Bringing a new kitten home is exciting, but for them it can feel like being dropped into a strange new world. The journey, the smells, the sounds, and a whole house full of things to investigate. But with a little preparation, you can make a space fit for a kitty. 

When your kitten first arrives, resist the urge to give them the full run of the house. Everything is new, and too much space too soon can be overwhelming. 

Instead, begin with one quiet, calm and cosy room where they can settle in gradually. Their own little starter suite. Soft lighting, warm blankets and a peaceful atmosphere can help make those first few hours and days feel much less daunting. Pheromone sprays or plug-ins can also help. 

Kittens are curious, and love squeezing into places they shouldn’t be. Before you let them explore, do a proper safety check of the rooms in your house.  

Look for gaps behind furniture, narrow spaces and awkward corners where a kitten could wiggle in. A cat’s motto is often ‘If I fits, I sits’. 

You’ll also want to keep everyday hazards out of reach, including: 

• Toxic plants like lilies and daffodils 
• Cleaning products 
• Medicines 
• Unsafe human foods 
• Wires, curtain cords and any string-like items 

Kittens love to chew, bat and chase anything that dangles or skitters across the floor, which is why harmless household objects can become a problem. So you’re better off keeping those tasty-looking shoelaces out of reach. 

Kittens often feel more confident when their environment is easy to understand. One of the simplest ways to do that is by setting up clear, separate areas for the basics: sleeping, eating and toileting. 

A sleeping zone might include a kitten bed, or simply some soft bedding in a quiet corner. An eating zone should have food and water bowls, placed away from the litter tray. A toileting zone should include a litter tray in a spot that feels private, but is still easy for them to access. 

Hiding is completely natural kitten behaviour. When they feel overwhelmed or tired, they’ll often look for somewhere small and sheltered. 

The key is to give them hiding places you intended, rather than letting them disappear somewhere unsafe. Covered beds, cat tunnels and cardboard boxes all work brilliantly. These spots give them somewhere cosy and reassuring, and mean they’re less likely to vanish behind the washing machine. 

Once your kitten starts to settle in and show a bit more confidence, it’s time to support their cat-like instincts. 

Kittens need opportunities to hunt, chase, pounce and play. Toys that encourage these behaviours can help them burn energy, build confidence and have fun.  

It’s important to provide scratching posts or scratching pads from the start. This gives them an outlet, and may protect your furniture from becoming their focus. 

For adventurous kittens, cat trees and towers can also be a great addition. They provide exercise and a sense of security for kittens who love to get up high - without using your curtains to do it. 

The best kitten-proofed homes are set up to make them feel secure, understand their surroundings and express their natural behaviours. 

With a little thought and preparation, you can give your new kitty the safest, happiest start possible.