How long should I keep my kitten in one room?

Three to five days in a single safe room is usually enough for a confident kitten. Shy or fearful kittens may need a full week or two. Expand access gradually — one room at a time — rather than opening the whole house at once.

My kitten is hiding and not eating. Is that normal?

Yes, for the first 24–48 hours. Hiding is a natural stress response. Keep noise low, do not force interaction, and make sure food, water and the litter box are accessible from the hiding spot. If the kitten has not eaten at all by 36 hours, call your vet.

When should a new kitten see a vet?

Ideally within 48–72 hours of coming home, even if the kitten seems healthy. The vet will check for parasites, confirm vaccination history, and give you a feeding and growth plan.

What should I feed a kitten in the first week?

Feed the same food the breeder or shelter used, at least for the first week. Changing food too quickly can cause diarrhoea on top of the stress of moving. Transition gradually over 7–10 days if you want to switch.

Is it okay to let a kitten sleep in my bed?

It is safe for an adult, but be cautious about rolling over on a very small kitten. Some cats develop separation anxiety if they are always in contact with their owner from day one. A cosy bed in your room is a good middle ground.

Your Kitten's First Week Home, Day by Day

Before the kitten arrives

Set up a safe room — typically a bedroom or spare room — with everything the kitten needs within a small area. This reduces the number of new things to process and makes the litter box easy to find.

Litter box (one, in a quiet corner, away from food)
Food and water bowls, separated from each other
A cosy bed or box with a warm blanket
A few simple toys — crinkle balls, a wand toy you can leave safely
A scratching post (starts the habit early)

Ask the breeder or shelter for a piece of bedding that smells familiar. Placing it in the kitten's bed provides reassurance in the first night.

For a full room-by-room checklist, see the cat-proofing checklist. The International Cat Care kitten guide is also a thorough free reference.

Day by day: the first seven days

Day 1

Arrival and first hours

Carry the kitten in a covered carrier. Let it come out at its own pace — do not tip the carrier or pull the kitten out. Keep the house quiet. Leave food and water accessible. The kitten may hide for several hours — this is normal.

Day 2

First exploration

Most kittens will start moving around the room cautiously. Sit on the floor at the kitten's level and let it approach you. Offer food from your hand if it is cautious. Do not pick up a hissing or growling kitten.

Day 3

Vet check

Book this before the kitten arrives. The vet will check weight, hydration, ears, eyes, teeth, and heartbeat — and confirm or start a vaccination and parasite schedule. Bring a stool sample if you have one.

Days 4–5

Play and routine

Short, calm play sessions (5–10 minutes) two to three times a day. Use a wand or feather toy — avoid your hands as toys, which teaches biting. Begin a consistent feeding schedule.

Days 6–7

Gradual expansion

If the kitten is confident — eating well, using the litter box, and approaching you — you can prop open the safe room door during supervised periods to let the kitten begin exploring.

Signs that need a vet call

No food eaten in 36 hours
No urination in 24 hours
Diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, or blood in the stool
Eye or nose discharge that is coloured (clear is common; yellow or green is not)
Sneezing more than occasionally (may indicate cat flu)
Laboured or rapid breathing

For a broader set of warning signs, see signs it is time to call the vet.

Other pets. Keep a resident cat or dog completely separate for at least seven days. Scent swapping (swapping bedding between rooms) before any face-to-face meeting reduces conflict significantly. See our full guide to introducing a new cat to a resident cat.

Your kitten's first week home, day by day

Before the kitten arrives

Day by day: the first seven days

Signs that need a vet call

Frequently asked questions