By the time your kitten is ready to go home, they will be 12 weeks old. Before pickup, I will provide detailed information about their current diet, feeding schedule, and a list of recommended items to help you prepare.
At pickup, you will receive your kitten’s vaccination records and a go-home bag containing some of their favorite toys, a small bag of food, and a blanket with the scent of their mother and siblings. You can place the blanket in the carrier to help your kitten feel more secure during the journey home.
Airline Selection: Ensure you select an airline that allows carry-on pets. If you are adopting more than one kitten, choose an airline that permits two small pets in one carrier. Otherwise, you may be required to purchase an additional seat for the second kitten. If you're unsure which airline to choose, feel free to ask me - I'll be happy to provide recommendations. The closest airport to me is Dulles International Airport (IAD), and the second closest is Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Carrier Preparation: Select a TSA-approved cat carrier that meets airline size requirements for carry-on pets. Aditionally, make sure to line the bottom of the carrier with a pee pad in case of any accidents during travel. I will make sure the kittens have eaten and limit their water intake prior to pickup to minimize the risk of acccidents.
Preparing for Travel: Try to avoid giving food and water to the kittens until you arrive home to prevent any accidents in the carrier. Travel can be stressful for them, so they may not feel like eating or drinking anyway. Cats are naturally clean animals and soiling the carrier can be very stressful for them. It is best to wait until you arrive home to provide food and water.
If you're unable to travel to pickup your kitten, I do have a flight nanny for anyone interested. Please let me know if you would like more details about this service.
It's important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian a few weeks prior picking up your kitten. While your kitten will come with their initial vaccines, they will need boosters to ensure they remain healthy and protected.
Rabies Vaccine: Is due when your kitten turns 16 weeks old and will need to be administered again in one year.
FVRCP Vaccine: You kitten will require a booster of this vaccine and another one year later.
To transition your kitten to a new diet, start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food (about 25-30% new). Gradually increase the new food over 7-10 days while decreasing the old food). Monitor them for any digestive issues, such as diarrhea or vomitting, and adjust the pace if needed. This slow transition helps prevent stomach upset and ensures they adjust smoothly to the new food.
Himalayan cats have a luxurious, dense coat that is not only a hallmark of their beauty but also serves important functions for their health and comfort.
Protection from Temperature Extremes: Shaving a cat's coat during hot weather does not help them cool off, but takes away their ability to regulate their body temperature. A Himalayan's coat acts as a natural insulation. It helps regulate their body temperature by keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Shaving them removes this protective barrier, making them more susceptible to overheating, sunburn, and even chills in cooler environments (especially indoor AC).
Skin Sensitivity: Cats have sensitive skin that can easily get nicked or irritated. Without the protection of their coat, they are also more vulnerable to insect bites ad skin conditions caused by UV exposure.
Psychological Impact: Cats can feel insecure or stressed after being shaved. Their coat is part of their identity, and removing it can make them feel vulnerable or unsafe. Shaving can also lead to anxiety and behavioral changes.
Disrupting Natural Shedding: Himalayan cats naturally shed their fur in cycles, allowing old hair to be replaced with new growth. Shaving disrupts this cycle and leads to uneven regrowth, changes in fur texure, or even patchy bald spots.
Alters the Coat's Color and Texture Permanently: When a Himalayan cat is shaved, the fur that grows back will not have the same color or texture as it originally did. The fur may come back darker, and the beautiful color points, which are a signature of the Himalayan breed, will not return their original hue.
Cats are naturally clean animals and do an excellent job of keeping themselves groomed. Rather than shaving, I encourage regular grooming to keep your Himalayan's coat in excellent condition:
Brush Regularly: Daily or every-other-day brushing helps prevent tangles and mats. It also minimizes shedding and reduces the risk of hairballs.
Trim, Don't Shave: If mats occur, carefully trim the tangled areas or seek help from a professional groomer.
Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean your cat's bedding and living areas.
Bathing (Only When Necessary): Cats are not humans or toys; they don't need to be bathed like we do. Bathing is not part of a cat's natural instincts, as they are natural self-groomers by nature. Frequent bathing can strip their fur of essential oils, leading to skin irritation. While some believe that starting baths when cats are kittens will prevent fear later in life, this is not true. Cats are naturally averse to water and being submerged, regardless of age, is a frightening experience due to their natural instincts. Only bathe your Himalayan if it's absolutely necessary, such as in cases of heavy soiling or exposure to substances they can't clean themselves. Always use a cat specific shampoo and ensure they're dried thoroughly to avoid discomfort or illness. Wet fur can cause their body temperature to drop, leading to hypothermia, especially in kittens, elderly cats, or those with a weakened immune system. In addition, damp fur creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can cause skin infections. Blow dryers should be avoided, as the loud noise can be extremeley frightening for cats. Blow dryers can sound like hissing to a cat, which they instinctively associate with danger, causing stress and anxiety. Instead of a blow dryer, gently towel dry your cat, using a soft absorbant towel to blot their fur and remove excess water. For a more stress free option, consider purchasing a pet dryer box like Drybo which is designed to gently dry pets in a more calming environment. If you decide to take your cat to a professional groomer, ensure that they use a pet dryer box, as many groomers are used to also grooming dogs and may otherwise use blow dryers. A pet dryer box is much less stressful and allows for a more comfortable drying process. Groomers can also complete the task in less time and have the necessary experience.