06/09/2026
🐾 New Kitten? Here Are the Must-Knows for Kitten Paw-rents!🐱
Are you thinking about adopting a kitten, or have you recently welcomed one into your home? Congratulations! Kittens are adorable, playful and full of personality, but they also need plenty of care while they grow and develop.
Here are our must-know kitten care tips to help your new little one get off to the best start.
🍽️ Diet
A good-quality, nutritious diet is extremely important for young, developing kittens. We recommend Hill’s Science Diet Kitten.
Kittens should be fed either a combination of kitten biscuits and wet food, or a complete kitten biscuit diet. Feeding only wet food does not provide the same opportunities for dental cleaning as biscuits.
If you’re unsure how much to feed your kitten, check the feeding guide on their food packaging. These guides provide recommended amounts based on your kitten’s age and/or current weight.
💧 Always make sure your kitten has access to fresh, clean drinking water.
🧶 Exercise & Play
Kittens are energetic little explorers and require lots of playtime!
Expose your kitten to a wide range of age-appropriate toys, sights and household noises. Positive exposure while they are young can help them develop their senses and confidence, benefiting them throughout their lives.
But remember — sleep is just as important as play! Kittens need plenty of naps throughout the day so their growing bodies have time to rest and develop.
🧼 Hygiene & Litter Trays
Young kittens should be kept indoors while they grow and develop.
We recommend having 1–2 litter trays per kitten and keeping them clean and easily accessible.
When your kitten is very young, place litter trays close to where they spend most of their time. In a large home, they may struggle to find a tray if it is too far away.
💉 Healthcare
Vaccinations are an important part of protecting your kitten while their immune system is developing.
Generally, kittens receive vaccinations at:
8 weeks
12 weeks
16 weeks
If your kitten is older than 16 weeks when they begin their vaccination schedule, your veterinarian may recommend a different vaccination schedule depending on their age and circumstances.
It is also important to keep your kitten up to date with parasite prevention, including protection against fleas, ticks and intestinal worms.
We commonly recommend products such as NexGard SPECTRA® or Bravecto Plus®, depending on your kitten’s age, weight and individual needs.
Some preventatives can be started from around 8 weeks of age, but this can vary between products and according to your kitten’s weight. Always speak with your veterinarian about the most appropriate preventative for your kitten.
😸 Behaviour & Safety
Kittens can be very mischievous and are naturally curious — which means they can sometimes find themselves in trouble!
Before bringing your kitten home, kitten-proof their environment by:
🔌 Keeping electrical appliances and cables safely out of reach
🌿 Removing toxic plants
💊 Securing medications
🧴 Keeping cleaning products safely stored away
🪑 Providing scratching posts to encourage appropriate scratching
Your kitten may test their claws on a variety of surfaces, so providing suitable scratching posts and toys can help redirect this natural behaviour away from your furniture.
❤️ Most Importantly… Be Patient!
Moving into a new home can be a big and confusing transition for a kitten.
Give them time to settle in, explore their new surroundings and learn their new routine. Be patient, gentle and positive while they adjust.
With plenty of love, appropriate care and regular veterinary check-ups, you’ll be helping your new little family member grow into a happy, healthy and confident cat. 🐾❤️
If you have any questions about your kitten’s diet, vaccinations, parasite prevention or behaviour, chat with your veterinarian at your kitten’s next appointment.
