Many of us prefer to pre-wash or at least pre-wet and dry our fabrics--whether from kits or not. This is one kit that I would NOT pre-wash because different cuts of flannel can have very different shrink rates and pre-washing and drying could distort the cat panel. Instead I would finish the quilt and wash with several colour catchers. The batting and quilting will help stabilize it. Sure wish the panel came in quilting cotton because it is very cute. I just don't do flannel quilts.