Bringing a kitten home is an exciting milestone — but it’s also a really big responsibility. It makes perfect sense that new kitten owners might initially feel overwhelmed: there’s so much to learn, and so much to do when taking care of a kitten.
But that’s where we are here to help. To assist your new furry family member settle in comfortably, we’ve gathered advice from Greencross Vets on everything you’ll need to make their transition smooth and stress-free. From setting up their essentials to training and vet care, here’s everything you need to know and your furry, purr-y buddy.
The New Kitten Checklist: Essentials for a Happy Start
Before your kitten even steps paw into your home, make sure you have all the essentials ready. Kitten food, bowls, bedding, scratching posts, kitty litter and litter trays, cat collars – kittens need a lot of things. Luckily, we have a comprehensive kitten essentials checklist you can follow so you don’t forget a thing. You can find the checklist here or on page 6 of the Petbarn Kitten Care Guide.
Kitten-Proofing Your Home
Kittens are naturally curious and can get into tiny spaces, so it’s essential to make your home safe.
- Remove small objects like hair ties, string, and rubber bands that could be swallowed.
- Secure wires and cables to prevent chewing.
- Store medications, cleaning products, and toxic plants out of reach.
- Block off small gaps where kittens might squeeze in and get stuck.
- Supervise outdoor access and ensure doors and windows are securely closed.
Read more about kitten-proofing your home here.
Helping Your Kitten Feel Safe
The first few days in a new home can be overwhelming. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your kitten can retreat, complete with a bed, litter tray, food, and water. This safe zone should be off-limits to other pets and young children at first. Once they seem comfortable, gradually introduce them to the rest of the house.
Kittens thrive on choice—providing multiple litter trays, water sources, and resting spots will help them feel more secure. Since they like to observe from above, cat trees and window perches can also help reduce stress.
Socialisation & Training Tips
Introducing Pets & Children
Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to introductions.
When preparing to introduce your kitten to other pets, swap bedding between them so they become familiar with each other’s scent first. Let them see each other through a barrier first before supervised interactions. Always reinforce positive interactions with treats and praise.
For children, teach them to approach gently and avoid pulling on tails or picking up the kitten too often. Always supervise their interactions.
Handling & Examining Your Kitten
Help your kitten get used to being touched by gently handling their paws, ears, and mouth when they’re calm. This makes future vet visits and grooming much easier.
Play the Right Way
Use toys rather than hands for playtime to avoid encouraging biting. Save hands for petting and rewarding with treats.
Veterinary & Medical Care
A vet check-up should be one of your first steps after bringing your kitten home. Your vet will:
- Check for signs of any health concerns.
- Guide you on kitten vaccinations, parasite prevention, and microchipping.
- Discuss desexing if it hasn’t already been done.
Carrier Familiarisation
To make vet visits less stressful, keep the carrier out at all times so it feels familiar. Before a visit, place a soft blanket inside and transport your kitten with care—keep the carrier level and cover it with a towel to minimise stress.
With the right preparation and care, your kitten will quickly adapt to their new home, and you’ll be playing together in no time – and getting those all-important cuddles, of course.
When taking care of a kitten, safe spaces, plenty of enrichment, and a gentle approach to handling will set them up for a happy, healthy life. And your vet and your local Petbarn team members are always there to help guide you through this exciting journey!