Bringing a new kitten home is one of the best days there is — and also a big, confusing one for the kitten. A few weeks ago it was tumbling around with its littermates, and now it's in a strange house full of new smells, sounds and people. Get the first few days right and you'll set the tone for a confident, affectionate cat for years to come. Here's a calm, practical guide to settling a new kitten into your Australian home.
Before You Bring Your Kitten Home
A little preparation saves a lot of stress on day one. Before the kitten arrives, have these ready:
- A cosy bed in a quiet spot away from the busiest part of the house.
- Food and water bowls kept well away from the litter tray — cats dislike eating near their toilet.
- A litter tray with the same litter the breeder or shelter was using, at least to start.
- A scratching post so your kitten learns where scratching is welcome from the very beginning.
- Safe toys for play, plus a few hiding spots like a cardboard box or covered bed.
It also pays to kitten-proof: tuck away loose cords, secure fly screens and windows, remove toxic plants like lilies, and check for gaps behind appliances where a curious kitten could wedge itself.
The First Day: Start Small
Resist the urge to give your kitten the run of the whole house. A single quiet room — a spare bedroom or laundry works well — with the bed, litter, food, water and a scratching post is far less overwhelming. Let your kitten explore that one space at its own pace, and simply sit quietly nearby so it gets used to your presence without pressure. When it starts confidently exploring and coming to you, you can gradually open up more of the house over the following days.
Half-Enclosed Cat Bed — $32.99
Best for: nervous new kittens. The half-enclosed shape gives a sense of security and a place to hide away, which helps a kitten feel safe while it settles in.
Feeding Your New Kitten
Keep feeding consistent in the first week or two. Use the same food your kitten was eating and stick to a routine of small, frequent meals — young kittens have tiny stomachs and need feeding several times a day. If you plan to change brands, do it gradually over a week or so to avoid an upset tummy, and always keep fresh water available. Your vet can advise on the right food and portions for your kitten's age and weight.
Cute Ceramic Cat Bowl — $37.99
Best for: everyday feeding. Ceramic is easy to wipe clean, sits heavily so it won't slide around, and is gentler on a kitten's chin than plastic.
Litter Training (It's Easier Than You Think)
Kittens are naturally clean and usually take to a litter tray with very little help. Set them up for success:
- Place the tray in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot, away from food and water.
- Pop your kitten in the tray after meals, after naps and after play, when they're most likely to go.
- Use a low-sided tray a small kitten can climb into, and scoop it daily — cats avoid a dirty tray.
- If you have more than one cat, provide one tray per cat plus a spare.
Accidents in the first days are normal. Never scold your kitten — just clean the spot thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner so the smell doesn't draw them back. If your kitten strains, cries in the tray or stops using it altogether, contact your vet, as this can signal a health problem.
Handling, Play and Early Socialisation
The weeks between roughly eight and sixteen weeks are prime socialisation time — gentle, positive experiences now shape a friendly adult cat. Handle your kitten softly and often, let visitors say a calm hello, and get it used to everyday sounds like the vacuum and the doorbell. Play is how kittens learn and burn off energy, so schedule a few short sessions a day with wand toys and balls. One golden rule: never use your hands or feet as toys, or you'll teach your kitten that biting skin is a game.
Meeting Other Pets
If you already have a cat or dog, go slowly. Keep the newcomer in its own room at first and swap scents by rubbing a soft cloth on each animal and offering it to the other. Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door so they associate each other's smell with good things. Only introduce them face to face — briefly, and supervised — once both seem relaxed. Rushing introductions is the most common cause of lasting tension between pets, so patience over the first couple of weeks pays off.
The Vet and the Trip Home
Book a check-up in the first week to confirm your kitten's health and set up a vaccination, worming and desexing plan. A secure carrier makes the trip calm and safe — line it with a soft blanket that smells of home, and leave it out at home so your kitten sees it as a familiar den rather than a scary box that only appears on vet day.
i.Pet Soft Foldable Pet Travel Crate — $48.99
Best for: the trip home and vet visits. The soft, foldable design is comfortable for the kitten and packs flat for easy storage between outings.
New Kitten FAQs
How long does it take a kitten to settle in?
Most kittens start to relax within a few days, but some take a couple of weeks to feel fully at home. Confident exploring, eating well and playing are all good signs. Go at your kitten's pace rather than forcing interaction.
Should my kitten sleep in my room?
That's up to you. Many people start with the kitten in its own quiet room overnight so it feels secure, then allow more freedom as it settles. A cosy, enclosed bed helps a kitten feel safe wherever it sleeps.
When can my kitten meet the rest of the house?
Once it's confidently exploring its starter room and coming to you happily, usually after a few days. Open up the house gradually, one area at a time, so it never feels overwhelmed.
How do I stop my kitten scratching the furniture?
Provide a sturdy scratching post from day one and place it near where your kitten sleeps, since cats love to stretch and scratch on waking. Reward them for using it, and they'll usually leave the sofa alone.
Shop Kitten Essentials at OzPetCo
Set your new arrival up for a calm, happy start with our cat beds and cat feeding & bowls ranges — cosy beds, easy-clean bowls and more, with fast Australian delivery and free shipping over $99. A little patience now makes for a confident cat for life.
