New kitten · Checklist · First week
The best first week feels pleasantly uneventful: familiar food, a quiet room, an obvious litter tray, safe hiding spots and time to settle. Buy less novelty and prepare more calm.
Health and admin
- Veterinary appointment and after-hours clinic details
- Vaccination, parasite-control and desexing history
- Microchip transfer and registration details
- Insurance or an emergency-care budget
- A secure carrier labelled with your contact details
Food and water
Ask what the kitten is eating and continue it initially. Choose food labelled complete and balanced for growth, and transition slowly if you change brands. Use stable, easy-clean bowls and position water away from food and litter.
The litter setup
- An easy-entry tray with room to turn
- The litter type the kitten already knows
- A scoop, bin system and pet-safe cleaner
- A litter-catching mat that lies flat
- A second tray for a larger or multi-level home
Read the seven-day litter training plan before arrival so everyone in the household responds consistently.
Rest, hiding and climbing
Provide a warm bed and at least one covered hiding option such as a cardboard box. Add height safely with a stable cat tree or platform. Do not pull a hiding kitten out; confidence grows faster when the kitten controls the approach.
Play and scratching
Offer a sturdy vertical scratcher, a horizontal option and several safe toys rotated through the week. Use wand toys with supervision and put string-like toys away afterwards. Hands and feet are not toys.
Home-safety sweep
- Secure windows, balconies and flyscreens.
- Remove toxic plants and accessible medicines.
- Hide cords, thread, hair ties and small swallowable objects.
- Check washers, dryers and recliners before use.
- Separate resident pets at first and introduce gradually.
What can wait
Designer accessories, many toys and a large menu of treats can wait until you know the kitten’s preferences. Start with safe essentials and invest in durable items used every day—like the carrier, scratcher and litter box.
Frequently asked questions
How many litter boxes does a new kitten need?
At least one very accessible box in the kitten’s starter room. Add boxes as the explored area grows; multi-level and multi-cat homes benefit from separate options.
Should I let the kitten explore the whole house immediately?
Usually no. A smaller calm base helps the kitten learn where food, water, sleep and toileting resources are before territory expands.
Confirm individual vaccination, parasite, nutrition and desexing advice with your veterinarian or adoption organisation.
