New pet guides
The Complete New Kitten Guide
Litter training, play biting, indoor safety, vaccination and how to raise a confident adult cat.
The first fortnight
Start with one room containing food, water at a distance from food, a litter tray, a scratching post and several hiding places. Expand territory gradually as confidence grows.
Litter training is mostly logistics
Kittens usually arrive already trained. Provide a low-sided tray in a quiet spot, use fine unscented litter, keep it away from food, and scoop at least twice daily. Accidents almost always mean the tray, the location or the kitten's health needs attention.
Play biting and hands
Never use hands or feet as toys. Kittens taught to chase fingers become adults who ambush ankles. Use wand toys that let the kitten complete the hunting sequence: stalk, chase, pounce, bite, then feed afterwards.
Health timeline
Confirm details with your own vet, as protocols vary by country and lifestyle.
- 8–9 weeks: first vaccination, health check, worming and flea treatment
- 11–12 weeks: second vaccination, microchip
- From 16 weeks: neutering is commonly recommended before sexual maturity
- Ongoing: monthly weight checks and regular parasite control
Indoor or outdoor
Both are legitimate choices and depend on traffic, local wildlife, law and the individual cat. Indoor cats need far more environmental provision: height, scratching surfaces, window views, puzzle feeding and daily hunting play. A secure catio combines safety with outdoor stimulation.