New Kitten Care Guide:
Your First Weeks Together
Cat Care Guide ยท 8 min read
Last updated: October 2026
Bringing home a kitten is exciting, and a little overwhelming. In the first few weeks, your kitten needs to settle in, start vet care, learn to use the litter box, and get used to people, sounds, and handling. Getting these basics right sets your cat up for a healthy, confident life. Here’s what to prepare and what to do, step by step.
Before Your Kitten Comes Home
Have these ready before day one:
- Kitten food, ideally the same food the breeder or shelter has been using, to avoid stomach upsets.
- Food and water bowls, shallow and easy to clean.
- A litter box and litter. A low-sided box is easiest for small kittens. Unscented, clumping litter suits most cats, though some shelters advise non-clumping litter for very young kittens; ask what they’ve been using.
- A cosy bed and a covered hiding spot, like a cardboard box on its side.
- A scratching post, so good habits start early.
- Safe toys, such as wand toys and small balls too large to swallow.
- A sturdy carrier for the trip home and vet visits.
Kitten-Proof Your Home
Kittens squeeze into small gaps and chew on almost anything. Before they explore, put away or secure:
- Lilies. All parts of lilies, including pollen and vase water, are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Keep them out of the house entirely.
- String, thread, hair ties, rubber bands, and tinsel, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if swallowed.
- Electrical cords, medications, cleaning products, and other toxic plants.
- Gaps behind appliances, open windows without secure screens, and recliner chairs.
- Always check washing machines and dryers before switching them on.
The First Few Days
Start your kitten in one quiet room with their bed, food, water, and litter box. A whole house is a lot to take in. Let them explore at their own pace, sit quietly nearby, and let them come to you. Once your kitten is eating, using the litter box, and seems relaxed, open up more of the house gradually.
If you have other pets, keep them separate at first. Swap bedding so they can learn each other’s scent, then allow short, supervised meetings once both seem calm.
Feeding Your Kitten
Kittens grow fast and need a complete food labelled for kittens or growth, which contains more energy and nutrients than adult food. Young kittens have small stomachs, so feed several small meals a day; your vet or the food label can guide amounts as your kitten grows. Most cats move to adult food at around one year old.
- Fresh water should always be available. Some cats drink more from a wide bowl or a fountain.
- Skip cow’s milk. Many cats can’t digest lactose well, and it can cause diarrhoea. Kittens that are fully weaned don’t need milk.
- Change foods gradually over about a week if you switch brands.
Vet Visits, Vaccines, and Neutering
Book a vet check within the first week or so, and bring any records from the breeder or shelter. Your vet will usually cover:
- Vaccinations. Kitten vaccines are typically started at around 6 to 8 weeks and repeated every few weeks until around 16 weeks of age, with boosters later. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on where you live and your kitten’s lifestyle.
- Parasite control for worms and fleas, using products made for kittens. Never use dog flea products on cats; some contain permethrin, which is very toxic to cats.
- Microchipping, so your cat can be identified if they get lost.
- Spaying or neutering. Ask your vet about timing; many recommend it at around four to six months, before cats can reproduce.
Our Cat Health & Wellness guide covers what to watch for as your kitten grows.
Litter Box Training
Most kittens learn to use a litter box very quickly, often from watching their mother. Place the box in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot away from food and water. Gently put your kitten in the box after meals, naps, and play. Scoop at least daily, because cats avoid dirty boxes. In multi-cat homes, a good rule is one box per cat, plus one extra. If problems start later, see our litter box guide.
Socialisation and Play
Kittenhood is the best time to build confidence. Gently handle paws, ears, and mouth for a few seconds at a time and reward with treats, so nail trims and vet checks are easier later. Introduce everyday sounds, visitors, and the carrier in a calm, positive way.
Play every day with wand toys and toys your kitten can chase and pounce on. Don’t use your hands or feet as toys; it teaches kittens that biting and scratching people is part of the game, which isn’t so cute in an adult cat. Our indoor cat enrichment guide has lots of play ideas.
Kitten Starter Essentials
From litter boxes to scratching posts and safe toys, see our hand-picked essentials for new cat owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can a kitten leave its mother?
Kittens should be fully weaned and eating solid food before going to a new home, which is usually no earlier than 8 weeks. Many breeders and welfare organisations prefer around 12 weeks, giving kittens more time to learn social skills from their mother and littermates.
How much do kittens sleep?
A lot. Kittens often sleep most of the day, waking for short bursts of very energetic play. Plenty of sleep is normal and important for growth.
Should my kitten be an indoor cat?
Keep your kitten indoors at least until they’re fully vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. After that it depends on where you live, traffic, and local wildlife. Many owners keep cats indoors full-time or offer a secure outdoor enclosure.
When should I call the vet urgently?
Kittens can get sick quickly. Call your vet promptly if your kitten stops eating, has diarrhoea or vomiting that lasts more than a day, seems unusually sleepy or weak, has trouble breathing, or may have eaten something toxic. Don’t wait it out.
A calm start, the right food, early vet care, and lots of gentle handling and play will help your kitten grow into a happy, confident cat. Start good scratching habits now too, with our guide to stopping furniture scratching.