Kitten Guide
Bringing a kitten home is one of the best days there is. A little preparation goes a long way: you'll bond faster, have fewer accidents around the house, and your kitten will find their confidence sooner. Here's what we've learned caring for cats every day in our cattery, plus a starter pack so you're sorted before they arrive. Got questions? Pop into the shop for a chat.
New kitten? Get free pet insurance cover for your first weeks together
Your first months together
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Before they come home
Set up one quiet room with their bed, food and water, a litter tray and a scratching post. Kitten-proof it by tucking away cords, closing gaps behind appliances and moving anything breakable.
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The first week
Let them explore one room at a time. Hiding is normal at first, so give them somewhere cosy to tuck away and let them come to you when they're ready.
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Feeding
Kittens have tiny tummies and big energy, so feed a kitten food in small meals, three or four times a day. Follow the guide on the bag, and keep fresh water out at all times. Cow's milk can upset their tummy, so skip it.
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Vaccinations, worming and fleas
Follow your vet's schedule for vaccinations, worming and flea treatment. Before a cattery stay, your kitten needs to have finished their kitten vaccinations, with at least 10 days since the last one. See the full timeline below.
See our cat vaccination requirements -
Desexing and their first stay
Talk to your vet about desexing and microchipping. They can stay with us from 10 days after their last kitten vaccination, and our cattery gives them a calm, clean room of their own and lots of pats.
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Protect them from day one
Kittens climb, chew and squeeze into places they shouldn't. Through us you can get free pet insurance cover to start, so vet bills are one less worry.
See the free cover offers
Settling in: our top tips
From a team that settles new cats in every week.
- Start them in one room, then open up the rest of the house bit by bit as they gain confidence.
- Put the litter tray well away from their food and water bowls. Cats don't like to eat next to their toilet.
- Let them come to you. Sit on the floor, offer a hand to sniff and let them decide when they want a cuddle.
- Teach kids to be gentle: one hand under the bottom, one under the chest, and always sitting down.
- Give other pets a week or so before they meet. Then keep it short and supervised, with dogs on a lead and somewhere high for your kitten to escape to.
- Keep them inside for the first few weeks so they learn where home is before they explore outside.
- Play with them every day. A tired kitten is a happy kitten, and far less likely to chew your furniture at midnight.
- Heading out? Pop them back in their own room with their bed, litter and water, so they stay safe and settled while you are away.
Good habits from day one
Kittens learn fast. A few simple habits now save a lot of scratched furniture later.
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Scratching in the right place
Scratching is natural, so give them a post near where they sleep. If they scratch the couch, gently move them to the post and praise them when they use it.
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Toys, not hands
Play with wand toys and balls, never your fingers. A kitten that learns hands are toys grows into a cat that bites and scratches.
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Get them used to handling
Touch their paws, ears and mouth gently every day, with a treat after. It makes vet visits, nail trims and brushing much easier.
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Make the carrier a happy place
Leave the carrier out with a blanket and a treat inside, so it's a cosy den, not a sign of the vet.
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Reward the good stuff
Praise and treats work far better than telling off. Cats don't understand punishment, they just learn to avoid you.
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A clean litter tray
Scoop daily and keep the tray somewhere quiet. Most toileting accidents come down to a dirty or badly placed tray.
Keep them safe at home
Some everyday things are dangerous for kittens. Keep these out of reach.
- Lilies. Every part is toxic to cats, even the pollen and vase water
- Dog flea treatments, which can be deadly to cats
- Human medicines, including paracetamol
- Onions and garlic
- String, thread, hair ties and tinsel, which can be swallowed
- Open washing machines and dryers. Check before you shut the door
Think they have eaten something they shouldn't? Call your vet straight away, even if they seem fine.
Kitten vaccination and worming timeline
Here's the usual schedule in one place. Your vet sets the exact timing for your kitten, so take this along and ask them to confirm.
Vaccinations
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8 to 9 weeks
First kitten vaccination (Feline 3-in-1). They aren't protected yet, so keep them inside and away from unknown cats.
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12 weeks
Second vaccination. Ask your vet whether FIV (feline AIDS) vaccination is a good idea for your kitten too.
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Around 16 weeks
Many vets give a third kitten shot so protection is complete. Ask yours if your kitten needs one.
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12 months after their last kitten vaccination
Their first booster, to lock in long-term protection.
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After that
Regular boosters as your vet advises. Keep them up to date so your cat is ready for a cattery stay.
Worming
- Every 2 weeks Until 12 weeks old
- Every month From 12 weeks until 6 months old
- Every 3 months For life, from 6 months old
Fleas
Use a flea treatment made for kittens, and keep it regular. Never use a dog flea product on a cat, as some are toxic to cats.
Before a cattery stay
- Up-to-date Feline 3-in-1 vaccination (FIV is optional but recommended)
- At least 10 days since their last kitten vaccination
- A copy of their vaccination record at drop-off
Timeline based on the PetCover kitten guide and general vet advice. Always follow your own vet's recommendations.
Your new kitten checklist
Everything to have ready before your kitten comes home. Tick things off as you go. We'll remember your ticks on this device, so you can come back any time.
The essentials
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Their own space for the first few weeks, with everything they need in one place.
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Made for growing kittens. If you're changing foods, mix the new one in slowly over a week.Shop →
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Start with the litter they're used to, then switch slowly if you want to change.Shop →
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For the trip home, vet visits and cattery stays.Shop →
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Shallow bowls suit little faces. Keep water a little away from food.
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A covered bed or one with raised sides helps a kitten feel safe and snug.
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Saves your furniture and keeps their claws healthy.
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Wand toys, balls and things to chase for daily play.
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Made for kittens. Ask us or your vet which suits their age and weight.Shop →
Vet and admin
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Book their kitten vaccinations with your vet. See the timeline above.Find out more →
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Ask your vet. It links your kitten to your contact details if they ever go missing.
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Ask your vet when to book it.
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Set it up before they come home, so you are covered from day one.Find out more →
Handy extras
From us at the resort
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Once they're vaccinated, we'll look after them in a calm, clean room of their own.Find out more →
Kitten starter pack
The essentials to get your kitten settled, picked from our shop. Add the whole pack to your cart in one go.
Kittens are curious and fearless, and little accidents are common in the first year. Start your free cover now, before you need it.
Protect your pet with pet insurance
Vet bills can add up fast. We've partnered with two pet insurers. Quote our code when you get a quote or sign up.
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4 weeks of FREE pet insurance
Just ask us and we can sign your pet up for 4 weeks of free Petcover insurance, with up to $3,000 to claim for accidents, injuries and illness. No obligation. If you don't continue, it simply ends after 4 weeks.
- New Zealand-based team of pet people
- Eligible ongoing treatments covered for life with Umbrella for Life, as long as cover doesn't lapse
- Congenital illnesses aren't excluded (waiting periods apply)
- No standard waiting periods if you convert your free policy on time
Use code DBPR4WFGet a quote → (opens in a new tab)Free policy: 3-day waiting period for accidents and 7-day for illness. 12-month waiting period for flat-faced breed breathing problems (Brachycephalic Airway). $175 excess and 15% co-payment per unrelated condition. See Petcover's brochure for full terms.
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3 weeks FREE for puppies & kittens
Puppies and kittens under 30 weeks can get 3 weeks of free PD Starter Cover through us. Taking out a full policy? Use our code for your first month free.
- Immediate cover for accidental injury
- No excess to pay on claims
- No lock-in contracts
- Visit any licensed vet
Use code DOUBTLESSGet 3 weeks free Starter Cover → (opens in a new tab)Starter Cover has a 3-day waiting period for illness. See PD Insurance's Starter Cover terms and conditions.
Doubtless Bay Pet Resort is not part of Petcover or PD Insurance. We can't give insurance advice, accept claims or make decisions about cover. Quotes, policies and claims are handled directly by each insurer. We may receive a referral fee when you sign up.
Here for your cat as they grow
From their first holiday to everyday food and litter, we're just down the road.
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Cattery
Calm, comfortable stays with a clean room of their own and plenty of pats.
Find out more →
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Cat vaccination guide
Kitten and adult vaccination schedules, and the diseases they help prevent.
Find out more →
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Cat shop
Kitten food, litter, treats and more, ready for delivery or collection.
Find out more →
Planning their first holiday?
Book a cattery stay online in a couple of minutes, or pop into the shop and say hello.