The first 30 days: settling your kitten at home

Bringing a kitten home is the beginning of a relationship, not a finished event. The single biggest mistake new owners make is giving a kitten the whole house on day one. A small world, expanded slowly, builds a confident cat. Here is how we recommend the first month.

Before they arrive

Prepare one quiet room — a bedroom or study works well. Set up a litter tray, food and water (placed apart from each other), a scratching post, a few toys, and a covered hiding spot. This is your kitten's base camp.

Days 1–3: the safe room

Let your kitten explore the single room at their own pace. Sit on the floor and let them come to you; resist the urge to chase or constantly hold them. Keep the same food we send home with them to avoid stomach upset — transition to any new diet gradually over a week. Most kittens are using the litter tray reliably within hours; we start them young.

Days 4–10: building trust

Play is how kittens bond and burn energy. Two or three short wand-toy sessions a day work wonders. Once your kitten is confidently eating, playing, and greeting you, open the door and let them discover the rest of the home gradually — ideally one new room at a time.

The first vet visit

We strongly recommend a check-up within 72 hours of handover. It confirms your kitten's health, starts your relationship with a local vet, and is part of our health guarantee. Bring the health records we provide.

Things that are normal

• Hiding for the first day or two — give it time
• A few sneezes from the stress of a new environment
• Eating a little less on the first day
• Wanting to play at dawn and dusk (they're crepuscular)

Call your vet if

• Your kitten won't eat for more than 24 hours
• There's persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
• Lethargy that doesn't improve after settling in
• Any laboured breathing — this is always urgent