New Kitten Checklist: Setup, Vaccines & First Weeks
What to prepare before bringing a kitten home, the vaccination timeline, and how to raise a confident, well-socialized cat.
Shopping list
Kittens need surprisingly specific gear — getting it right prevents most early problems.
- Litter trays: one per cat plus one spare, in quiet locations
- Scratching posts (vertical and horizontal) — protect your sofa by out-competing it
- Food and water stations separated from litter; many cats prefer water fountains
- Carrier left open as furniture, so vet trips don't start with a chase
Kitten vaccines
Core protection comes as a series, then boosters.
- 6–8 weeks: first FVRCP (panleukopenia, herpesvirus, calicivirus)
- 10–12 weeks: second FVRCP; FeLV recommended for kittens
- 14–16 weeks: final FVRCP; rabies per local law
- Booster at one year, then per your vet's protocol
Socialization and play
Kittens learn bite inhibition and confidence between 2–9 weeks and keep generalizing for months. Handle paws, ears, and mouth daily; play with wand toys — never hands — to prevent adult ambush habits.
- Two short interactive play sessions daily, ending in a 'catch'
- Introduce the brush, nail trims, and carrier as games now
- Indoor-only or catio life dramatically extends feline lifespan
Build the health record early
Microchip number, vaccine certificates, deworming dates, and weight checks belong in one place. Add your kitten to PetVault AI and the whole history — and every reminder — manages itself.
More guides
Put this guide on autopilot.
Reminders, vaccine tracking, AI guidance, and an emergency QR card — PetVault AI turns good intentions into a system.
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