How to Look After a Kitten: the first 24hrs

Where should a kitten sleep on the first night?

On the first night with a new kitten, let them sleep in their own bed somewhere cosy and quiet. Give them a blanket, and make sure they have access to their litter tray, water, and food. 

Finding somewhere elevated and draught free is ideal, as kittens like to feel sheltered. In the first few nights, you might even choose to have them in the room with you . This won’t suit everyone – and it could form habits. They can sleep on their own though, just ensure they’re somewhere secure so they can’t go wandering off and get up to mischief.

While turning off the light is a good habit to establish a sleeping routine, you could leave a lamp on during the first night. By doing this, you allow them to adjust to their surroundings.

Allowing your kitten to have their own space

When you first bring your new kitten home, it’s important they have their own, small space. They will need a section dedicated to play, sleep, eating and drinking, and on the opposite side of the room – the litter box. 

Smalls rooms mean less trouble, but more importantly, it lets them get used to their space faster. That means they can spend more time getting accustomed to you and building their confidence away from their litter. 

You can prepare a single room for them first, and make sure the door stays shut so they’re not escaping or getting lost. In time, you’ll hear their paws tapping across every surface (and even your laptop keyboard) – but let them work up to that. For now, it’s all about getting used to your house and you.

How to stop a cat meowing at night?

When you’ve finally wound down from the excitement of bringing a new kitten home, the last thing you want is a symphony of midnight-meows. 

Your new kitty may be meowing for many reasons. Here are some things you can try to keep them quiet and content:

• Ensure their basic needs are met , such as having enough food and water. You may want to try cleaning out the litter box before bed as well.
• Keep your kitten busy exploring in the day, so they’re not active at night. You could also try to play with them before bed and give them a little snack, so they calm down when it’s nighttime. 
• If you’re sure there’s nothing wrong and it’s just a cry for attention,  you can reward silence as well – to make sure they don’t associate meowing at night with getting what they want.
• Create a cosy, safe environment for your new kitten to cuddle up in. Sometimes, a hot water bottle can help them feel safe as it mimics their mother’s warmth.
• Try playing white noise - this mimics the sound of their litter mates  and drowns out any unfamiliar sounds.

If your kitten is meowing constantly, then you may want to visit a vet. With Sainsbury’s Bank Kitten Insurance, you can insure your kitten from just eight weeks old. Cat insurance helps cover the cost of vet visits, treatments, medications and much more. Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.

Signs a kitten is settling in

ccIf you find yourself anxious wondering how your cat is settling into your new home, don’t fret. There are some key signs a kitten is settling in:

Exploration 

If your new kitten is starting to explore it’s a great sign that they’re settling in. Kittens are often timid and try their best to hide away. If you find them wandering, climbing or sniffing new places, this means they’re building confidence and starting to feel at home. Before you know it, they’ll be the kitty of the castle. 

Using their facilities 

If your kitten is eating, drinking and using the litter tray you’ve arranged for them, it’s a good sign they’re feeling comfortable. Try to note if they’re not using the litter tray or if they’re taking their food elsewhere. There’s a chance that rearranging their things could help them feel at home. For example, is their litter tray in a conspicuous part of the room? Read our guide to litter training for some helpful tips.

Becoming affectionate 

One of the biggest signs a kitten is settling in is them becoming affectionate with family members. That means a surprise cat nap on your lap, bumping you, rubbing against you, purring and being a lot more vocal. 

Playing 

If your new kitten can’t wait to get its paws into playtime, that’s only a good sign. Chasing, pawing and pouncing are great ways to exercise your kitten. Plus, it’s fun for them, can tire them out before their first night, and most importantly, it brings you closer together. Just remember, let your kitten show signs of wanting to play before you try to force them – you could end up scaring them if they’re not ready to play just yet.