DETAILED CHECKLIST

New Kitten Care Checklist: Your Complete Guide for Bringing Home Your First Kitten

By Checklist Directory Editorial TeamContent Editor
Last updated: January 4, 2026
Expert ReviewedRegularly Updated

2 Weeks Before - Preparation

Research kitten care basics and requirements

Choose reputable veterinarian and schedule initial appointment

Kitten-proof your home by removing hazards

Secure electrical cords and cover outlets

Remove toxic plants and secure household chemicals

Designate safe room or area for kitten introduction

Research kitten food brands and nutritional requirements

Plan budget for initial supplies and ongoing care

1 Week Before - Supplies

Purchase high-quality kitten food and treats

Buy food and water bowls in appropriate sizes

Select litter box and kitten-safe litter

Purchase scratching posts and cat trees

Buy comfortable bed and soft blankets

Purchase interactive toys and enrichment items

Buy grooming supplies including brush and nail clippers

Purchase carrier for transportation and vet visits

Buy collar with ID tag and breakaway safety feature

Purchase cleaning supplies for accidents

Day Before - Final Preparation

Set up designated safe room with all essentials

Place food and water bowls in safe location

Set up litter box in quiet, accessible location

Arrange bed and hiding spots for comfort

Place toys and enrichment items around room

Double-check kitten-proofing throughout home

Prepare emergency contact information for vet

Ensure all family members understand care routine

First Day - Arrival and Introduction

Transport kitten safely in carrier to home

Place carrier in safe room and allow kitten to exit voluntarily

Provide fresh water immediately upon arrival

Offer small amount of food if kitten seems ready

Show kitten location of litter box

Allow kitten to explore safe room at own pace

Provide quiet time and avoid overwhelming kitten

Monitor kitten for signs of stress or illness

Begin gentle handling and positive interactions

First Week - Health and Routine

Schedule and attend first veterinary examination

Discuss vaccination schedule with veterinarian

Begin deworming treatment if recommended

Establish consistent feeding schedule

Monitor food and water intake daily

Continue litter box training and reinforcement

Begin gentle grooming sessions

Introduce scratching posts and redirect scratching behavior

Gradually expand access to other rooms under supervision

Continue positive socialization with family members

First Month - Ongoing Care

Complete initial vaccination series as scheduled

Discuss spay or neuter timing with veterinarian

Establish regular playtime and exercise routine

Continue positive reinforcement training

Monitor growth and development progress

Gradually introduce new experiences and environments

Maintain consistent daily routine for security

Continue monitoring for health issues or concerns

Build strong bond through daily interaction and care

New kitten care requires thorough preparation, essential supplies, health care planning, feeding management, litter training, socialization, safety measures, and ongoing routine establishment. Whether you are bringing home your first kitten or welcoming another feline companion, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of new kitten care. From two weeks before through one week before, day before arrival, first day introduction, first week health and routine, and first month ongoing care, this guide ensures you are fully prepared for every phase of welcoming your new kitten home.

This detailed checklist walks you through pre-arrival research and preparation at multiple stages, essential supplies purchasing and organization, final home preparation and safety checks, arrival day introduction and acclimation, first week health care and routine establishment, and first month ongoing care and bonding. Each phase addresses specific new kitten care needs, ensuring your kitten transitions smoothly into your home and receives appropriate care from the beginning.

2 Weeks Before - Preparation: Research and Planning

The two weeks before bringing home your kitten focus on comprehensive research and preparation. Research kitten care basics and requirements to understand what your new companion needs. Learning about kitten behavior, nutrition, health care, and training helps you provide appropriate care from day one. Knowledge empowers confident caregiving.

Choose reputable veterinarian and schedule initial appointment, as early veterinary care is essential for kitten health. Research local veterinarians, read reviews, and select one experienced with kittens. Schedule appointment for first week after arrival. Having veterinarian established before kitten arrives ensures prompt care when needed.

Kitten-proof your home by removing hazards that could harm curious kitten. Secure electrical cords and cover outlets to prevent chewing and electrical shock. Remove toxic plants and secure household chemicals in locked cabinets. Kittens explore everything, so thorough safety measures protect them from accidents. Designate safe room or area for kitten introduction, providing secure space for initial adjustment.

Research kitten food brands and nutritional requirements to make informed feeding decisions. Kittens need specific nutrition for growth and development. Plan budget for initial supplies and ongoing care, as responsible pet ownership requires financial planning. Preparation ensures smooth transition and reduces stress for both you and your new kitten.

1 Week Before - Supplies: Essential Items

One week before arrival, purchase all essential supplies. Purchase high-quality kitten food and treats formulated for growth and development. Buy food and water bowls in appropriate sizes for small kitten. Select litter box and kitten-safe litter, as proper litter box setup is crucial for training success.

Purchase scratching posts and cat trees to satisfy natural scratching instincts and provide exercise. Buy comfortable bed and soft blankets for rest and security. Purchase interactive toys and enrichment items to keep kitten mentally and physically stimulated. Buy grooming supplies including brush and nail clippers to begin grooming routine early.

Purchase carrier for transportation and vet visits, as carrier is essential for safe travel. Buy collar with ID tag and breakaway safety feature for identification and safety. Purchase cleaning supplies for accidents, as accidents may occur during training. Having all supplies ready before arrival ensures smooth transition and immediate care availability.

Day Before - Final Preparation: Setting Up Safe Space

The day before arrival, complete final preparation. Set up designated safe room with all essentials including food, water, litter box, bed, and toys. Place food and water bowls in safe location away from litter box. Set up litter box in quiet, accessible location to encourage proper use.

Arrange bed and hiding spots for comfort and security, as kittens need safe spaces to retreat. Place toys and enrichment items around room to provide stimulation. Double-check kitten-proofing throughout home to ensure safety. Prepare emergency contact information for vet and ensure all family members understand care routine. Final preparation creates welcoming environment for your new kitten.

First Day - Arrival and Introduction: Gentle Acclimation

The first day focuses on gentle introduction and acclimation. Transport kitten safely in carrier to home, minimizing stress during travel. Place carrier in safe room and allow kitten to exit voluntarily rather than forcing. Forcing creates fear and stress. Patience allows natural exploration.

Provide fresh water immediately upon arrival, as hydration is essential. Offer small amount of food if kitten seems ready, but don't force eating if kitten is stressed. Show kitten location of litter box and allow exploration. Allow kitten to explore safe room at own pace without interference.

Provide quiet time and avoid overwhelming kitten with too much attention initially. Monitor kitten for signs of stress or illness, as early detection prevents problems. Begin gentle handling and positive interactions when kitten seems comfortable. First day sets foundation for positive relationship and successful adjustment.

First Week - Health and Routine: Establishing Care

The first week establishes health care and daily routines. Schedule and attend first veterinary examination within 48-72 hours of arrival. Veterinarian performs health check, discusses vaccination schedule, and provides care guidance. Early veterinary care ensures kitten health and establishes baseline.

Discuss vaccination schedule with veterinarian, as vaccinations protect against serious diseases. Begin deworming treatment if recommended, as many kittens have parasites. Establish consistent feeding schedule with appropriate kitten food. Monitor food and water intake daily to ensure proper nutrition and hydration.

Continue litter box training and reinforcement, as consistency builds good habits. Begin gentle grooming sessions to accustom kitten to handling. Introduce scratching posts and redirect scratching behavior appropriately. Gradually expand access to other rooms under supervision. Continue positive socialization with family members. First week establishes foundation for ongoing care and relationship.

First Month - Ongoing Care: Building Relationship

The first month focuses on ongoing care and relationship building. Complete initial vaccination series as scheduled to protect kitten health. Discuss spay or neuter timing with veterinarian, as early spay/neuter prevents health and behavior problems.

Establish regular playtime and exercise routine to keep kitten healthy and happy. Continue positive reinforcement training to build good behaviors. Monitor growth and development progress to ensure healthy development. Gradually introduce new experiences and environments to build confidence.

Maintain consistent daily routine for security and predictability. Continue monitoring for health issues or concerns. Build strong bond through daily interaction and care. First month establishes patterns for long-term relationship and care.

New Kitten Care Best Practices

Throughout your new kitten care journey, keep these essential practices in mind:

New kitten care requires thorough preparation and research, essential supplies purchasing, final home preparation, gentle arrival day introduction, first week health care and routine establishment, and first month ongoing care and bonding. By following this detailed checklist, preparing thoroughly two weeks before, purchasing supplies one week before, completing final preparation day before, managing arrival day introduction carefully, establishing health care and routines first week, and continuing ongoing care first month, you will provide excellent foundation for your kitten's health, happiness, and successful integration into your family. Remember that preparation reduces stress, early veterinary care ensures health, consistent routine creates security, positive reinforcement builds trust, and patience allows natural adjustment and learning.

For more pet care resources, explore our multi-cat household checklist, our cat health emergency guide, our comprehensive pet care checklist, and our pet health checkup guide.

Sources and References

The following sources were referenced in the creation of this checklist:

Senior Cat Care Checklist

Comprehensive guide for senior cat care covering health monitoring, dietary adjustments, mobility support, comfort measures, and all essential steps for caring for older cats.

Cat Grooming and Hygiene Checklist

Complete guide for cat grooming and hygiene covering brushing, nail trimming, dental care, bathing, and all essential grooming steps for maintaining cat health.

Pet Adoption Checklist

Essential guide for pet adoption covering preparation, home setup, supplies, health care planning, and all necessary steps for adopting a new pet.

Newborn Care Checklist

Complete guide for newborn care covering feeding, sleep, health monitoring, safety measures, and all essential steps for caring for a newborn baby.