cute Bengal cat laying on soft blanket

New Cat & Kitten Care Guide

Bringing home a new cat or kitten is an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’ve adopted your first feline or added another to your family, it’s important to start their care off right. This guide from Cameron Animal Rescue covers everything you need to know—from helping your cat adjust to their new environment to understanding their nutritional, medical, and emotional needs—so you can build a strong, lasting bond from day one.

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Setting Up Your Home Shopping Checklist

Before your new cat or kitten arrives, prepare a safe, comfortable space stocked with the essentials. You’ll need food and water bowls, a litter box with quality litter, nutritious food, a cozy bed, and a few engaging toys. A scratching post or pad will help protect your furniture while giving your cat a healthy outlet for stretching and play. Having these items ready will make your new companion’s transition smooth and stress-free.

  • Litter

    Yesterday’s News (recommended for kittens under 6 months to avoid ingestion hazards)

  • Litter Box

    Large enough for adult size; high sides help reduce spills. Avoid covered boxes for some cats.

  • Food & Water Bowls

    Large enough for adult size; high sides help reduce spills. Avoid covered boxes for some cats.

  • Food

    • Under 6 months: Friskies wet food + Science Diet Maintenance dry food (3–4x/day)
    • Over 6 months: Same foods, 2x/day
    • Choose food labeled for “growth” (kittens) or “adult maintenance” (adults)

  • Carrier

    Durable and roomy; avoid grate-top or screw-sealed models.

  • Grooming

    Fine-toothed comb (e.g., Furminator); begin brushing early.

  • Nail Clippers

    Use standard or human clippers (avoid guillotine-style).

  • Toys

    Avoid items with string, feathers, or small parts that can be swallowed.

  • Scratching Post

    Offer multiple types (rope, cardboard, upright/floor/hanging).

Socializing Your Cat

Socialization helps your cat feel confident and secure in their new surroundings. Start by giving them time and space to explore at their own pace. Gradually introduce new people, pets, and rooms once they seem comfortable. Use calm voices, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement to build trust. With patience and consistency, your cat will learn to feel safe and relaxed in their new home.

With Children

Keep early interactions brief and always supervised. Teach children how to gently handle cats by supporting their chest and hindquarters, never lifting them by the neck or legs. Show them how to recognize signs of stress—such as hiding, ears back, or hissing—and ensure cats are never left alone with infants.

With Other Pets

Start by setting up a safe, separate space for your new cat, using a litter like Yesterday’s News for kittens under six months. Begin introductions through scent by letting pets sniff under the door or by swapping blankets and toys. Next, allow short, controlled visual meetings with the new cat in a carrier, then progress to supervised interactions over several days or weeks—taking things slowly to ensure comfort for everyone.

Child With Kitten On Sofa

Routine Care Guide

Brushing

  • Long-haired: 2–3x per week
  • Short-haired: At least 1x per week

Nail Trimming

  • Start young. Weekly for kittens; adults may need less frequent trimming.

Dental Care

  • Use pet-safe toothpaste and a finger brush.
  • Avoid human toothpaste (toxic to cats).

Litter Box Habits

  • Clean after each use (especially for kittens).
  • Scoop daily, replace litter weekly.
  • Place in a quiet, always-accessible spot.
  • Avoid strong-smelling litters and cleaners.
  • One litter box per cat is ideal.

Cat Proofing Tips

Toxic Items

Secure all cleaning products, human foods, medications, and houseplants. Visit aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control for additional informational.

Common Hazards

Keep your cat safe by removing or securing common household hazards. Put away plastic bags, six-pack rings, and small items like hair ties, ribbons, or sewing supplies. Keep electrical cords and electric blankets out of reach, and offer string or feather toys only during supervised play.

Safety

Create a safe environment by keeping toilet lids closed and ensuring all windows have secure screens. Limit your cat’s access to balconies or porches to prevent falls or escape attempts.

Bringing Your Cat or Kitten Home

The first few days in a new home can feel overwhelming for a cat or kitten, so a calm, patient approach makes a big difference. Set up a quiet room where they can adjust at their own pace with food, water, a litter box, and a cozy resting spot. Allow them to explore gradually and come to you when they’re ready—this helps build trust and sets the stage for a positive start together.

First Days in the Home

For the first few days, keep your new cat or kitten in a quiet room, like a bathroom, with food, water, and a litter box. Spend calm, consistent time with them to build trust and help them settle in.

Gradually Introducing the Whole House

Once your cat feels comfortable in their starter room, start short, supervised explorations of the rest of your home. Keep an eye out for tight spaces or hazards, and allow full access only when they’re fully adjusted and confident.

Nutrition Tips

Keep your cat healthy with balanced feeding habits. Provide fresh water at all times, and avoid leaving dry food out all day. Measure portions carefully, limit treats, and if you switch foods, make the transition gradually over about a week to prevent stomach upset.

Helpful Resources

ASPCA Cat Care
aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care

Behavior Help
aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues
Dr. Emily Levine’s Blog: petbehaviorblog.wordpress.com

couple sitting on the couch with their cat