Bringing a kitten into your home is exciting and life-changing. It’s also a big responsibility that raises many questions, from choosing the right kitten to feeding, training, and long-term care. To help, we’ve answered 50 of the most common questions new kitten owners ask.

Choosing a kitten

1. Should I adopt or buy a kitten?
   Adopting saves lives and gives homeless kittens a loving home. All over the country there are rescue centres trying to find homes for 1000s of kittens every year, so rescuing a kitten is the right thing to do. Buying from a reputable breeder can be an option if you want a specific breed, but these breeds can usually be found in rescue centres as well. Avoid backyard breeders and never buy from unverified online ads. You will have to pay a donation for a rescue. 

2. What breed is best for me?
   Consider your lifestyle. A moggy is right for every home - these mixed-breed cats have the best health credentials. Active families might enjoy playful breeds like Abyssinians or Bengals. Quiet homes suit Ragdolls or Persians. Mixed-breed kittens can be just as loving and healthy.

3. How old should a kitten be when I bring them home?
   Kittens should stay with their mother until at least 8 weeks old, ideally 12 weeks, to ensure proper socialisation and health.

4. Should I get one kitten or two?
   Two kittens keep each other company and help burn off energy through play. Solo kittens need more human interaction to avoid loneliness.

5. How do I know if a kitten is healthy?
   Look for bright eyes, clean ears, a shiny coat, and playful behaviour. Avoid kittens that are lethargic, have runny eyes or noses, or seem underweight.

Preparing your home

6. What do I need before bringing a kitten home?
   Essentials include a litter tray, kitten food, bowls, a bed, toys, a scratching post, and a carrier. Safe-proof your home by removing hazards like loose wires or toxic plants.

7. Where should my kitten sleep?
   Create a cosy, quiet area where they feel safe. A soft bed in a low-traffic room is ideal. Avoid overwhelming them with too much space at first.

8. How do I kitten-proof my home?
   Secure electrical cords, store chemicals out of reach, block small gaps they could get stuck in, and remove dangerous plants or fragile items.

9. Do I need a scratching post?
   Yes. Kittens scratch to mark territory and sharpen claws. Providing posts early helps protect your furniture.

10. What’s the best way to introduce a kitten to my home?
    Confine them to one safe room initially. Once they’re confident, gradually allow supervised access to other areas.

Feeding and nutrition

11. What should I feed my kitten?
    Choose high-quality kitten food that supports growth. Wet food provides hydration, while dry food helps with teeth development. Some owners feed a balanced raw diet after consulting a vet.

12. How often should I feed my kitten?
    Kittens up to 6 months old need 3–4 meals a day. After 6 months, you can reduce to 2 meals a day.

13. Can kittens drink cow’s milk?
    No. Most cats are lactose intolerant. Provide fresh water at all times instead.

14. Do kittens need supplements?
    Not if you feed a complete diet. Supplements may be needed only under vet advice for specific health concerns.

15. How do I switch my kitten’s food?
    Change gradually over 7–10 days, mixing the new food with the old in increasing amounts to avoid stomach upsets.

Health and vet care

16. When should my kitten have its first vet visit?
    Book an appointment within the first week. Your vet will check overall health, start vaccinations, and discuss worming and flea treatments.

17. What vaccinations do kittens need?
    Core vaccines include protection against feline flu and enteritis. Outdoor kittens may also need the FeLV vaccine. Boosters are usually required annually.

18. When should I worm my kitten?
    Kittens are usually wormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months, and every 3 months after that.

19. How do I treat fleas on a kitten?
    Use only vet-approved flea treatments suitable for kittens. Avoid supermarket products or home remedies which may be unsafe.

20. When should my kitten be spayed or neutered?
    Usually between 4 and 6 months old, before they reach sexual maturity. Early neutering prevents unwanted litters and certain health issues.

Litter training and toileting

21. Are kittens naturally litter trained?
    Many learn from their mother before adoption. If not, place them in the tray after meals and naps and reward success with praise.

22. What type of litter is best for kittens?
    Non-clumping, unscented litter is safest for young kittens who may ingest it. As they grow, you can switch to clumping litter if you prefer.

23. How many litter trays do I need?
    Ideally one per cat, plus one extra. Place trays in quiet, accessible spots away from food.

24. Why is my kitten having accidents?
    They may be stressed, ill, or dislike the tray’s location or cleanliness. Rule out medical issues and try different litter types.

25. How do I stop my kitten from playing in the litter box?
    Many kittens treat trays as sandpits. Distract them with toys and remove them from the tray when play starts.

Behaviour and socialisation

26. How do I stop my kitten biting and scratching?
    Never use hands as toys. Redirect play aggression with wands or balls. Consistent, gentle correction teaches boundaries.

27. How can I socialise my kitten?
    Expose them gradually to different people, sounds, and safe experiences. Early positive interactions reduce fearfulness later.

28. Should I let my kitten go outdoors?
    Not until they’re fully vaccinated and at least 6 months old. Many cats live happily indoors if you provide enrichment.

29. How do I introduce my kitten to other pets?
    Keep them separate at first. Swap scents via bedding, then allow supervised meetings. Go slowly to avoid stress.

30. How do I help a shy or fearful kitten?
    Give them quiet spaces to retreat to. Use calm voices, move slowly, and let them approach you first.

Play and enrichment

31. What toys are best for kittens?
    Feather wands, balls, tunnels, and puzzle feeders are great. Rotate toys to prevent boredom and keep play sessions short but frequent.

32. Do kittens need scratching posts?
    Yes. Start young to encourage good habits and protect furniture. Offer different materials and heights.

33. How much playtime do kittens need?
    At least two or three 10–15 minute sessions daily. Play builds confidence and develops coordination.

34. Can I teach my kitten tricks?
    Absolutely. Use treats and clicker training for simple commands like ‘sit’, ‘come’, and even high fives.

35. Do kittens need cat trees or climbing shelves?
    Yes. Vertical space gives them safe places to climb, nap, and observe. It’s especially helpful in small homes.

Grooming and care

36. How often should I brush my kitten?
    Start brushing early, even if they don’t shed much. This gets them used to handling and helps manage future shedding.

37. Do kittens need baths?
    Rarely. Cats groom themselves well. Only bathe if they’re very dirty or under vet guidance for medical reasons.

38. How do I trim my kitten’s nails?
    Use small cat nail clippers and trim just the sharp tip. Start slowly and reward them to make it a stress-free habit.

39. Do kittens need dental care?
    Yes. Start tooth brushing early with cat toothpaste. Dental health prevents pain and costly problems later.

40. How do I clean a kitten’s ears and eyes?
    Use a damp cotton pad or vet-recommended wipes. Never insert anything into the ear canal.

Long-term care and bonding

41. How do I build trust with my kitten?
    Spend time nearby without forcing interaction. Offer treats, speak softly, and play gently. Trust builds through positive experiences.

42. Will my kitten sleep through the night?
    Not always. Kittens are playful and may wake you early. Tire them out with evening play and provide a cosy bed to settle in.

43. How do I teach my kitten not to scratch furniture?
    Provide scratching posts and reward their use. Use deterrent sprays or double-sided tape on furniture they target.

44. Can I train my kitten to walk on a lead?
    Yes. Use a kitten harness and start indoors. Progress slowly with treats. Some cats love walks, others prefer staying home.

45. Do kittens get lonely?
    Yes. If you’re away a lot, consider adopting two kittens or providing stimulating toys and interaction when you’re home.

46. How do I prepare for my kitten growing into an adult cat?
    Adjust feeding, increase play complexity, and plan for neutering. Adult cats need less frequent feeding but still benefit from enrichment.

47. What health issues should I watch for as they grow?
    Look out for dental problems, obesity, or breed-specific conditions. Regular vet visits catch issues early.

48. How much does it cost to care for a kitten long-term?
    Costs include food, insurance, vet bills, toys, and grooming. Expect to spend a consistent monthly amount for the next 15+ years.

49. How can I make vet visits less stressful?
    Acclimatise your kitten to their carrier, make short practice trips, and reward calm behaviour with treats.

50. How do I know my kitten is happy?
    Happy kittens play energetically, purr, knead, and sleep soundly. A relaxed body, upright tail, and affectionate behaviour are all positive signs.

Top 5 takeouts

1. Prepare before adoption – A safe, ready home makes the transition easier.

2. Start good habits early – Training, grooming, and socialisation are easier when young.

3. Kitten-proof your space – Safety comes first to prevent accidents and injuries.

4. Vet care is vital – Vaccinations, worming, and spaying or neutering support long-term health.

5. Love and patience build trust – Bonding takes time but leads to a rewarding lifelong friendship.