your new kitten is healthy and doing well with its new home transition. Ready to adopt? View our available kittens or contact us for more information.

Kitten-Proof Your Home!

  • Keep small items such as tinsel, rubber bands, buttons, and beads out of reach–as your Russian Blue kitten could choke on them.
  • Place all electric cords out of reach or secure them in cat proof tubing.
  • Also be aware of those household products and plants that may be harmful to your new Russian Blue kitten(s).
  • Keep all medications, supplements, out of your kitten's reach. Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) is fatal to cats, so be sure to keep that away from your kitty.

Identify household plants to ensure that they are not toxic to your Russian Blue kitten. There is a plant identifier app (Picture This) in the app store you can use to help you identify plants and flowers in your home. Once you have identified the plant or flower, cross-check them against this list:

https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_ct_poisonous_plants

Or
www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Common Plants and Flowers That Are Poisonous to Russian Blue Cats

Many toxic plants are irritants: they cause localized inflammation of the skin, mouth, stomach, etc. The toxic principle in other plants may have a systemic effect and damage or alter the function of a cat's organs, like the kidney or heart.

Here's a list of some common plants that are toxic to cats:

  • Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
  • Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
  • Azaleas and Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
  • Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)
  • Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Mum (Chrysanthemum spp.)
  • Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
  • Daffodils, Narcissus (Narcissus spp.)
  • Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix)
  • Hyacinth (Hyacintus orientalis)
  • Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)
  • Lily (Lilium sp.)
  • Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
  • Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)
  • Oleander (Nerium oleander)
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
  • Pothos, Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
  • Pointsettia (Euphrobia Pulcherrima)
  • Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
  • Spanish Thyme (Coleus ampoinicus)
  • Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
  • Yew (Taxus spp.)

Cat Carrier Training & Cat Carriers We Use &/Or Recommend:

Bring your new Russian Blue kitten home in a cat carrier. Cat carriers are a safe and familiar place for your kitten when you visit the veterinarian or travel, and can keep your curious excited little kitten out of trouble when outside of the home. I like using soft-sided carriers myself, but a hard-sided carrier is perfectly fine too. There is a pet carrier I like very much and that I highly recommend because it's sturdy yet soft and roomy; my kittens actually sleep in it so that they get used to being inside a carrier. It is called FRiEQ, and can be bought on Amazon, or possibly through other online pet supply retailers. It does have to be assembled, but comes with instructions. The black one is the one I have because it holds multiple Russian Blue kittens comfortably, and holds a large cat with plenty of room. There is a smaller one that is gray that the last time I saw was sold on Chewy.com, and that is suited for a single kitten/cat. Honestly, any soft or hard-sided pet carrier will do, this just happens to be the one we like most and that our kittens actually get transported in and even sleep in.

Litter Box Training & Litter Box System We Use:

You can help your Russian Blue kitten understand what is expected by placing it in the litter box after a feeding. Kittens do not need a full-sized jumbo litter box; a normal average-sized one works perfectly fine (covered for more privacy and to contain cat litter and poop). However, when they grow up, they may need a larger litterbox, especially if they are to share the litterbox with another cat. The rule of thumb is to have one litterbox per cat, and to avoid accidents outside of the litterbox or fights between the cats over the 'one' litterbox. If your home is fairly large and has many floors, you should have a litterbox per floor per cat to avoid accidents. We use shallow litter pans when the kittens are 4-8 weeks old. After 8 weeks old, they graduate to a larger litter box. I use Catit Hooded Cat Litter Pan (Jumbo) with a flip front top so that I don't have to remove the hood entirely to scoop the litter. I do remove all the plastic swinging flip doors from my litterboxes so that the cats will not get confused about whether or not they will enter the litterbox. We have purchased this litter box in Grey, but they also have another that is black and white; we have both color styles. I've found these litterboxes at Petsmart, Petclub, and on Amazon & Chewy.com. You can use whatever litterbox you want, however, if you want better success then use a litterbox that is similar to the one the Russian Blue kittens are used to...you can always change it out in the future for a different system or preferred design.

Litter Box Training Tips Including Cat Litters We Use, Litter Scoopers and Litter Mats:

Watch your Russian Blue kitten closely. When he/she begins nosing around in corners or squatting, place her in the litter box. Gently scratch the kitten's front paws in the litter so that it begins to learn that this is the place to deposit and bury waste. Sometimes you will hear a kitten cry when it's on or around your litter box; this is an anxious response because it really needs to 'go' but it's a brand new litter box, new home, and thus your Russian Blue kitten may be expressing worry. This is normal and your kitten will get over it. It's like if you moved to a new home separated from your siblings, and parents, and moved into a home with new people and needed to 'go' in a new bathroom. The toilet is the same, but the room is different, and the smell is different to you. Eventually, your Russian Blue kitten will get comfortable enough to enjoy 'going' again.

If your kitten has an accident, don't get upset; nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes. Just wipe it up as best you can with a paper towel, and place the paper towel or poop pieces in the litter box. Then place the Russian Blue kitten in the litter box and repeat the process of scratching the cat litter with her front paws. DO NOT punish your little Russian Blue kitten for making a mistake and having an innocent litter box accident. This won't help it learn to use the litter box; it will only teach him/her not to eliminate in front of you, and to also fear and dislike you.

When your Russian Blue kitten begins to understand, don't take her good behavior for granted. Continue to praise her for using the litter box successfully. You can even introduce some savory treats and give them to her every time she does the right thing and uses her litterbox perfectly. My kittens leave litterbox trained, but they can make a mistake if we don't set them up for success from the beginning. Keep the Russian Blue kitten in a small room (i.e., bedroom, bathroom, etc.) for the first few weeks with its litter box, food/water, bed, and some toys. Your kitten will use the litter box, put its scent on it, and then when you move it to its permanent location, she/he will be able to easily find it.

BIG NOTE: Make sure your Russian Blue kitten stays in that same small room for the first few weeks, then open the door and let the kitten explore the rest of the home. Once you trust your kitten to explore the home unsupervised, and he/she has a pretty good lay of the land, move the litterbox to its permanent location and show your Russian Blue kitten you've moved it to that location until he/she starts using it in its new location. Some people have great success with having the same litter box, same cat litter, same litter mat put in the permanent location(s) around the house so that when the kitten explores the home, it sees them and uses them and is more comfortable exploring and using the litter box properly.

Now, for the Cat Litter brands we use/recommend for Russian Blue kittens:

  • Dr. Elsys Cat Litter (red bag or blue bag for multiple cats)
  • Natures Miracle Clumping Litter
  • Frisco Cat Litter

Any of those brands will work fine with your Russian Blue kitten. They are very similar! The important part is that they are low dust, clay-based, medium grain, and feel the same to their little paws, as well as look the same to their cute little blue eyes. Problems arise when you try to switch them to pellet litter, newspaper shreds, or eco-friendly corn/wheat/pine litters sold at the pet store. Switching over to something more eco-friendly is possible, but you want to do it G-R-A-D-U-A-L-L-Y to avoid stress or litterbox confusion.

Litter Scoopers and Mats:

Plastic litter scoopers break easily over time and can be hard to clean. If you can find a scooper made of metal with a long comfy rubber handle, then you've hit the jackpot! Metal (steel) scoopers last a long time and are usually easy to clean.

We use the Frisco Long Handle Litter Scooper. Short handled scoopers also work, but long handles help reduce bending and exposure to litter dust. Store scoopers away from your Russian Blue kittens.

Litter mats help contain litter and keep floors tidier. Some kittens like to chew their mats, so choose a durable, chew-proof mat. Wash as needed with a pet-safe disinfectant, rinse, dry, and continue using under the litter box.

Grooming Your New Russian Blue Kitten Including Nail Trimming:

Brushing The Coat:
Make your Russian Blue kitten feel comfortable with grooming early. Look into their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth regularly. Brush with an anti-matting comb or Furminator.

Sponge Bath:
Wipe down your Russian Blue kitten with a damp, clean washcloth. Clean face first, then ears, neck, body, paws, and genital area last. Use cat shampoo and avoid over-bathing, which removes natural oils.

Cat Bath:
If your Russian Blue kitten gets very dirty, use a bucket or sink bath method. Use a cat shampoo with jojoba oil to replenish skin moisture. Dry with a soft towel.

Furminator De-Shedding Brush:
Use the purple size for kittens or short-haired cats like Siamese or Russian Blue. Yellow is best for adult long-haired cats like Balinese.

Nail Clipping/Trimming/Filing:
Desensitize your Russian Blue kitten in phases:

  • Being held in your arms
  • Being held on your lap
  • Touching/stroking arms
  • Holding paws
  • Touching toes
  • Gently squeezing toes to expose nails
  • Clipping tips
  • Praise and reward

Use PediPaws if filing is preferred, following the same phases.

Diet/Nutrition:

Feed a kitten food designed for Russian Blue nutritional needs. Wet and dry food both required. Life's Abundance and Instinctive Choice are excellent choices. Feed small amounts frequently, or free-feed if using holistic diets. Wet food high in protein (≥12%) is ideal. Russian Blue kittens thrive on high protein and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Use gravity feeders for dry food, clean water, and pet-safe mats to prevent messes. Treats: Life's Abundance, dehydrated turkey hearts, or Churu tubes. Supplements: NuVet Plus and probiotics (FortiFlora or d.e.s. Health Guard). Filtered water preferred.

Socialization:

Adopt between 8–12 weeks for best results. Place your Russian Blue kitten in a quiet space with food and litter box initially. Gradually allow access to other rooms. Pet, handle, and play frequently to encourage bonding and proper behavior. Introduce to children and other pets gradually, using scent swapping and supervised meetings.

Introducing Your Russian Blue Kitten to Other Pets:

Keep kitten confined for two weeks. Use washcloth scent swapping under food/water bowls. First introductions short, with supervision. Allow older pets to adjust without jealousy. Provide safe spaces for all pets.

Holding and Carrying:

Support chest and rear. Hold like a baby, gently, ensuring your Russian Blue kitten feels secure. Never drop or toss, even in play.

Sleeping:

Russian Blue kittens sleep up to 16 hours a day. Establish a sleeping place, such as cocoon beds, plush beds, play rugs, or travel crates. Cats may nap anywhere they feel safest.

Playing & Toys:

Never use hands/fingers for play. Provide safe toys for natural predatory behavior:

  • Feather teasers (supervised)
  • Rainbow Cat Dancer
  • Crinkle balls
  • Ball & track toys
  • Mice toys

Purchase durable toys online or at local stores. Bulk holiday buys are cost-effective.

Scratching Post:

Invest in a sturdy, high-quality cat tree with sisal rope. Russian Blue kittens need climbing and scratching opportunities. Place near windows/natural light.

We use multiple cat trees, cat condos, and the Lotus Cat Tower. Taller trees and sisal rope encourage exercise and nail maintenance.

Home Safe Home (9/23/2011):

Even indoor Russian Blue cats face hazards. Remove poisonous plants, chemicals, cleaning agents, medications, and dangerous objects. Keep automotive products, antifreeze, and sharp objects out of reach. Avoid giving human medications.

Household items dangerous to cats include pennies, mothballs, potpourri oils, dish detergents, batteries, play dough, hand/foot warmers, cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcohol.

Flea products: consult vet before use. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides: keep kittens away until dry.

Lead paint and other lead-containing materials should be removed cautiously. Poisoning signs: vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, blindness, seizures.

Ensure Russian Blue cats are clearly identified with collar/tattoo. If children are present, many pet safety measures may already be in place.