Congratulations on getting your new kitten! Those first 90 days with your newest family member are  magical, buuuuut also can be a bit overwhelming. Between the constant naps, midnight zoomies, knocked over plants, and the perpetual question of "Am I doing this right?"... we totally get it. In our Kitten Care Guide, learn everything you need to know to give your tiny new feline the best start in life.

New Kitten Checklist: The Essential Supplies

  • Food and Water Bowls: Choose shallow ones for their small faces, preferably stainless steel for max hygiene

  • High-Quality Kitten Food: Wet and/or dry, tailored for growth

  • Litter Box and Kitten-Safe Litter: Introduce early to start building good habits

  • Cozy Bed or Blanket: Cozy,  comfortable spot for naps on naps on naps

  • Scratching Post: Essential for keeping their claws in check

  • Variety of Toys: Wand toys, balls, mice—engage those tiny paws!

  • Carrier: For vet visits and safe transport

  • Nail Clippers (Cat-Specific): Gently maintain nail health

  • Brush Appropriate for Coat Type: Regular grooming prevents matting

  • Enzyme Cleaner: Essential for (inevitable) accidents

Pro tip: Set up a "kitten zone" in one room for the first few days. Too much space too soon can be overwhelming, and having them close to their  food, water and litter without wandering around can help.

Weeks 1 & 2: The Adjustment Period

This is when you and your new furry family member start to get acquainted. But don’t be surprised if there’s some hesitation expressed on their part! It’s just part of the process.

What to Expect

  • Hiding is normal; give ‘em time

  • May not eat much for the first 24-48 hours

  • Lots of sleeping (up to 20 hours/day!)

  • Possible digestive changes from food transition

Your To-Do List

  • Schedule First Vet Visit: Within the first week to ensure health and vaccinations

  • Start Litter Box Training: Usually instinctive, but guide them gently

  • Begin Gentle Handling and Socialization: Build trust and build your bond early 

  • Establish Feeding Routine: Consistency is key for young kittens

  • Kitten-Proof Your Home: Safety first—hide wires, secure small objects

Kitten Feeding Schedule: Weeks 1 & 2

This largely depends on their age when they arrive at your home. If you’re adopting or found a stray, have a veterinarian assess the kitten’s age at the first visit.

  • Age 6-8 weeks: 4 meals per day

  • Age 8-12 weeks: 3-4 meals per day

  • Always have fresh water available; wet food helps with hydration too

The good news? Most kittens adapt really quickly. By day 3 or 4, you should see their confidence (and personality) start to shine through loud and clear!

Weeks 3 & 4: Building Routine

At this point you and your kitten have likely established some basic routines, and getting in the groove of consistency is important to train behavior.

Kitten Feeding Schedule: Weeks 3 & 4

  • Down to 3 meals per day (morning, afternoon, evening)

  • Measure portions based on food guidelines

  • Begin introducing different textures if feeding only one type (have a little wet to compliment the dry, or vice versa)

Socialization Goals

  • Gently handle paws daily to get them used to touching for trimming nails

  • Introduce them to their carrier; make it a safe space not a scary one

  • Meet new people slowly and calmly – those first introductions are essential

  • Expose them to common but noisy household sounds like the vacuum or TV

Litter Box Success

This is one of the most daunting things about getting a new kitten but it should be a relatively quick transition.

  • Keep the box in a quiet, accessible location

  • Clean daily as kittens are picky about cleanliness

  • Use enzyme cleaner for accidents; never ammonia

  • One box per cat plus one extra is ideal

Pro tip: Place your kitten in the litter box after meals and naps if they’re not going there on their own. Their bodies will naturally cue them to go.

Weeks 5 - 8: Growth and Development

With the basics squared away, it’s time to start thinking about scheduling some key health measurements and milestones.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Always consult with your veterinarian about this schedule, but you should typically expect:

  • 6-8 weeks: First FVRCP vaccine

  • 10-12 weeks: Second FVRCP vaccine

  • 14-16 weeks: Third FVRCP vaccine + Rabies

  • Discuss the FeLV vaccine based on their lifestyle (staying indoors or eventually going outside)

Deworming and Preventatives

  • Kittens often come with parasites; follow your vet's deworming schedule

  • Discuss flea/tick prevention (many products have age/weight minimums, so it may need to wait)

  • Never use dog products on cats—they can be harmful

Teething Timeline

  • Baby teeth: 2-4 weeks old

  • Adult teeth start coming in: 3-6 months

  • Provide appropriate chew toys and watch for signs of mouth pain

Weeks 9 - 12: Independence and Training

At this point you may be asking yourself, “Were they really that tiny!?” Big growth has happened in a short amount of time, so it’s important to shift what you’ve been used to for kitten feeding into more of a grown-up cat mode.

Feeding Schedule: 3 Months+

  • Transition to 2-3 meals per day

  • You can begin free-feeding dry food if preferred (monitor weight)

  • Continue wet food for hydration benefits

Training Basics

  • Never use punishment—cats don't respond well to it

  • Redirect unwanted behavior with appropriate alternatives

  • Use positive reinforcement: treats, praise, and playtime

  • Consistency is key for effective training

Common Behaviors to Address Early

  • Scratching furniture? Provide scratching posts

  • Biting hands? Redirect them to toys instead

  • Counter jumping? Give them cat trees and vertical space

  • Night activity? Increase daytime play sessions

Let's be real: Kittens will be kittens. You can't eliminate all the chaos, but you can get ahead of  it.

Red Flags: When to Call the Vet

There are some things that are out of the ordinary and should always be checked out, regardless of their age in weeks or months. Seek immediate care if you notice:

  • Not eating for 24+ hours

  • Vomiting multiple times

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours

  • Lethargy or unresponsiveness

  • Difficulty breathing (beyond snoring)

  • Signs of pain like limping

  • Not using the litter box after 24 hours in the home

  • Discharge from eyes or nose

Trust us when we say that it's always better to call and be told it's nothing than to wait on something serious.

The 90-Day Checkpoint

Time flies when you’re having fun with a little fuzzy companion! By week 12, your kitten should have hit these benchmarks:

  • Be fully weaned and eating solid food

  • Have completed their initial vaccination series

  • Be comfortable in their home environment

  • Have established routines for eating, playing, and sleeping

  • Be ready for spay/neuter (typically 4-6 months)


Those first 90 days fly by faster than you'd expect. One minute you're coaxing a tiny kitten out from under the couch, and the next they're ruling the house like they've always owned it. You're doing great. Your kitten is lucky to have you.

P.S. Wondering if your kitten actually needs "kitten food"? We break it down here.