Bringing home a kitten: your first week together

A new kitten brings so much fun into a home. Kittens are curious, fast and fragile, so a little setup before they arrive helps them feel safe and keeps them out of trouble.

Supplies to get

• Litter box with low sides, and kitten-friendly litter. See litter training a kitten.
• Food and water bowls, shallow and wide
• Kitten food, ideally what they were already eating
• A carrier for vet visits
• A cosy bed, though they may prefer a box
• A scratching post to save your furniture
• Toys: wand toys, balls, crinkle toys
• A soft brush and a gentle shampoo made for young pets, like Puppy & Kitten Shampoo, for the rare times a bath is needed

Kitten-proof your home

• Close gaps behind appliances and under cabinets.
• Keep windows and balcony doors closed or fitted with secure netting. Kittens fall from heights easily.
• Hide wires, strings, rubber bands, hair ties and thread, which can be dangerous if swallowed.
• Check houseplants. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and several common houseplants are harmful.
• Keep toilet lids down and washing machine doors shut (always check before using it).
• Store medicines and cleaning products securely.

Set up a safe room

Start your kitten in one quiet room with their litter box, food, water, bed and a hiding spot. A small space feels less overwhelming. Once they're eating, using the litter box and playing confidently, let them explore more of the home a little at a time. This approach is the same one in our guide to helping a cat settle into a new home.

The first vet visit

Book a check-up in the first week. Your vet will:

• Do a health check
• Plan vaccinations and deworming
• Check for fleas and ear mites
• Talk about diet, and when to discuss sterilisation

Your first week together

• Let your kitten come to you. Sit on the floor and let them approach.
• Play every day. Short, energetic sessions with wand toys build confidence and bonding.
• Gentle handling: touch paws, ears and the mouth briefly, with treats, so grooming is easier later.
• Introduce other pets slowly, through a closed door first, then short supervised meetings.

Grooming a kitten

Kittens groom themselves, but brushing a few times a week gets them used to it. Most kittens rarely need baths; a damp cloth or a Waterless Dry Bath Spray labelled safe for cats handles small messes. If a bath is ever needed, follow our cat bathing guide.