Preparing for a New Kitty — The Ultimate Starter Guide
Written by: Dr. Jean Hofve, Holistic Veterinarian, DVM
Kitties are tiny bundles of fuzz and magic. One minute they’re curled in your lap like a purring cinnamon roll, and the next they’re launching into gravity-defying zoomies across your living room. Behind every adorable moment is a growing animal with real needs — and your role as a new cat parent is both rewarding and incredibly important.
Maybe you're wondering how to choose the right kitten, what to feed them, or how to litter train a kitten. Maybe you're prepping your home, gathering supplies, or simply wondering what life with a new feline friend will look like. This guide has you covered.
How to Choose the Right Cat
Sometimes cats choose us — and that’s a gift. But if you’re intentionally selecting a kitten, consider personality, expected size, grooming needs, and typical breed traits. Calm breeds like Ragdolls or Maine Coons may be better suited for families with young children.
The Joys of Adopting a Rescue Cat or Kitten
Rescue kittens and older cats offer just as much love as pedigree breeds. Many are already socialized, and older cats may come litter trained and familiar with household life.
By adopting, you give a deserving animal a second chance while helping shelters free up space for others. These cats bring unique personalities and a special kind of gratitude into your home.
New Kitten Supplies & Safe Space Setup
Start your new life together with the essentials:
- Cat tree or scratcher for climbing and stretching
- Cozy bed or quiet hideaway
- Stainless steel or ceramic bowls
- Natural litter and secure litter box
- Safe toys (feather wands, soft balls)
- Brush and nail trimmers
- Harness and leash for supervised outdoor time
- Treats for training
- First aid kit
- Natural flea & tick control
Cats love vertical spaces and cozy dens — offer both until you learn what your new kitten prefers.
How to Accommodate a New Kitten
Start small. Give your kitten one room to adjust before expanding access. Predictability helps kittens feel safe, so keep feeding times, litter box placement, and routines consistent.
Separation Anxiety
It’s natural for kittens to struggle when left alone. Begin with very short absences and gradually increase them. Enrich their environment with toys, climbing structures, and comfortable bedding.
Healthy Food & Treats
When raising a healthy kitten, choose whole, natural foods. Raw and freeze-dried diets closely resemble a cat’s ancestral diet, while high-quality wet or dry foods formulated for kittens or “all life stages” also support proper development.
Hydration Matters for Cats
Cats naturally consume little water and rely on moisture-rich foods. Include wet food or water-rich toppers to support kidney and urinary health.
How Often Should You Feed a Kitten?
Feed kittens 3–4 times daily. As they grow, transition to twice-daily meals. Avoid free-feeding to prevent overeating and poor digestion. Monitor your kitten’s body condition and adjust portions as needed.
Supplements for Kittens
Provide additional nutritional support with:
- Colostrum: Supports young immune systems.
- Digestive Enzymes: Aid digestion of processed foods and may prevent sensitivities.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Important for brain, eye, coat, and immune development.
- Multivitamins: Help fill nutritional gaps in any diet.
Shop Natural Supplements for Cats
Vaccinations & Deworming
Vaccinations
Core vaccines usually begin at 6–8 weeks and include FVRCP and rabies. Consult your vet and avoid vaccinating sick kittens.
Deworming
Most kittens are born with parasites. Have your vet check stool samples and recommend appropriate deworming.
How to Litter Train a Kitten
Some kittens instinctively use a litter box. Begin with the litter they were used to, then transition gradually to your preferred natural litter. Place them in the box after meals or play sessions and gently show digging behavior.
Grooming Your Kitten
Grooming builds trust and helps kittens learn to enjoy handling. Brush gently, trim nails regularly, and make grooming calm and positive.
Play & Enrichment
Kittens need to hunt, chase, pounce, and explore. Provide wand toys, tunnels, balls, and climbing structures. Teething kittens benefit from safe chew toys.
Scratching & Climbing
Scratching is natural — not misbehavior. Provide at least one tall scratching post and another horizontal option. Redirect scratching with positive reinforcement and gentle deterrents. Never declaw.
Fresh Air & Exploration
With proper gear, kittens can enjoy safe outdoor adventures. Use a cat-specific harness and leash and supervise closely.
Socializing Your Kitten
Expose kittens to new people, sounds, environments, and experiences during their early months. Gentle handling and positive interactions help prevent fear and aggression later in life.
Choosing the Right Veterinarian
Look for a feline-friendly vet who is experienced with cat behavior and gentle handling. Ask local cat owners for referrals and choose a clinic that makes both you and your kitten feel comfortable.
Your New Fur-ever Friend
From tiny toe beans to loud purrs, kittens bring joy and energy into your home. With preparation, routine, nutrition, patience, and a lot of love, you’re building the foundation for a strong, lifelong bond.
For natural kitten essentials — calming remedies, nutritious foods, supplements, toys, and grooming tools — explore Only Natural Pet and give your new feline friend the healthiest start possible.
