What is important during the first time with a kitten?

The first time with a kitten is all about security, routines, and patience. The kitten has just left its mother, siblings, and previous environment. Therefore, it needs to settle in calmly while you help it understand its new home.

With the right preparations, the start will be easier for both you and the kitten. The most important things are to have the right products at home, create a safe space, introduce the litter box early, and let the kitten explore at its own pace.

 

Prepare your home before the kitten arrives

Before the kitten moves in, it's good to make the home safe and calm. Kittens are curious, quick, and eager to explore everything.

Put away small objects that the kitten could swallow. Hide cords, secure windows and balcony doors, and remove plants that can be poisonous to cats. It's also smart to choose a smaller room as the kitten's first safe space.

There you can place the litter box, food bowl, water bowl, bed, and a few toys. A smaller area makes it easier for the kitten to feel secure and find the litter box.

First day at home

When the kitten comes home, don't rush anything. Place the carrier in the room where the kitten will start to spend time. Open the door and let the kitten come out on its own when it feels ready.

Some kittens come out immediately, while others need more time. This is completely normal. Avoid carrying the kitten around too much at first and let it discover the room itself.

Show where the litter box is and let the kitten sniff around. Once it starts to feel secure, you can gradually let it explore more parts of the home.

Security and scents

Scents are important for cats. If you can get a blanket, towel, or toy from the breeder, it can help the kitten recognize something from its previous home.

A secure sleeping place is also important. Place the bed in a quiet spot where the kitten can rest undisturbed. Kittens sleep a lot, and too much noise, play, or visitors can stress them.

For extra security, you can also use products that help the cat feel calmer in a new environment.

Litter box and cat litter

The litter box should be introduced immediately when the kitten comes home. Place it in a quiet and easily accessible spot. Avoid placing it right next to the food and water bowls.

Preferably use the same type of cat litter that the kitten is used to. If you want to change litter, you can do so gradually later, when the kitten has become more secure.

Keep the box clean from the start. Cats are clean animals and may avoid the box if it feels dirty or is in a stressful location.

How to help your kitten become litter trained

Most kittens learn the litter box quickly, but they need the right conditions. Show the kitten the box after eating, sleeping, and playing. This is often when it needs to go to the bathroom.

If an accident happens, do not scold. Just clean the spot thoroughly and continue to show the kitten the right place. With calm guidance and a clean box, the routine usually comes quickly.

Good tips for the litter box:

1. Keep the box easily accessible
2. Keep it clean every day
3. Use litter the kitten recognizes
4. Place the box in a quiet spot
5. Show the box after eating and resting

Food and water during the first time

Kittens need kitten food that is adapted for growth. It contains more energy and nutrients than regular adult food.

Preferably give the same food that the kitten is used to at first. If you want to switch to a different food, you should gradually mix in the new food over several days. This reduces the risk of an upset stomach.

Water should always be available. Change the water daily and preferably place the water bowl a bit away from the food bowl, as many cats prefer that.

How often should a kitten eat?

Kittens usually eat several small meals a day. How much the kitten should eat depends on its age, weight, activity level, and the food you are using.

Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging. Adjust the amount according to the kitten's condition and development. A kitten should grow, but not become overweight.

Play and activation

Play is important for the kitten's development. Through play, the kitten practices hunting behaviors, coordination, and self-confidence.

Good toys include wand toys, balls, soft toys, and puzzle toys. Play in short bursts several times a day.

Preferably end play calmly, so the kitten doesn't become overstimulated. After playing, many kittens want to eat and then rest.

Scratching needs and scratching posts

Kittens need to scratch. It's a natural behavior that helps the cat stretch its body, sharpen its claws, and mark its territory.

Preferably have a scratching board or scratching post ready from the beginning. Place scratching furniture where the kitten actually wants to be, for example, near its sleeping place or in the living room.

If the kitten scratches furniture, gently move it to the scratching post and reward it when it uses the right place.

Alone training

Don't leave the kitten alone for too long at first. It needs to feel secure in the home first.

Start with short periods and make sure the kitten has food, water, litter box, sleeping place, and toys in a safe area. Gradually increase the time as the kitten seems more secure.

If you already have other animals at home, the introduction should happen slowly and in a controlled manner.

Care and handling

Accustom the kitten early to being handled. Gently touch its paws, ears, mouth, and fur when the kitten is calm. This will make future nail trimming, brushing, and vet visits easier.

Do short sessions and stop before the kitten gets irritated. Reward it with a calm voice, play, or treats.

Nail trimming

Start accustoming the kitten to nail trimming early. You don't need to trim all claws at once. Start by just touching the paws and gently pressing so the claws are visible.

When the kitten is calm, you can trim one claw at a time. Use nail clippers adapted for cats and only trim the very tip.

Health, vaccination, and deworming

Follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding vaccination, deworming, and health check-ups. Kittens often need vaccinations during their first year.

Contact a veterinarian if the kitten is not eating, seems unusually tired, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or shows signs of pain.

It's also wise to consider pet insurance early, as veterinary care can be expensive.

Quick checklist for kitten

Before the kitten comes home, it's good to have this ready:

1. Kitten food
2. Food and water bowls
3. Litter box
4. Cat litter
5. Cat bed or blanket
6. Scratching post or scratching board
7. Toys
8. Carrier
9. Brush
10. Nail clippers
11. Any calming products for a new environment

Common mistakes during the first time

A common mistake is letting the kitten have access to the entire home immediately. It can be too much at once.

Other common mistakes include changing food too quickly, placing the litter box incorrectly, playing too intensely, or letting too many people visit immediately.

A calm start with clear routines gives the kitten the best chance to feel secure.

Find the right products for your kitten

At Zoohemmet, you'll find products that make the first time with a kitten easier. Here you'll find kitten food, cat litter, litter boxes, scratching posts, toys, beds, bowls, and grooming products.

With the right products at home, you can give your kitten a safe, clean, and stimulating start in its new home.

FAQ – first time with a kitten

What do you need to buy for a kitten?

You need, among other things, kitten food, a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, a bed, a scratching post, toys, a carrier, and grooming products.

How do you litter train a kitten?

Place the litter box in a quiet spot and show the kitten the box after eating, sleeping, and playing. Keep the box clean and preferably use the same cat litter that the kitten is used to.

How often should a kitten eat?

Kittens often eat several small meals per day. Follow the food's recommendations and adjust the amount according to the kitten's age, weight, and condition.

Can you leave a kitten alone?

At first, the kitten should not be left alone for long. Start with short periods and make sure it has a safe place with water, food, a litter box, and a sleeping place.

When should you start trimming a kitten's claws?

You can start accustoming the kitten to paw handling early. Gently trim one claw at a time when the kitten is calm.