How to look after a kitten

If you're looking to buy a kitten you'll understand that bringing a kitten home is exciting and a bit daunting. Our guide to kitten care will help you give your kitten the best start in life, and avoid any potential problems later on. 

Up to eight weeks - before you bring your kitten home

Wherever your kitten came from they should have done a few things before you bring your kitten home including:

first kitten vaccinations

started socialisation, positively introducing to new situations and people

started litter box training

Prepare your home by:

providing lots of space for your kitten to play as well as a resting place and hiding places purchasing toys, scratching post, cat litter tray, places to climb placing the litter tray somewhere quiet and accessible taking a blanket from the kitten's first home for familiarity and comfort ensuring there are no hazards finding a vet

Eight to 12 weeks - Bringing your kitten home

This is an important time for your kitten, what they learn and experience now will shape future behaviour.

Continue socialisation by exposing your kitten positively to experiences like:

other healthy fully vaccinated cats and dogs 

other people and children gradually introducing them to their cat carrier, grooming, being picked-up, handling and having their ears, eyes and other body parts checked    establish a consistent routine and rules like keeping them out of certain rooms. Reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour.

feeding them the same kitten food as they had before and keep the same routine with small, regular meals contact a professional if you have any concerns.

12 weeks onwards

Around now your kitten will need their second vaccinations. You should also book them in to be neutered (at four months), and ask your vet about worming.

Spend lots of time playing with your kitten every day.

- Mental stimulation is also important so play games like hiding their food.

Try some kitten training like having them come to you when you call.

Remember, growing and learning is tiring, let your kitten rest regularly and keep training sessions short.

Six months onwards

Kittens are still learning so keep all experiences positive.

Speak to your vet if you have concerns about your kitten's behaviour.

Ask your vet about their changing dietary needs.

By keeping experiences positive from day one, you’ll help your kitten grow into a confident adult cat, making life more enjoyable for you both.

If you're looking to buy a kitten you'll understand that bringing a kitten home is exciting and a bit daunting. Our guide to kitten care will help you give your kitten the best start in life, and avoid any potential problems later on. 

Up to eight weeks - before you bring your kitten home

Wherever your kitten came from they should have done a few things before you bring your kitten home including:

                                  first kitten vaccinations

                                  started socialisation, positively introducing to new situations and people

                                  started litter box training


Prepare your home by:

                                  providing lots of space for your kitten to play as well as a resting place and hiding places

                                  purchasing toys, scratching post, cat litter tray, places to climb

                                  placing the litter tray somewhere quiet and accessible

                                  taking a blanket from the kitten's first home for familiarity and comfort

                                  ensuring there are no hazards

                                  finding a vet

Eight to 12 weeks - Bringing your kitten home

This is an important time for your kitten, what they learn and experience now will shape future behaviour.

Continue socialisation by exposing your kitten positively to experiences like:

                                  other healthy fully vaccinated cats and dogs

                                  other people and children

                                  gradually introducing them to their cat carrier, grooming, being picked-up, handling and having their ears, eyes and other body parts checked   

                                  establish a consistent routine and rules like keeping them out of certain rooms. Reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour.

                                  feeding them the same kitten food as they had before and keep the same routine with small, regular meals

                               contact a professional if you have any concerns.

12 weeks onwards

Around now your kitten will need their second vaccinations. You should also book them in to be neutered (at four months), and ask your vet about worming.

                                  Spend lots of time playing with your kitten every day.

                                  - Mental stimulation is also important so play games like hiding their food.

                                  Try some kitten training like having them come to you when you call.

                                  Remember, growing and learning is tiring, let your kitten rest regularly and keep training sessions short.

Six months onwards

                                  Kittens are still learning so keep all experiences positive.

                                  Speak to your vet if you have concerns about your kitten's behaviour.

                                  Ask your vet about their changing dietary needs.

By keeping experiences positive from day one, you’ll help your kitten grow into a confident adult cat, making life more enjoyable for you both.