New Kitten — First 30 Days

Bringing home a kitten the right way: supplies, vet plan, and how to set up the home.

Before They Arrive

• Set up a quiet 'safe room' with food, water, litter, and bed
• Cat-proof: no string, rubber bands, hair ties, or small swallowable items on floor
• Secure window screens; remove toxic plants (lilies are deadly to cats)
• Hide or tape down loose electrical cords
• Pick a vet and book a wellness exam in week 1

Supplies — Essentials

• Litter box (one per cat plus one extra)
• Unscented clumping litter — start with what shelter used
• Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls (no plastic — causes chin acne)
• Kitten-formula wet and dry food — same brand shelter used at first
• Carrier — hard-sided, opens from top and front
• Scratching post (sisal or cardboard, taller than the kitten standing up)
• Breakaway collar with ID tag
• A few simple toys — wand toy, soft mice, crinkle balls

First Days

• Keep them in safe room for 3-7 days to decompress
• Visit briefly and often; let them come to you
• Don't force handling — patience builds trust
• Watch for: not eating 24+ hrs, lethargy, diarrhea, sneezing — call vet

Vet & Health

• First exam: weight, fecal test, deworming
• FVRCP vaccine series (start 6-8 weeks, boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks)
• Rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks
• Microchip during a vet visit (often combined with spay/neuter)
• Schedule spay/neuter at 4-6 months
• Start monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention
• Pet insurance enrolled before any conditions are diagnosed

Building Habits

• Open carrier with treats inside, daily — makes future vet visits easier
• Brush teeth or wipe gums a few times a week from the start
• Trim claws every 2-3 weeks; use treats to make it positive
• Play 2x a day with wand toy — burns energy, prevents biting