What to Expect on Kitten Pickup or Shipping Day

The big day

Bringing home a kitten is exciting, and it helps to know exactly what will happen. I'm Tamira, and below is how pickup and shipping work at TMZ Kittenz N Katz in Gainesville, Georgia, so there are no surprises for you or your kitten.

When your kitten is ready

Our kittens are ready to transition to their new homes between 11 and 16 weeks of age, and 12 weeks is the average. We confirm the date with you before pickup or shipping so you can plan time at home. Kittens arrive litter box trained, well socialized and microchipped.

Before the day: paperwork and payment

After you choose a kitten and send the $500 holding deposit, we email a Sales and Health Agreement. You fill it out, sign it and return it within 24 hours. Before your kitten goes home, the balance must be paid. If your kitten will be shipped, you must pay in full before the kitten leaves our cattery. If you pick up in person, you may pay the balance by credit card, PayPal or cash. If you pay by check, the kitten is not considered yours until the check has cleared.

If you are picking up in person

Pickups are by appointment at our home cattery in Gainesville, with the address on our Contact page. Bring a secure carrier, a soft blanket and your payment method. We will go over feeding, answer your questions and give you instructions to order your kitten's TICA pedigree. Take your kitten straight home.

If your kitten is being shipped

We use trusted pet courier services to ship to all states and internationally. Shipping or delivery charges are not included in the price of the kitten and are an additional fee, which we quote in advance. Your kitten travels in an airline-approved carrier with a sample of food. Make sure someone is available to receive your kitten, and ask us for the courier's contact details.

If you prefer, you can arrange your own transportation. Just let us know the plan.

What comes with your kitten

Your kitten arrives microchipped and registered with TICA, with a sample of food. Remember to register your contact details with the microchip company. We give you instructions to order the pedigree, and the time it takes to arrive by mail varies depending on TICA.

The first hours at home

Take your kitten to a small, quiet room set up with a litter box, food, water and a bed. Let the kitten explore at its own pace. Offer the same food as before and keep the first evening calm. Don't be worried if your kitten hides for a short time. See our guide to preparing your home for the full setup.

The first week

Keep a routine for meals, play and bedtime. Schedule a veterinary exam soon after arrival and bring your paperwork. Introduce family members one at a time, and introduce other pets slowly. If anything worries you, call or text me at 678-617-1034.

A day-of checklist

Before pickup: confirm the time and the address, bring your payment, a secure carrier and a blanket. At pickup: review the paperwork, ask any last questions and collect the food sample and instructions. After pickup: head straight home, keep the carrier secure in the car and avoid stops that leave the kitten in a hot or cold vehicle.

Car travel tips

Place the carrier on the back seat and secure it with a seat belt. Drive smoothly and keep the cabin comfortable. Some kittens cry during the drive; talk softly and avoid taking them out of the carrier while the car is moving. Never leave a kitten alone in a parked car.

Paperwork to keep

Keep your Sales and Health Agreement, receipts, the TICA registration instructions and any information about the microchip together in a folder. Bring them to the first veterinary visit.

Frequently asked

Can I pay at pickup? If you pick up in person, you may pay the balance by credit card, PayPal or cash.

Can I change the date? Contact us as soon as possible. The go-home window is between 11 and 16 weeks.

Who do I call with questions after? Call or text 678-617-1034, or use our contact page.

Questions to ask before pickup day

Ask for the exact go-home date, what food the kitten has been eating and how much, and what time of day is best to collect. Ask what paperwork you will receive and how to register the microchip. If you are shipping, ask who the courier is and how you will be updated on arrival time.

Helping your kitten adjust in the first 48 hours

The first two days set the tone. Keep the room quiet, offer small meals of the same food, and let the kitten come out of the carrier on its own. Sit on the floor nearby and speak softly. Check that the kitten finds the litter box and eats and drinks normally. A kitten that hides at first is usually just adjusting.

If a kitten has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, will not eat, or seems very tired, call your veterinarian. Our FAQ covers many first-week questions as well.

Questions before you reserve

Not sure how the process works? Read our Sales Terms and FAQ, then contact us. When you are ready, browse the Kittens page.