Bringing home a kitten can be exciting, heartwarming and — let’s be honest — a little overwhelming. A lot of responsibility comes with those big eyes and tiny paws! Whether you’ve planned this moment for months or fell in love at first sight at the shelter, knowing how to care for your new kitten will set the stage for a happy, healthy life together. We’ll walk you through the kitten care basics, from prepping your home to handling common behaviors, so you can step into pet parenthood like a pro.
Make sure you’re stocked with the basics before your kitten comes home. For starters, you’ll need a secure carrier for travel, kitten-formulated food, a cozy bed and a variety of toys. Add a scratching post (or two) to encourage healthy claw use and protect your furniture. Go for stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls for easier cleaning and reduced bacteria buildup. Grooming tools, like a soft brush and nail trimmers, are also must-haves.
Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need:
Kittens love to explore, but they thrive when introduced to a new environment slowly over time. Start with a quiet “base camp” room with all their essentials to help them adjust gradually. Secure cords, store small objects out of reach and remove toxic plants like lilies. You can expand their access as they gain confidence over time, using gates or closed doors to manage introductions to the rest of your home.
Kittens have high energy and require a diet formulated specifically for growth. Look for food labeled for kittens or “all life stages.” Wet food can boost hydration, while a mix of wet and dry can balance convenience and palatability. “For kittens, consistent, nutritiionally-complete meals are fuel for brain development and body growth,” says Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer. “Aim for small, frequent meals and stick with a complete-and-balanced kitten diet rather than homemade, unless your veterinarian approves a transition.” From two to six months, offer three to four small meals a day, then gradually transition to two to three meals by their first birthday.
Most kittens naturally use the litter box, but you can help by placing it in a quiet, easily accessible spot away from food and water. Use unscented, fine clumping litter and scoop daily to keep it clean. If your kitten has an accident, clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner and avoid punishment, which can make litter avoidance worse.
Socialization during the first weeks and months is key to raising a confident cat. Introduce your kitten to gentle handling, friendly visitors and safe exposure to everyday sounds. If you have other pets, start introductions slowly with scent swapping and brief, supervised meetings. Playtime should include short, frequent sessions with a variety of toys — think wand teasers, soft kickers and puzzle feeders. This type of play not only keeps your kitten entertained but also helps channel natural hunting instincts and prevents boredom-related mischief.
During play sessions, watch for signs of overstimulation like tail swishing or skin twitching. As Dr. McCullough explains, “Reading your kitten’s body language early helps you prevent unwanted behaviors and build a stronger bond.”
Your kitten’s first year will include vet visits for vaccines, parasite prevention and growth checks. Core vaccines typically begin around eight weeks of age, with boosters every few weeks until at least 16 weeks. Discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian — many recommend surgery around five to six months.
Keep an eye out for changes in appetite, litter box habits or energy levels, as these can signal early health issues. “Timely vaccines and parasite prevention do more than check a box — they help prevent serious, sometimes lifelong illness,” Dr. McCullough explains. “You know your kitten best — reach out to your veterinarian if you notice subtle shifts in appetite, energy or bathroom habits; those early changes are often the first clues that something is off."
If you need to travel, use a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier and get your kitten accustomed to it in advance with short car rides and treats. For longer trips, bring a portable litter box, absorbent bedding and vaccination records. Avoid unnecessary travel for very young kittens until they’re fully vaccinated.
Taking care of a kitten isn’t just about meeting basic needs — it’s about creating an environment where they feel safe, loved and engaged. From the first toy chase to the quiet moments curled up together, your care now shapes the confident, affectionate cat they’ll grow into. By providing the right supplies, nutrition, veterinary care and social experiences, you’re giving your kitten the best start in life.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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