Your first week with a kitten
Start small: give your kitten one quiet room with food, water, a litter box, a bed, and hiding spots, then let them explore the rest of the home gradually. Kittens are playful but tire fast and sleep a lot. Use wand toys, not hands, to play (it prevents bite/scratch habits), and reward calm, confident behaviour.
Don't skip these health steps
- First vet visit within a few days — see our kitten vaccination schedule.
- Deworming & flea prevention — see our parasite schedule.
- Microchip — even indoor cats slip out; it's their ticket home.
- Spay/neuter timing — plan it early; see our spay/neuter guide.
- Right food, right amount — use our kitten feeding calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new kitten cost to set up?
Initial supplies plus first vet visits often total $300–$1,000. See the breakdown in our cost of owning a cat.
Should my kitten be indoor or outdoor?
Indoor cats live far longer and safer lives. Provide vertical space, scratching posts, window perches, and daily play to keep an indoor kitten happy.
How do I introduce a kitten to other pets?
Go slow — separate spaces first, swap scents, then short supervised meetings. Days to weeks is normal. Never force it.
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