Bringing your new kitten home

Helping your kitten settle, grow and thrive with calm, confident care.

Bringing home a new kitten is one of those magical moments you remember for years. Everything is new for them: new sounds, new spaces, new people and those early days are a time of discovery, bonding and gentle learning. At Animed, we believe the best start comes from a nurturing approach: soft encouragement, predictable routines and simple, expert‑backed care.

Here’s how to help your kitten feel safe, supported and ready to explore the world with confidence.

Kittens can get into all sorts of mischief, so, before you bring them home, it makes sense to kitten-proof. By proofing your home for your new kitten, you’ll be keeping them out of harm’s way and protecting any of your belongings from them.

Kittens like to explore. Keep all windows and doors locked to stop them escaping the house earlier than planned. Make sure you keep cupboard doors, washing machines and tumble dryer doors closed. It’s also important to block any gaps you might have in your house, including behind kitchen cupboards, wardrobes and any gaps you might have in your flooring. 

Some houseplants and flowers can be toxic to kittens if they decide to try and eat them. These flowers include Peace Lilies, Amaryllis, English Ivy and Snake Plants. To stop them eating these plants, choose plants that are more kitten-friendly or make sure you put any of the toxic plants you have in a room where your kitten won’t be going.

Cleaning products can be hazardous to kittens, so need to be kept firmly out of their way. A closed cupboard or cabinet where your kitten can’t reach is a good option. Some air fresheners can be toxic to kittens, so it’s recommended to check the ones you’re using and swap them out to non-toxic ones. 

Kittens explore the world with their mouths and paws. This means all cables and wires need to be kept in a safe space, taped down or covered with a cable tidy wrap. This helps to keep your kittens safe and away from harm. Also, remember to secure anything that dangles, such as blind cords. 

The first thing a kitten needs isn’t a toy or a treat, it’s reassurance. A new home can be overwhelming, so creating a quiet space of their own goes a long way. A cosy bed, a safe hiding spot and easy access to food, water and a litter tray help them understand that this new world is safe.

Many kittens will choose a favourite corner or quiet room early on. Let them set the pace, checking in gently and offering comfort when they seek it. This early sense of security is what future confidence grows from.

Kittens grow rapidly in their first year, and nutrition plays a huge part in keeping that growth steady and healthy. A complete kitten diet provides the right balance of protein, minerals and energy to fuel developing muscles, bones and immune systems.

At this age, even small changes can affect little tummies, so new foods should always be introduced gradually. If you’re exploring options, we have a range of kitten‑specific diets and supplements makes it easier to support healthy development from day one, especially if you’re still learning what works best for your kitten.

One of the reassuring things about kittens is how quickly they take to litter training. With a quiet place to go and a clean, easy‑to‑reach tray, most kittens pick it up with very little guidance.

If mistakes happen, they’re rarely intentional, they’re simply part of learning. A calm clean‑up and gentle redirection works far better than any form of correction. Staying consistent helps them understand what’s expected, and they soon build good habits of their own.

Kittens learn through play, and even the smallest interactions support their development. Short, frequent bursts of activity throughout the day help build coordination, confidence and emotional resilience. You might notice your kitten becomes energetic all at once, then falls asleep minutes later, that’s completely normal.

Using toys rather than hands helps encourage healthy play habits from the start. Choose kitten‑safe toys that are designed to support natural hunting, chasing and pouncing behaviours, all of which are deeply rooted instincts in young cats.

Everything a kitten experiences in their first weeks at home helps shape their view of the world. Gradually introducing household sounds, meeting new people in a calm way, or encouraging short sessions of handling can help your kitten feel safe and curious rather than overwhelmed.

Even simple things, like letting them explore a new room while you sit quietly nearby, contribute to healthy socialisation. The goal is always positive reinforcement paired with plenty of reassurance.

Introducing a kitten to a child will require patience, calm and careful supervision. It’s important that children know that kittens like to be left alone when they’re eating, drinking, sleeping or using the toilet. Children also need to know that kittens don’t enjoy being grabbed or handled with no warning. To keep everyone safe, supervise all interactions between children and kittens, and give your kitten the option to leave if they aren’t happy.

Kittens aren’t being mischievous when they scratch, they’re expressing normal behaviour. Scratching posts give them an appropriate outlet to stretch, sharpen claws and mark their territory, all of which support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Placing a scratching post near areas your kitten naturally gravitates toward helps encourage the behaviour where you want it to happen.

Kittens are particularly vulnerable to parasites, which can affect their comfort, digestion and growth. Starting parasite protection early is an important part of routine care.

Products such as Pet Shield Wormer and Advantage Flea prevention are formulated for young pets. Your vet will guide you on timings, but building this into your routine early helps set up good habits for life.

Vet visits in the first months are essential for vaccinations, microchipping and general health checks. These early appointments also help your kitten become familiar with gentle handling and new environments. Keeping visits positive and unrushed makes a big difference.

Introducing grooming early helps kittens learn that touch is safe and enjoyable. Short sessions with a soft brush, gentle handling of paws and ears, and lots of praise help build trust and prepare them for future care like nail trims and vet examinations.

When a bath is genuinely needed, for example, after an accident, products such as Bugalugs No Rinse Shampoo & Conditioner is easy to use and keeps fur nourished and conditioned.

Between bursts of energy, kittens need lots of sleep, sometimes as much as 16–20 hours a day. Rest isn’t just downtime; it’s when learning is processed and growth happens. Providing a few quiet places around the home lets your kitten nap whenever they need to, helping them stay balanced and content.

Above all, kittens learn best when they feel safe. Positive reinforcement, calm praise, gentle encouragement and small treats teach them what to do without fear or confusion. Whether it’s using the litter tray, coming when called, or allowing grooming, rewarding the behaviour you want to see helps strengthen trust in every interaction.

Animed advice: Your kitten doesn’t need perfect training or flawless routines, they simply need patience, calm guidance and a safe, loving environment as they learn. With nurturing support and a little structure, you can help your kitten grow into a confident, healthy adult cat.

We are here with kitten‑friendly essentials to support every stage of their early journey.