Kitten First Week Guide: Settling Your New Cat

Uncategorized12 April 20261 min read
🔄Last Updated: 12 April 2026

The “Safe Room” Concept

Do not give a new kitten full run of the house immediately. Set up a “safe room” (like a spare bedroom) with their litter tray, food, water, a scratching post, and beds. This prevents them from getting overwhelmed and hiding in unreachable places.

Litter Tray Placement

Keep the litter tray as far away from their food and water bowls as physically possible in the safe room. Cats are hygienic animals and dislike eating near their toilet.

Gradual Exploration

After a few days, when the kitten is confident and eating well in the safe room, open the door and let them explore one new room at a time at their own pace.

SM

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

BVSc MRCVS

Dr. Mitchell is a practising veterinary surgeon with 12 years of clinical experience at a mixed-practice surgery in the West Midlands. She qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014 and holds a certificate in small animal medicine. Sarah reviews all our health, nutrition, and breed-specific medical content.

📋 Veterinary Reviewer 🎯 Small Animal Medicine