What to do with a new kitten

🐾 What to Do With a New Kitten

Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting time, but it’s also a big adjustment — for both of you! These early days are important for helping your kitten settle in and feel safe. Here are our top tips for a smooth transition.

🏠 Creating a Safe Space

When you bring your kitten home, it’s best to start them off in a small, closed-off area of your house — like a bathroom, laundry or quiet room. This helps them feel secure while they adjust to the new sights, sounds, and smells.

• Provide a cosy bed, food and water bowls, a scratching post, and a litter tray

• Make sure there are no escape routes or dangerous objects in the space

🧻 Litter Training Tips

Most kittens learn to use a litter tray quickly with a little help:

• Gently place your kitten in the tray every hour or two, especially after meals or naps

• If your kitten uses the tray, offer praise or a treat

• If they start toileting elsewhere, gently guide them back to the tray

• Avoid punishment — this can make them anxious and lead to hiding their toilet habits

Keep the litter tray clean and accessible, and consider using the same litter they were used to before coming home.

🍽 Feeding & Settling In

Keep food simple at first — a bland, high-quality kitten diet is best.
Avoid sudden changes, and don’t overfeed in the early days. Start with a couple of tablespoons of food as a meal building up to a quarter of a cup.

⚠️ It’s common for kittens to get mild diarrhoea due to stress or dietary changes. If it lasts more than a day or two, get in touch with us.

🤝 Handling & Socialising

Handling your kitten regularly helps build trust and confidence.

• Gently pat, groom, and touch your kitten while they’re sleepy or relaxed

• Use toys like string, wands, or torches for interactive play

• Avoid rough play with hands — this can encourage biting later on

🩺 Book Your Free Kitten Check

Within the first few days, book a free kitten health check at Pittwater Animal Hospital. One of our experienced vets will:

• Perform a full physical exam

• Check for early signs of illness

• Start your kitten on a customized preventative health plan, including:

  • 🐾 Vaccinations

  • 🐛 Flea, tick & worm prevention

  • 🍽 Nutrition & feeding advice

  • ✂️ Desexing plans

  • 🧴 Grooming & behaviour tips

👇 Make an Appointment with the Vet →
📞 Or call us on (02) 9913 7979
📧 Email: reception@pittvets.au

🧾 More Helpful Kitten Resources

• 👉 Desexing at Pittwater Animal Hospital

• 👉 Settling Your New Cat or Kitten

• 👉 How to Introduce Cats to Each Other