Before the carrier comes through the door

What to know

RSPCA recommends cat-proofing and preparing toys, scratching opportunities, climbing places and a quiet accessible litter tray. Ask the previous caretaker about the kitten's food and routine, and bring a familiar blanket if available.

The Cat Group checklist encourages questions about health and behavior before choosing a kitten. Keep the answers and documents, and label what remains unknown. A checklist cannot guarantee future health. Arrange a veterinary contact early and ask about the individual kitten's first visit rather than relying on a generic timeline.

Make the next step clear

1. 1Prepare the room.
2. 2Ask about the current routine.
3. 3Collect documents.
4. 4Arrange a vet contact.

Printable planning sheet

Print this page or copy these labels into your own notebook. These are blank prompts, not data-entry fields. Nothing is saved or sent.

Related guides

Let settling in stay small and positive

Keep the first food log simple

A litter note without guesswork

Make room for play and for stopping

Make the carrier part of ordinary life

A vet calendar should come from your vet

Turn the first-year notes into better questions

Sources and method

Original planning worksheets informed by the sources above. No clinical review has been completed. Sources checked October 19, 2026. General guidance may not fit your animal or local rules.