How to care for a kitten

Bringing home a kitten is equal parts thrilling and hair-raising. One minute you’re cooing over them, the next you’re wondering if your home is ready for a whirlwind of curiosity and claws.

To help you start off on the right foot, feline behaviourist Lucy Hoile shares practical advice on preparing your home, settling your kitten in and supporting them as they grow into a confident adult cat.

• How to kitten-proof your home
• What to get for your kitten
  > Think about preventative kitten healthcare
• What to do when you first bring your kitten home
• Looking after your kitten day-to-day
  > Playtime
  > Feeding and sleeping
  > Handling
• Other questions about looking after a kitten
  > Do I need to microchip my kitten?
  > Can I let my kitten outside?
  > Can a kitten be left alone during the day?
  > Should kittens be kenneled at night?
  > How to soothe a crying kitten
  > How to raise a kitten to be cuddly

How to kitten-proof your home

Kittens explore with enthusiasm and very little awareness of danger. Before they arrive, take time to make your home as safe as possible:

• Tidy away cords, cables, ribbons and string that could cause tangling or choking
• Store interactive toys like fishing rods out of reach when not supervised
• Block gaps behind appliances, wardrobes and low furniture
• Remove small objects that could be swallowed
• Keep toxic foods such as chocolate, raisins and onions out of reach
• Check your garden for poisonous plants (by the way, here’s how to create a cat-friendly garden)
• Lock away chemicals, medication and things like antifreeze

A safe environment will allow your kitten to explore with confidence.

Find out what to do if you suspect your cat has been poisoned.

What you’ll need for your kitten

It’s easy to overbuy, but focusing on essentials will help your kitten settle quickly:

• At least one litter tray (ideally more than one)
• Unscented litter
• A sturdy scratching post
• A cat tree for climbing and observing
• Easy-access food and water bowls
• A complete age-appropriate diet
• A range of toys with different textures and sounds
• Beds they can curl up in, hide under and perch above ground level

Providing vertical space and scratching options early on is a wise investment, as it’s likely to save your furniture in the long run.

Preventative kitten healthcare

It’s also a good idea to get your kitten’s healthcare started early. You should consider:

• Vaccinations to protect against illnesses like cat flu and feline parvovirus
• Kitten insurance to help with unexpected vet bills
• Microchipping, now a legal requirement in the UK, but can help reunite you with your cat if they ever go AWOL
• Neutering to prevent unwanted litters and reduce certain health risks

Settling your kitten into their new home

The first day can feel overwhelming for your kitten. Keep things calm and contained.

Set them up in one quiet room with:

• Food and water bowls
• A litter tray placed away from feeding areas
• Soft bedding and hiding spots
• Their carrier left open as a safe retreat

Spend time sitting quietly with them and observe their behaviour. When they begin exploring confidently – tail upright, approaching you willingly – you can gradually introduce another room.

Avoid big changes like redecorating or hosting lots of visitors during the early days. Let your kitten move at their own pace.

As they grow more confident, add extra beds and climbing spaces throughout the home so they can claim the whole house as their territory.

Kitten care

Playtime

Kittens have strong hunting instincts and need regular interactive play:

• Offer several short play sessions each day
• Use moving toys to trigger chase behaviour
• Provide small safe toys – like a stuffed mouse – they can catch and ‘kill’
• Include longer toys they can grip and kick with their back legs

If you’re able to adopt two compatible kittens, they can help burn off each other’s energy.

Feeding, sleep and hygiene

Kittens need frequent small meals and plenty of rest.

• Feed little and often throughout the day
• Make sure they have a selection of quiet sleeping spots
• Scoop litter trays daily to keep them clean

Handling

Let your kitten approach you first. Gentle, brief stroking sessions are best, as kittens can become overstimulated quickly.

If you lift them, support all four paws and keep them upright. Avoid placing them on their back, and put them down if they struggle.

Not all cats enjoy being carried, and that’s okay. Respecting their boundaries will help to build trust.

Common questions about kitten care

Do I need to microchip my kitten?

Yes, if you live in England. Since June 2024, it’s a legal requirement for pet cats to be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks old. The microchip stores your contact details in a registered database, helping reunite you with your kitten if they ever go missing.

While it’s not compulsory in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, it’s still a worthwhile safeguard.

Likewise, even if you have an indoor cat, microchipping is still strongly recommended. Cats can slip out unexpectedly, and collars can fall off. A microchip provides permanent identification and can offer peace of mind for cat owners.

Can my kitten go outside?

Your kitten should be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before exploring outdoors. They also need to feel fully settled indoors first.

When it’s time to let your cat outside, supervise them closely. And keep initial sessions short so they don’t become overwhelmed.

Can kittens be left alone?

Kittens thrive on interaction. Leaving them alone for long periods isn’t ideal. If possible, consider adopting two kittens with compatible personalities.

If you occasionally need to leave them:

• Leave safe toys around (avoiding strings), and rotate them to maintain novelty
• Offer puzzle feeders suitable for kittens
• Leave gentle background noise on, like a chill radio station or playlist
• Arrange for someone to check in if you can
• Use an automatic feeder so they can be fed little and often

Should kittens be shut in a crate at night?

Cats prefer freedom within their territory, and generally shouldn’t be confined in a kennel or crate overnight.

If you’re worried about household safety, you can keep your kitten in one secure room overnight from day one. Be consistent so they learn the routine, and make sure the room is warm and comfortable.

How can I soothe a crying kitten?

Crying often stems from frustration, especially if they’re shut away from you. If you respond by immediately opening the door, they may learn to repeat the behaviour.

Instead, think carefully about your long-term set-up. Offer affection when they seek it, and consult your vet if you’re concerned about their health.

How can I raise a cuddly kitten?

Every kitten has their own personality. Some naturally seek constant affection, while others prefer space.

Positive socialisation, gentle handling and respecting boundaries can all help to build a strong bond. While you can’t force a kitten to be cuddly, you can create an environment where they feel safe enough to choose closeness.