Kitten Care Guide
Bringing a kitten home is one of the most rewarding parts of cat ownership — and also the period with the most questions. Kittens grow fast, eat differently than adult cats, and learn their lifelong habits (including litter use and socialization) in their first few months.
This guide walks you through kitten care in the order you'll actually need it: settling in during the first 24 hours, feeding, litter and home setup, then behavior and development. Every guide below is written by our editorial team and grounded in veterinary sources.
Getting Started
The first days at home set the tone for everything after. Start with the settling-in basics before worrying about anything else.
First 24 Hours With a New Cat
A calm first-day plan for helping a new cat settle in with a safe room, essential supplies, gentle introductions, and clear warning signs.
The Ultimate New Cat Owner Checklist
Everything you need to welcome a new cat or kitten home, from litter box placement to safe home preparation.
Helping a Cat Adjust to a New Home: The First Few Weeks
Guide your newly adopted cat through house transitions using sanctuary rooms, gradual exploration, and comforting routines.
Should I Adopt One Kitten or Two?
Compare the practical trade-offs of adopting one kitten or two, including social needs, space, time, cost, and existing pets.
Feeding
Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats — more calories per pound, and growth-appropriate food. Get the portions right early.
How Much Should I Feed a Kitten?
Learn how to use growth-appropriate food labels, measured portions, and veterinary monitoring when feeding a kitten.
What's the Best Food for Kittens? A Vet-Informed Guide
Learn to choose a complete-and-balanced growth formula for your kitten, how much and how often to feed, and when to switch to adult food — with evidence-informed tips for steady, healthy growth.
Kitten Food vs Cat Food: What's the Difference?
Kitten food and adult cat food differ in more than bag size. Learn why growing kittens need extra protein, fat, and key minerals—and when to make the switch.
Litter & Home Setup
A kitten that uses the litter box reliably is a kitten that settles in faster. Choose the right litter, train early, and prepare the house.
Best Type of Litter for Kittens
Choose kitten litter using safety, dust, scent, access, cleaning, and your kitten's willingness to use the box.
How to Litter Train a Kitten: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to litter train a kitten with practical steps covering box placement, substrate selection, timing, and troubleshooting. Includes a handy checklist and expert-backed advice for lasting success.
What to Buy Before Adopting a Kitten
A practical pre-adoption shopping list covering food, litter, transport, safe spaces, play, and the first veterinary visit.
Behavior & Development
Kittens learn how to be cats in their first months. Socialization and week-by-week development milestones keep them on track.
How to Socialize a Kitten: Handling & New Experiences
Learn how to socialize a kitten during the sensitive early window. This guide covers gentle handling, new experiences, sounds, people, other pets, and what to avoid forcing.
How to Raise a Kitten Week by Week from Birth to Six Months
Follow a week-by-week kitten development and socialization calendar from birth to six months. Learn what milestones to expect and practical ways to handle, feed, and play with your kitten at every stage.