How to Care for a Kitten: First Weeks at Home (Vet Guide)

Vet-reviewed via PetHealth+ · Last reviewed June 2026

A new kitten needs a **quiet room** to start, a **shallow litter tray**, **complete kitten food**, and a **vet visit** within the first week for vaccinations and parasite control. Handle gently, play with wand toys (not hands), and introduce the rest of the home gradually once litter habits are established.

Before your kitten arrives

Register with a cat-friendly vet
Set up a litter tray, bed, food and water bowls, scratching post, and safe toys
Remove toxic plants (especially lilies), loose cords, and small swallowable objects
Decide house rules — will the kitten sleep in your room or have their own space?

The first room

Keep the kitten in one room for the first few days. This prevents overwhelm and makes litter training easier. Provide:

A low-sided litter tray with unscented clumping litter
Fresh water away from food (cats prefer separation)
A warm bed or igloo in a quiet corner
A vertical scratching post

Let the kitten explore at their own pace. Hiding under furniture is normal at first.

Feeding

Feed a complete kitten food until around 12 months (or as your vet advises for large breeds). Kittens need frequent small meals — typically three to four times daily when very young, reducing to two as they grow. Never feed cow’s milk.

Litter training

Most kittens copy their mother, but in a new home you guide them:

Place the kitten in the tray after waking, eating, and playing
Keep the tray scooped daily
If accidents happen, clean with enzymatic cleaner — never punish
One tray per kitten plus one extra in multi-cat homes later on

Health care

Your vet will plan vaccinations (often starting at 8–9 weeks), worming, and flea prevention. Discuss microchipping, neutering (commonly from 4–6 months), and pet insurance while your cat is young.

Socialisation and play

The first months shape confidence. Gently expose your kitten to:

Household sounds (vacuum, TV, doorbell)
Different people and calm handling
Other pets only under controlled, supervised introductions

Use wand toys for play — hands are not toys, or you risk teaching biting. Short play sessions several times a day burn energy and build bond.

When to call the vet urgently

Not eating for more than 24 hours
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
Lethargy, hiding, or breathing difficulty
Straining in the litter tray without passing urine (especially male cats — emergency)

Frequently asked questions

When can a kitten leave its mother?

Most kittens should stay with their mother and litter until at least 8 weeks old for immunity, weaning, and learning social skills.

How do I litter train a kitten?

Place the kitten in a shallow tray after meals and naps; use unscented clumping litter and keep the tray clean. Most kittens learn quickly if access is easy.

When should a kitten be vaccinated?

Initial vaccinations usually start around 8–9 weeks, with boosters a few weeks apart. Your vet will schedule a plan for your region.

Can kittens drink cow's milk?

No — most cats are lactose intolerant. Provide fresh water and a complete kitten food instead.