Kitten's First Week at Home

A kitten's first week sets the tone for life. One room, one routine, and a calm start beat a grand tour of the house.

Black and white kitten exploring indoors — The first week is about one safe room and slow introductions.

The safe room

Ginger kitten lying on a tiled floor in a cozy room — One room, with food, water, a litter box, and a hiding spot.

Start with one quiet room: litter box, food, water, hiding spots, and a scratcher, with the door closed. A whole house is too much new territory at once. Let the kitten master one room first, then open more rooms over days.

Litter box from day one

Show the kitten the box as soon as it arrives, and again after meals and naps. Keep the box clean and easy to reach. For the full setup, see Cat Litter Box Basics.

Feeding

Small, frequent meals suit kittens, plus fresh water at all times. Keep the same food the kitten had before, and change foods gradually if you switch. Ask your veterinarian about feeding amounts for your kitten’s age rather than guessing.

Play and handling

Short play sessions with wand toys, several times a day. Handle gently: brief touches of ears, paws, and mouth, paired with calm praise. Let the kitten come to you — chasing a hiding kitten teaches it to fear hands.

Meeting the household

Introduce people one at a time, quietly. Other pets wait: if there is a dog in the house, follow How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog step by step, and do not rush the first meeting.

Sleep and routine

Kittens sleep a great deal, and that is normal. Keep feeding and play times steady. Nighttime crying is common at first: comfort the kitten briefly without starting a play session, and it usually settles within a few nights.

First vet visit

Arrange a first vet visit early. Your veterinarian will set up checkups and a vaccination plan for your kitten. Bring any records from the breeder or shelter, and a note of what the kitten has been eating.

Next steps: How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog and Cat Litter Box Basics.

Not veterinary advice: This guide is general information for healthy kittens. If your kitten stops eating, hides constantly, or suddenly behaves very differently, see a veterinarian promptly.

Want the full guide? Cat Care Basics covers feeding, litter boxes, scratching, hiding, and multi-cat homes — $9.99.