Getting Ready for a New Kitten

🐾 Getting Ready for a New Kitten or Cat: What Every Cat Guardian Should Know

Bringing home a kitten is one of the most exciting – and sometimes overwhelming – moments in a cat lover’s life. Those tiny paws, big eyes, and boundless curiosity can fill your heart (and home) with joy. But kittens also come with their own set of needs and challenges.

Whether you’re a first-time guardian or haven’t had a kitten in years, preparing properly can make all the difference in helping your new companion feel safe, confident, and loved from day one.

1. Set Up a Safe, Quiet Space
Kittens can easily feel overwhelmed in a new environment, especially if it’s noisy or full of unfamiliar smells. Start with one quiet room where your kitten can safely explore, rest, and get used to their new surroundings. Include:

A cosy bed (might not be used)
Litter tray (placed away from food)
Food plate and water bowl away from eachother
Scratching post
Hiding spot or box for comfort
Let your kitten gradually explore the rest of the home once they feel secure.

2. Feed Real, Species-Appropriate Food
Kittens, like all cats, are obligate carnivores – they thrive on meat. A good start in life begins with a species-appropriate diet that’s rich in high-quality animal protein and free from unnecessary fillers.

Look for wet food with at least 65% real meat content, no grains, and no added sugars or artificial additives. Avoid dry food entirely – even those marketed for kittens – as it’s highly processed, low in moisture, and often packed with starches that cats simply don’t need.

Avoid popular supermarket brands that rely on cheap ingredients and misleading labels. Instead, choose premium wet foods or start exploring raw feeding (BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), which, when done correctly, offers excellent support for healthy growth and digestion.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want guidance on how to transition safely, I offer personalised feeding plans to help you raise a thriving, well-nourished kitten from day one.

 
3. Litter Tray Essentials
Choose a low-sided tray for easy access and avoid scented litter, which can overwhelm their sensitive noses. Clean the tray daily and place it in a calm, accessible location. If you’re raising more than one kitten, provide one tray per kitten plus one extra.

Accidents can happen at first – patience and positive reinforcement go a long way. If litter habits become tricky, I can help with custom litter box training support.

 
4. Handle and Socialise Gently
Early socialisation is crucial for raising a confident, relaxed cat. Gently handle your kitten daily, expose them to common household sounds, and introduce them to visitors, children, and other animals gradually and positively. Avoid overwhelming them – always let them retreat and rest when they need to.

If you're introducing a kitten to a resident cat or dog, I offer behaviour guidance to make the process safe and smooth for everyone involved.

 
5. Enrichment and Play
Kittens need daily mental and physical stimulation. Offer a variety of toys – wand teasers, soft mice, tunnels, and puzzle feeders – and rotate them to keep playtime fresh. Short, frequent play sessions also help reduce unwanted behaviours like pouncing or biting.

Interactive play is also a brilliant way to bond with your kitten and teach them to play appropriately with human hands and feet!

6. Vet Visits and Preventative Care
Register your kitten with a vet early and book a check-up to discuss vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, and parasite prevention. Keeping on top of your kitten’s health from the start sets the stage for a long, happy life.

 
7. Don’t Skip Insurance
Pet insurance might not feel urgent while your kitten is young and healthy – but accidents, injuries, and unexpected illnesses can happen at any age. Having cover in place early means you’ll never have to choose between finances and proper care.

Look for a policy that covers lifelong conditions, dental care, and has a good track record for claims. Avoid the cheapest options with very limited coverage – peace of mind is worth a bit more. If you’re unsure what to look for, I’m always happy to share general tips based on what I see in my work with cat guardians.

 
Need a Little Extra Help?
If you're feeling unsure about feeding, litter training, or socialisation – you’re not alone. I offer gentle, science-based guidance tailored to your kitten’s age, temperament, and your home. My Kitten Start Package includes a one-to-one session, personalised advice, and an easy-to-follow care guide to get you through those important first weeks.

👉 Check out my kitten support package here

Bringing home a kitten is the beginning of a beautiful bond. With the right support, your little one can grow into a confident, content companion – and your home will feel all the more complete.

🧡 Martyna
Feline Behaviourist & Nutritionist
Founder of CatZone