New Kitten Guide: The First 30 Days
Key takeaways
- Set up before your kitten arrives: food and water bowls, a litter tray, a bed, a scratching post, and a quiet room to settle into first.
- Book a vet check in the first week to start or continue vaccinations, parasite control, and microchipping, and to confirm your kitten is healthy.
- Most kittens litter-train quickly if the tray is easy to find, clean, and away from food; accidents usually mean the setup needs adjusting, not punishment.
- Go slowly with handling, other pets, and new spaces; a calm, gradual introduction builds a confident, well-socialised adult cat.
The first month sets the tone for the rest of your kitten’s life. Get the basics right, a safe space, a quick vet check, gentle introductions, and a slightly nervous bundle becomes a confident, friendly adult cat. This is the hub for our Kittens & New Cats articles.
Before your kitten arrives
Have everything ready so the first day is calm:
- Food and water bowls, and a suitable kitten food
- A litter tray and litter
- A bed and a safe hiding spot
- A scratching post and a few safe toys
- A carrier for the journey home and vet trips
Pick one quiet room as a base, with all of the above in it, and kitten-proof it: tuck away cables, remove small objects that could be swallowed, and check for gaps a kitten could squeeze into.
The first day and week
Let your kitten come out and explore in its own time, don’t force handling. Keep things quiet, show it where the litter tray and food are, and let it build confidence before meeting the whole house. Book a vet visit in the first week to confirm it’s healthy and to start or continue vaccinations, parasite control, and microchipping.
Feeding
Kittens need a food formulated for growth, fed little and often. Follow the guidance on the pack and your vet’s advice for your kitten’s age and weight. For how feeding changes as your cat grows, see our cat nutrition guide.
Litter training
Most kittens take to a litter tray naturally. Keep it easy to find, clean, and away from food, and gently place your kitten in it after meals and naps. Treat accidents as a sign to tweak the setup, not as misbehaviour.
Settling in and socialising
The early weeks are prime time for gentle socialising: calm handling, positive experiences, and slow, supervised introductions to other pets and new areas. A patient introduction now prevents a lot of behaviour problems later.
This guide is general information. Your vet can give advice specific to your kitten’s age, breed, and health.
References
- Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Kitten care and advice, International Cat Care.
- AAHA Life Stage and Vaccination Guidelines, American Animal Hospital Association.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to buy before a kitten comes home?
The essentials are food and water bowls, a suitable kitten food, a litter tray and litter, a bed, a scratching post, safe toys, and a carrier for vet trips. Set up a quiet room with everything in it so your kitten has a calm base before exploring the rest of the home.
When should a new kitten go to the vet?
Within the first week. The first visit confirms your kitten is healthy and starts or continues the vaccination course, parasite treatment (worms and fleas), and microchipping. Your vet will also advise on neutering, usually from around four months depending on the kitten.
How do I litter-train a kitten?
Most kittens already have the instinct. Put the tray somewhere quiet and easy to reach, away from food and water, keep it clean, and gently place your kitten in it after meals and naps. Accidents usually mean the tray is hard to find, too dirty, or the wrong type, so adjust the setup rather than telling the kitten off.
How long does it take for a kitten to settle in?
Most kittens start to relax within a few days and feel at home within about two to three weeks, though a shy or rescued kitten can take longer. A quiet base room, a predictable routine, and letting the kitten approach you on its own terms all speed up the process.
How often should I feed a kitten?
Kittens need a complete food made for growth, fed little and often: typically three to four small meals a day for a young kitten, reducing as it grows. Follow the guide on the pack for your kitten's age and weight, and check with your vet before changing foods.
Written by Hannah Reeves. Reviewed by Dr Sarah Whitfield, BVSc MRCVS.
Our guides are written from personal experience and reviewed by a qualified veterinarian for accuracy. Read our editorial policy.