How to Take Care of a Kitten: Kitten Care 101

Bringing a new kitten into your home can be adorably chaotic, but it’s totally worth it! There are just some things you’ll need to know. To take care of your kitten and help them grow into a happy, healthy adult cat, provide lots of love and attention, a cozy home, complete and balanced meals, and plenty of early veterinarian care (among other things).

Learning how to take care of a kitten is about more than just cute photos and lots of cuddling. It’s a whirlwind of activity and adaptation, for both you and your feline friend, and requires that you support the big changes your young cat will go through during the first year of their life.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to take care of a kitten and the developmental milestones to expect along the way.

Below, we’ll discuss the basics when it comes to how to take care of a kitten. But remember to always consult your veterinarian for more specific guidance on your kitten’s health, feeding needs, vaccinations, and development.

That’s the best way to ensure they get the best start in life!

Before your new kitten arrives, it’s important to kitten-proof your space. Remove or secure small items, cords, and even some houseplants that can be dangerous to your kitten if they get a little too rambunctious.

Set up a quiet "starter area" that’s warm and away from drafts to help your kitten regulate their body heat better. Outfit this area with a cozy bed, scratching post, and a litter box so they don’t feel overwhelmed with wide-open spaces.

Making their environment snug, warm, and safe will make them feel happy and secure as they get to know their new home!

Your kitten’s first veterinarian visit is one of the most important milestones in their life. The veterinarian will check their weight and overall health to make sure they’re growing just right.

This is the perfect time to build a plan for vaccines and protection against pesky parasites like fleas and worms. It’s also a good idea to chat about the best feeding schedule for their growing body and decide when to have them spayed or neutered.

Starting early with professional care and advice gives your little ball of fur the best foundation for a healthy and active life!

Staying healthy is a team effort for you and your kitten! Newborns usually start their first round of vaccines between six and eight weeks old.

And, because their immune system is still developing, they’ll need booster shots every three to four weeks until they’re fully protected.

Kittens are like tiny athletes that need high-energy fuel to keep up with their growing bodies. Always choose a complete and balanced food made specifically for kittens. These foods contain the nutrients they need to get big and strong, including DHA for healthy brain development.

Since your kitten has a tiny tummy (but huge energy needs), offer multiple small meals throughout the day. And skip the cow’s milk. It can actually cause tummy trouble for young cats. The kitten food they eat will provide all the nutrition they need!

The big transition to "grown-up" cat food usually starts around four weeks old. This is when kittens begin to lap up liquids instead of just nursing.

You can help by mixing warm, wet kitten food with formula to create a soft gruel. Over the next two to three weeks, gradually add less liquid until the mixture is thick and hearty.

Keep in mind that slow and steady is the way to go when it comes to weaning your kitten. Avoid making sudden changes to their diet, as this can lead to an upset belly.

Most kittens are naturally tidy, but they still need a bit of litter box training along the way.

Start once they can walk steadily, usually around three to four weeks old. Place a low-sided box containing non-clumping litter in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot where your kitten won’t be interrupted.

A great training tip is to gently place them in the litter box right after they eat or wake up from a nap. This gets them in the habit of doing their business in the box instead of on your furniture.

The best time to build a bond with your cat and help them make friends with other members of your family starts once they come home (usually around eight weeks old) and lasts for the first few months.

During this time, handle your kitten gently and often to build trust and comfort. Introduce them to new sounds, different people, and other pets so they grow up brave and confident.

Play is also super important, so provide interactive toys to help them practice their natural hunting instincts and improve their coordination. These play sessions have the added benefit of helping your kitten burn off those (in)famous 3:00-in-the-morning zoomies!

Even though cats are famous for cleaning themselves, your kitten might need a helping hand to get them started. Trim their nails every few weeks to prevent accidental scratches during playtime and to protect your furniture as much as possible.

When it comes to baths, you generally don't need to get them completely wet (plus, they may not like that!). A quick spot clean with a warm, damp cloth is usually enough. If you do get them wet, make sure to dry them completely and keep them warm.

It’s also important to keep their ears and eyes clean with veterinarian-approved wipes.

Watching your kitten grow is like fast-forwarding a movie! One week they’re tiny, sleepy fuzzballs, and the next week they’re mini tigers pouncing on everything in sight.

Here’s a table to help you plan for the developmental milestones in your kitten’s life:

Keeping up with these milestones helps you stay one step ahead of their needs, whether it’s starting litter training or planning their first trip to the veterinarian. Yes, it’s a busy year, but seeing your kitten grow into a confident adult cat is the best reward ever!

Most kittens are pretty resilient, but sometimes they need a little extra help. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your kitten skips meals for 12 to 24 hours, struggles with weaning, or isn’t gaining weight.

Watch out for signs of an upset stomach, like vomiting or diarrhea, as well as sneezing, runny eyes, or limping. And, if you notice your usually playful kitten is suddenly sleepy, hiding, or crying constantly, something might be up.

It’s always better to play it safe and contact your veterinarian if you suspect something (anything!) might be wrong.

Learning how to take care of a kitten is full of exciting moments. From their first jump onto your lap to mastering the litter box, everything you do can help your little explorer feel more confident.

To make bonding even sweeter, use rewards for training and to celebrate their big wins! A few TEMPTATIONS™ Kitten Treats or a creamy TEMPTATIONS™ Kitten Puree Lickable Cat Treats are perfect for encouraging curiosity and rewarding good habits.

These tasty moments strengthen your bond while keeping their growing belly happy. Check out all our tasty treats to get the fun started!