Bringing home a kitten is a joy, but the first month comes with a lot to remember. Good care during these early weeks sets the stage for a healthy, confident adult cat. Use this kitten care checklist to cover everything from supplies to vet visits.
Quick Answer: In the first 30 days, schedule a vet visit, start or continue vaccinations and deworming, feed a complete kitten food 3 to 4 times a day, set up a litter box, kitten-proof your home and begin gentle socialization. Plan for spaying or neutering, often around 5 to 6 months of age.
Before Bringing Your Kitten Home
Supplies checklist
- Kitten food (wet and/or dry) labeled complete and balanced for growth
- Food and water bowls
- Litter box with a low entry
- Unscented clumping litter (or non-clumping for very young kittens)
- Scratching post (vertical and horizontal)
- Bed and blankets
- Carrier
- Toys: wand toys, balls, crinkle toys
- Grooming brush and nail clippers
- Kitten-safe toothbrush and toothpaste
- ID tag or breakaway collar
Week 1: Settling In
- Start your kitten in one quiet room with all essentials.
- Let your kitten explore at its own pace.
- Keep the same food the shelter or breeder used at first.
- Book a vet visit within the first week.
The First Vet Visit
| Item | What happens |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Checks eyes, ears, heart, teeth, weight |
| Vaccines | FVRCP series; FeLV if appropriate |
| Deworming | Many kittens have intestinal worms |
| Fecal test | Checks for parasites |
| FeLV/FIV testing | Recommended for new kittens |
| Flea prevention | Kitten-safe options by age and weight |
| Microchip | Permanent ID |
See our cat vaccination schedule.
Feeding Your Kitten
| Age | Meals per day |
|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 4 |
| 3–6 months | 3 |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 |
- Feed kitten food until about 12 months old.
- Offer fresh water at all times.
- Avoid cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea.
See wet vs. dry cat food and how much to feed your cat.
Litter Training
Most kittens learn quickly from their mother.
- Place your kitten in the box after meals and naps.
- Keep the box clean and easy to reach.
- Use one box per floor in larger homes.
See litter box basics.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
- Secure cords and blinds strings.
- Remove string, ribbon, hair ties and rubber bands.
- Keep toilet lids down.
- Remove toxic plants, especially lilies. See toxic plants for cats.
- Check the washer and dryer before running.
- Store medications and cleaners safely.
- Block small spaces behind appliances.
Socialization
The period from about 2 to 7 weeks is especially important, but kittens continue learning after that.
- Handle paws, ears and mouth gently and often.
- Introduce household sounds gradually.
- Reward calm behavior with treats.
- Practice carrier time.
- Introduce other pets slowly. See how to introduce a new cat.
Play and Training
- Use wand toys, never hands, for play to prevent biting habits.
- Provide scratching posts and reward their use. See scratching solutions.
- Start tooth brushing early. See how to brush your cat’s teeth.
Spay or Neuter
Many vets recommend spaying or neutering around 5 to 6 months of age, before the first heat. Your vet will advise on timing.
Warning Signs in Kittens
Kittens can become sick quickly. Call your vet if your kitten:
- Stops eating
- Has diarrhea or vomiting for more than a day
- Is lethargic or weak
- Has sneezing with eye or nose discharge
- Has a swollen belly or poor growth
Frequently Asked Questions
When can kittens leave their mother?
Usually around 8 to 12 weeks old.
Can kittens go outside?
Keep kittens indoors at least until fully vaccinated. Many vets recommend indoor life or supervised outdoor time.
How much do kittens sleep?
Kittens often sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day.
Should I get two kittens?
Two kittens can keep each other company and learn social skills.
When can I bathe my kitten?
Most kittens rarely need baths. If needed, use a cat-safe shampoo and keep them warm.
How do I stop my kitten from biting?
Redirect biting to toys, end play when biting starts and never use hands as toys.
When do kittens lose baby teeth?
Usually between about 3 and 6 months of age.
How often should kittens see the vet?
Usually every 3 to 4 weeks during the vaccine series, then at spay or neuter, then yearly.
What should I do the first night?
Keep your kitten in its safe room with a warm bed, food, water and a litter box. Some crying is normal. A ticking clock or warm (not hot) wrapped water bottle can comfort a young kitten.
Do kittens need a night light?
No. Cats see well in low light. A quiet, dark room helps kittens settle.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
