Bringing Home a New Kitten: Your Complete First-Week Guide
Welcome Your New Kitten with Confidence
Congratulations on your new kitten! The first week is crucial for helping your tiny feline friend adjust to their new home and setting the foundation for a happy, healthy life together. While kittens are adorable and playful, they also need special care, patience, and preparation. This guide will help you navigate those important first days.
Before Your Kitten Arrives
Preparation is key to a smooth transition. Set up a small, quiet room as a safe space with a litter box, food and water bowls, bed, scratching post, and toys. Cat-proof your home by removing toxic plants, securing electrical cords, and eliminating small objects that could be swallowed. Stock up on kitten-specific food, litter, and basic supplies from our kitten essentials collection.
The First Day Home
Keep things calm and quiet. Place your kitten in their safe room and let them explore at their own pace. Don't overwhelm them with attention or introduce them to the entire house immediately. Show them where the litter box, food, and water are located. Sit quietly in the room and let your kitten approach you when ready. Some kittens are confident explorers, while others need time to adjust.
Feeding Your Kitten
Kittens need kitten-specific food that's higher in calories, protein, and nutrients than adult cat food. Feed 3-4 small meals daily until six months old. Provide fresh water at all times. Stick with the food your kitten was eating at the shelter or breeder initially, then gradually transition to your chosen brand over 7-10 days if needed. Read our complete feeding guide for more details.
Litter Box Training
Most kittens instinctively use litter boxes, but they need to know where it is. Place your kitten in the box after meals, naps, and play sessions. Use unscented, clumping litter in a low-sided box that's easy to enter. Keep it clean—scoop daily and change completely weekly. If accidents happen, clean thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner and never punish your kitten.
Socialization and Play
The first few months are critical for socialization. Handle your kitten gently and frequently, exposing them to different sounds, textures, and experiences. Provide age-appropriate toys and engage in interactive play sessions 3-4 times daily. This burns energy, teaches appropriate play behavior, and strengthens your bond. Never use your hands as toys—it teaches biting and scratching.
Health and Veterinary Care
Schedule a vet visit within the first week. Your veterinarian will perform a health check, discuss vaccination schedules, deworming, flea prevention, and spaying/neutering. Bring any medical records from the shelter or breeder. Ask questions about nutrition, behavior, and care—your vet is a valuable resource.
Sleep and Rest
Kittens sleep 18-20 hours daily—it's essential for growth and development. Provide cozy, warm sleeping spots in quiet areas. Don't wake a sleeping kitten unless necessary. Learn more about cat sleep patterns to understand their needs.
Introducing Other Pets
Take introductions slowly. Keep your kitten separated initially, allowing pets to smell each other under doors. After a few days, swap bedding so they get used to each other's scent. Gradually introduce supervised visual contact through a baby gate. Full interaction should happen only when both animals seem comfortable—this may take days or weeks.
Grooming and Handling
Start grooming routines early. Gently brush your kitten, handle their paws, look in their ears, and touch their mouth. This makes future grooming and vet visits easier. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks using kitten-safe clippers. Make all handling positive with treats and praise.
Common First-Week Challenges
Hiding is normal—give your kitten time and space. Crying at night is common; provide a warm bed and consider a ticking clock or soft music. Biting and scratching during play means redirecting to appropriate toys. Diarrhea can result from stress or diet changes; contact your vet if it persists beyond 24 hours.
Building Trust and Bonding
Speak softly, move slowly, and let your kitten set the pace for interaction. Offer treats from your hand, engage in gentle play, and provide consistent care. The bond you build in these early weeks sets the foundation for a lifetime of companionship.
The first week with a new kitten is exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. With patience, preparation, and love, you'll help your kitten grow into a confident, healthy, and happy cat. Enjoy every precious moment of kittenhood—it goes by quickly!