Bringing Home a Kitten: The First Weeks Done Right
Before they arrive
Kitten-proof like a toddler is coming: strings, cords, hair ties, lilies and toxic plants gone; breakables secured; toilet lids down. Set up one small base-camp room with litter, food and water (separated), a bed, scratching post and hiding spot.
Litter and food basics
Kittens mostly train themselves if the box is easy: low-sided, unscented litter, one box per cat plus one, cleaned daily. Feed a kitten-formula food; meals rather than free-feeding lets you spot appetite changes fast.
The socialization window
Between roughly 2 and 9 weeks (and continuing after), gentle exposure builds a confident adult: handling paws and ears, nail trims as a game, the carrier as a bed, visitors, harmless noises. Play with wands and toys — never with hands, or you're raising a hand-hunter.
Vet care from day one
Book a check within the first week: vaccine series, deworming, flea prevention, FeLV/FIV testing, microchip, and spay/neuter scheduling — US shelters and vets commonly do this around 5–6 months or earlier. Pet insurance is cheapest to start now, before anything is 'pre-existing'.
Something with their name on it
We press your pet’s name onto a small paw print keychain by hand, in one of ten colours, and post it anywhere in South Africa. R299 plus R73 delivery, or two for R449 delivered free.
See the keychain →