Caring for Your Kitten: Raising a Happy, Healthy Feline
Bringing a kitten home is one of life’s sweetest joy but it also comes with a big responsibility.
Just like puppies, kittens need more than just food and toys to thrive. From settling in and socialising, to understanding their unique behaviour and health needs, there’s a lot to learn. This guide will walk you through the essentials of kitten care so you can raise a happy, well-adjusted, and healthy cat.
Bringing Your Kitten Home: Settling In
Bringing home a new kitten is such an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for both you and your kitten. Kittens thrive when they feel safe, so setting up a calm, quiet area just for them is the best way to start. Choose a small room or corner where they can have access to everything they need: a litter tray, food and water bowls, a cozy bed, and a few toys.
It’s normal for kittens to hide or seem unsure for the first day or two. Avoid overwhelming them with too many people or loud noises. Sit nearby, speak gently, and let them come to you when they’re ready. Patience in these early days helps build trust and confidence that will shape their future behaviour.
If you're introducing your kitten to other pets, do it slowly and under supervision. Allow them to sniff through a barrier or carrier first, and always supervise their first few interactions to keep everyone safe and calm.
Handling and Socialisation: Building a Confident Cat
The more positive experiences your kitten has with people, sounds, and gentle handling early on, the more confident and adaptable they’ll be as adults. Start by gently handling your kitten every day, stroke their back, touch their paws, look inside their ears, and lift their tail. These little moments help them become used to the kinds of touches they'll experience during vet visits or grooming.
Keep sessions short and calm, always ending with praise or a treat. If your kitten squirms or seems unsure, slow down and let them set the pace. Never force contact, build trust gradually.
Expose your kitten to everyday noises like vacuum cleaners, doorbells, and music. You can play recorded household sounds at a low volume and reward calm behaviour to help desensitise them in a controlled way.
The goal is to raise a cat that feels comfortable with people and in a variety of environments—not just at home but also when visiting the vet or meeting guests.
Toilet Training & Basic Manners
Most kittens will instinctively use a litter tray, especially if it’s kept clean and easy to access. To encourage good habits, place your kitten in the tray after meals and naps. Make sure the litter box is in a quiet, private location and cleaned daily, cats are fastidious and may avoid using a dirty tray.
If accidents happen, gently clean the area without punishment. Instead, reward your kitten when they use the litter tray correctly. Use enzymatic cleaners to remove odours, this helps prevent repeat accidents in the same spot.
As your kitten grows more confident, now is also a great time to discourage common behaviours like jumping on the table or kitchen counters. Instead of scolding, redirect them to an appropriate alternative like a cat tree or perch. Reward them for choosing the “right” place to climb. Consistency is key, every family member should respond the same way.
Scratching is natural and necessary for cats, but training them where to scratch is possible. Offer a few types of scratching surfaces (cardboard, sisal, carpet) in areas they naturally want to scratch. If your kitten goes for the couch, gently redirect them to the post and reward them when they use it.
Leash Training & Enrichment
Yes, kittens can be leash trained! Start by getting them used to wearing a lightweight harness indoors. Let them wear it for short periods while distracted with food or play. Once your kitten is confident in the harness, attach a leash and allow them to drag it behind them under supervision. Gradually introduce gentle leash guidance, always rewarding calm behaviour with treats or pats.
When your kitten is comfortable, try short outdoor adventures in safe, quiet areas. Never force them, some cats love outdoor walks, others prefer to stay indoors. Either way, regular playtime and enrichment are essential.
Kittens need mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Rotate toys often, provide climbing structures, and encourage interactive play daily. Puzzle feeders, tunnels, and feather wands are great boredom-busters. Even watching birds from a secure window perch can provide entertainment.
Positive early experiences build confidence and reduce fear later in life. So, whether it's leash training or puzzle time, make enrichment a fun and rewarding part of your kitten’s daily routine.
Nutrition & Feeding Tips
Feeding your kitten a balanced, high-quality diet is one of the most important parts of raising a healthy cat. Kittens grow rapidly and need food formulated specifically for their age to support their development.
Look for a premium commercial kitten food either wet, dry, or a mix of both approved by veterinary nutrition standards (like AAFCO in Australia). Feed small, frequent meals throughout the day (usually 3–4 meals), and always provide fresh water.
Avoid giving cow’s milk, as most cats are lactose intolerant. Treats should only make up a small percentage of their daily intake.
If you're considering raw or home-cooked diets, consult with your vet to ensure it's balanced. Nutritional imbalances can lead to serious health issues, especially in growing kittens.
Monitor your kitten’s appetite, weight, and stools. If they’re not eating, gaining weight, or if they develop diarrhoea or vomiting, it’s best to seek veterinary advice promptly. Healthy kittens are energetic, curious, and steadily gaining weight each week.
Health Checks & When to Worry
Kittens are vulnerable to illness, so regular monitoring and early vet checks are essential. Schedule their first vet visit early ideally around 6–8 weeks of age for a health exam, worming, flea treatment, and their first vaccination.
Keep an eye out for signs your kitten might be unwell, including:
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Lethargy or low energ
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Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Sneezing, coughing, or nasal/eye discharge
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Swollen belly
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Limping or difficulty walking
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Bad breath or drooling
Healthy kittens are bright, playful, have a good appetite, and use the litter box consistently. If anything feels “off,” it’s best to call your vet kittens can deteriorate quickly, and early treatment makes a big difference.
Vaccination & Worming Schedule (Australia):
Vaccinations:
- 1st vaccination: 6–8 weeks
- 2nd vaccination: 10–12 weeks
- 3rd vaccination: 14–16 week
Annual boosters thereafter - (Your vet will typically administer the F3 vaccine, which protects against feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus.)
Worming:
- Every 2 weeks from 2 to 12 weeks of age
- Monthly from 12 weeks to 6 months
- Then every 3 months for life
Keeping up with this schedule helps give your kitten the best start to a healthy and happy life.
It’s also a good habit to get your kitten used to gentle handling for future checkups. Touch their ears, paws, and mouth gently each day so they become desensitised to being examined.
Final Tips & Bonding
Building a strong bond with your kitten takes time, patience, and gentle consistency. Use play as your main tool interactive toys like feather wands or small balls not only help burn energy but also create fun, positive associations with you.
Here are a few final tips:
Set a routine: Feeding, play, and sleep times help your kitten feel secure.
Respect their space: Let them come to you for affection, especially in the early days.
Reward calm behaviour: Use treats or affection when they’re relaxed and calm, reinforcing those behaviours.
Bonding isn’t always instant, but with daily interaction and kindness, your kitten will grow into a confident, well-adjusted cat and a beloved part of your family.
Raising a kitten isn’t just about keeping them fed and entertained it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where they can grow into confident, loving adult cats. With the right care, gentle training, and lots of patience, your kitten will not only thrive but become a cherished member of your family for years to come. The time and effort you put in now truly makes all the difference.