checklists.oneAndroid appSign in
‹ Pets

New kitten: first week

A safe room, food, litter and the first vet visit. Settle a kitten in without stress.

25 items · 5 sections · pets, home, family

Start this checklist

Before it arrives (6)

  • Buy kitten food, two bowls, a litter tray and litter, a bed and a scratching post
  • Buy a secure carrier for the trip home and for vet visits
  • Set up a small quiet room as the kitten's base for the first days
  • Remove cables, small objects, string and toxic plants
  • Remove lilies from the house: they are highly poisonous to catsOpen
  • Check windows and balconies are secure or screened

Day 1 (5)

  • Bring the kitten home in the carrier and open it in the base room
  • Let it come out by itself and explore; don't force it
  • Show it the litter tray, food and water
  • Keep the home quiet; limit visitors to a few people
  • Keep other pets apart at first

Feeding (4)

  • Give the food the breeder or shelter used, at first
  • Feed small meals 3 to 4 times a day
  • Give fresh water; don't give cow's milk
  • Switch foods slowly over a week if you change

Health (5)

  • Book a first vet visit within the first week
  • Ask about vaccines, worming, flea control and microchipping
  • Ask when to neuter or spay
  • Watch for sneezing, runny eyes, diarrhoea or not eating, and call the vet if so
  • Weigh the kitten once a week and write it down

Settling in (5)

  • Keep the litter tray away from food, and clean it every day
  • Play with a wand toy for 10 minutes a few times a day
  • Use treats to teach its name
  • Handle paws, ears and mouth gently each day
  • Open up the rest of the house one room at a time

Similar