The first week with a new kitten is magical โ and surprisingly demanding. Unlike puppies, kittens don’t need lead training or toilet-from-scratch teaching, but they do need patience, a safe introduction to their new environment, and a clear understanding of what’s normal versus what needs vet attention. This practical UK guide covers everything for your kitten’s first week at home in 2026.
Before Your Kitten Arrives โ Checklist
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| โ Kitten-proof your home | Secure electrical cables, remove lilies and toxic plants (check the Cats Protection toxic plant list), store chemicals/medications in locked cupboards, close toilet lids, block gaps behind appliances |
| โ Set up a safe room | Choose one quiet room as the kitten’s base for the first few days โ this prevents overwhelm and helps the kitten bond with a defined safe space before exploring further |
| โ Food and water bowls | Shallow, wide (whiskers mustn’t touch the sides); place food and water in different locations โ cats prefer not to eat next to their water source |
| โ Kitten food (same brand as breeder) | Sudden food changes cause digestive upset โ continue the breeder’s food for at least 2 weeks before transitioning if needed |
| โ Litter tray | One per cat plus one extra; low sides for easy kitten access; place well away from food/water |
| โ Litter | Begin with what the breeder used. Non-clumping, coarse-grain for very young kittens (under 12 weeks) to reduce ingestion risk |
| โ Bed or hiding spot | Kittens need to feel they can hide โ a covered bed, box with a hole cut in it, or tunnel all work well |
| โ Scratching post | Set up before arrival โ redirecting natural scratching is much easier than stopping it after furniture has been targeted |
| โ Safe toys | Wand toys (supervised only โ never leave unattended with string/feathers), crinkle balls, puzzle feeders |
| โ Cat carrier | Leave it out open before and after kitten arrives โ allow them to explore it voluntarily. Crate training reduces lifelong stress around vet trips |
| โ Pet insurance | Take out immediately โ before the first vet visit if possible. Conditions noticed before policy start date will be excluded |
| โ Vet registered | Book first appointment within 48 hours of arrival |
Day 1 โ Coming Home
- Carrier in safe room: Place the carrier in the safe room, open the door, and leave the kitten to emerge in their own time. Do not coax them out or reach in
- Show the litter tray first: Gently place the kitten in the litter tray โ they may use it immediately or within minutes of arrival
- Let them explore at their pace: Sit quietly on the floor in the safe room and let the kitten approach you when ready. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or reaching for them
- Hiding is normal: Kittens may spend most of the first 24โ48 hours hiding. Provide hiding spots and leave them to decompress. Check they’re eating and using the litter tray
- No visitors on day one: Limit initial exposure to the immediate household members only
Feeding Schedule
| Age | Meals per day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 weeks | 4โ5 meals daily | Small, frequent meals โ tiny stomachs, high growth requirements |
| 3โ6 months | 3โ4 meals daily | Begin transitioning gradually if changing food brand |
| 6โ12 months | 2โ3 meals daily | |
| 12 months+ | 2 meals daily | Transition to adult food at 10โ12 months |
Important: Always provide fresh water in a separate location from food. Many cats prefer running water โ a cat water fountain encourages better hydration, particularly for cats eating exclusively dry food. Avoid cow’s milk and human foods.
Litter Tray โ Setting Up for Success
- Place in a quiet, accessible location where the kitten will not be disturbed during use
- Keep well away from food and water bowls
- Scoop at least twice daily โ cats frequently refuse a dirty tray and will toilet elsewhere
- Clean thoroughly once weekly and replace litter completely
- If you have multiple cats: one tray per cat, plus one extra, in different locations
- If accidents occur outside the tray: clean with enzymatic cleaner immediately. Check positioning and cleanliness of the tray before assuming a behaviour problem
Gradual Expansion โ No Rush
Expand the kitten’s territory gradually over the first week:
- Days 1โ2: Safe room only
- Day 3: If confident, allow access to an adjacent room when supervised
- Days 4โ7: Gradually extend access to the main living areas, always ensuring safe room access is maintained as a retreat
- Full home access: typically after 1โ2 weeks once the kitten is confident and using all resources (litter tray, food, bed) reliably
UK Kitten Vaccination Schedule 2026
| Vaccine | Age | Protects against | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First vaccination | 8โ9 weeks | Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), Cat Flu (FHV-1 + FCV) | Core vaccines โ all kittens should receive |
| Second vaccination | 11โ12 weeks (3โ4 wk after first) | As above + booster | Some vets give a 3rd dose at 16wk for high-risk kittens |
| FeLV (Feline Leukaemia) | Given alongside or after primary course | Feline Leukaemia Virus | Recommended for all kittens going outdoors or in multi-cat households |
| Annual booster | 12 months after primary course | All of the above | Then annually or triennially depending on vaccine type |
Outdoors: Keep your kitten fully indoors until at least 2 weeks after their second vaccination AND until they are settled in their new home โ typically a minimum of 13โ14 weeks of age total. Also ensure they are microchipped before going outside.
First Vet Visit โ What to Expect
Book within 48 hours of bringing your kitten home. Your vet will:
- Complete a full physical health examination
- Check vaccination history from the breeder
- Set a vaccination schedule
- Administer a worming treatment
- Advise on flea prevention programme
- Check microchip (and explain the new cat microchipping law)
- Discuss neutering โ typically from 4 months for female cats; 5โ6 months for males
Warning Signs โ When to Call the Vet
| Sign | Action |
|---|---|
| Not eating after 48 hours | Call vet โ kittens cannot safely fast for long |
| Diarrhoea for more than 24 hours | Call vet โ risk of dehydration is rapid in kittens |
| Sneezing, weepy eyes, runny nose | Call vet โ upper respiratory infection (cat flu) common in young kittens |
| Visible distress, open-mouth breathing | Emergency vet immediately |
| Not using litter tray after 24 hours | Check tray positioning; if kitten is straining, call vet |
| Hiding with no improvement after 48 hours | Normal up to 48hrs; beyond that, call vet to rule out illness |
FAQs
When can kittens go outside?
Not before they are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after second vaccine, typically around 13โ14 weeks of age) AND microchipped (now legally required for cats in England from 10 June 2024) AND settled in the home. When you do start outdoor access, do so gradually โ start with supervised time in a safe garden, moving to a cat flap once they reliably return to call.
My kitten is hiding constantly โ is this normal?
Yes, for the first 24โ48 hours. Hiding is the kitten’s way of processing an overwhelming amount of new sensory information. Provide hiding spots, leave fresh food and water nearby, check they’re using the litter tray, and be patient. Most kittens are showing curiosity within 48 hours and playing confidently within a week. If hiding persists beyond 3 days without any eating or litter tray use, contact your vet.
Related: How Much Does a Cat Cost UK | Pet Insurance UK | Cat Breeds UK Guide