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New Kitten Checklist: Feeding, Safety, and Vet Timing
A practical first-weeks checklist for new kitten guardians: diet stage, household hazards, litter basics, and when to schedule veterinary care.
By CatCalc editorial team · Updated 2026-11-02. General information only—not veterinary advice. We are not veterinarians.
How to use this checklist
Print this page or copy the boxes into a notes app. Check items as you go. Timing for vaccines and tests is set by your clinic—use those rows as prompts to ask, not as a universal medical schedule. Life-stage context: AAHA/AAFP feline life stage definitions and AAFP/AAHA life stage guidelines overview.
Before arrival (checkable)
- ☐ Quiet room ready: litter box, food and water spaced apart, scratcher, hiding spot
- ☐ True lilies and daylilies removed from the home (lily guide)
- ☐ Cords protected; windows secured; washer/dryer doors kept closed
- ☐ Carrier lined with a towel; previous diet brand written down for a gradual transition
- ☐ Appointment request sent to a feline-friendly clinic for an intake exam
- ☐ Household agreement on who feeds, scoops, and child/dog supervision rules
First week at home (checkable)
- ☐ Growth or all-life-stages complete food in use (not an adult “light” diet unless a vet directs)
- ☐ Meals measured so appetite changes are visible; calorie calculator used only as a ballpark with the kitten factor
- ☐ Cow’s milk avoided; orphans on commercial kitten milk replacer only with veterinary instructions (milk page)
- ☐ Litter scooped daily; note stool quality each day
- ☐ Short wand-toy play sessions; hands not used as toys
- ☐ Weight recorded every 2–3 days on the same scale
- ☐ String, rubber bands, hair ties, and toxic human foods secured (food list)
- ☐ Visitors limited if the kitten is fearful; dog introductions postponed until a plan exists
First veterinary visit — bring / ask (checkable)
- ☐ Previous medical records, vaccine history, and deworming dates
- ☐ Current food name, feeding amounts, and treat list
- ☐ Home weight log and stool notes from week one
- ☐ Ask: parasite plan, vaccine schedule for this kitten’s age/region, FeLV/FIV testing discussion
- ☐ Ask: microchip, spay/neuter timing, and recovery plan after surgery
- ☐ Ask: diet transition if changing brands; bring a fresh stool sample if requested
Your clinic sets the exact schedule. This list only helps you arrive prepared.
Tools that support the checklist
Use the age calculator to confirm the kitten life-stage label, the calorie calculator for a starting portion guess, and Can Cats Eat…? before sharing any human food. CatCalc does not replace vaccines, lab work, or emergency care.
FAQ
How soon should a new kitten see a vet?
Soon after arrival is typical so parasites, vaccines, and congenital issues can be checked. Ask your clinic for an appointment based on the kitten's age and history.
Can I feed an adult cat food to a kitten to save money?
Growth diets are formulated differently. Use a kitten or all-life-stages complete food unless your veterinarian directs otherwise.
How do I estimate kitten calories?
Use the calculator's kitten factor as a starting point, then adjust with frequent weigh-ins and body-condition checks guided by your vet.