Kitten glossary: first-year care terms in plain language

Getting ready and settling in

Cat-proofing

Making your home safe before the kitten arrives: checking for hazards and preparing toys, scratching opportunities, climbing places and a quiet, accessible litter tray. RSPCA recommends it. Before the carrier comes through the door

Settling in

The first weeks in a new home. RSPCA emphasizes positive experiences during this time. Offer safe resting and hiding places and keep handling gradual. A kitten does not need to meet everyone at once. Let settling in stay small and positive

Positive experiences

Gentle, short, gradual encounters with people, handling, sounds and places that the kitten copes with comfortably. They are not a deadline or a score. A positive-experience checklist

Hiding place

A spot where a kitten can retreat and rest. Protect rest time as well as play.

Daily care

Litter training

Teaching a kitten to use a litter tray. RSPCA says kittens should have begun litter training before coming home and recommends a quiet, accessible tray location. A litter note without guesswork

Kitten food

Food made for growing kittens. RSPCA advises continuing the same food and routine at first, with small regular meals, and discussing any change with your veterinarian. Keep the first food log simple

Play and mental stimulation

Daily play with suitable toys, kept short and supervised, with time to rest. RSPCA encourages it. Note the game and how the kitten responded. Make room for play and for stopping

Carrier familiarity

Getting a kitten used to the carrier gradually and positively, so it is not only brought out when it is time to leave. RSPCA lists it among positive early experiences. Make the carrier part of ordinary life

Vet care and the first year

Vet calendar

A record of the plan your vet agrees with you for vaccination, parasite care, neutering and growth review. Timing depends on the individual kitten and local advice, so do not copy a universal schedule. A vet calendar should come from your vet

Parasite care

Prevention and treatment for fleas, worms and similar parasites. Ask your vet which products suit your kitten's age and weight.

Neutering

Surgery that prevents a cat from reproducing, often called spaying for females and castration for males. Ask your vet about timing for your kitten.

Growth review

A check on how a kitten is developing, usually with weights recorded over time. Bring your notes to the vet. Turn the first-year notes into better questions

Sources

Definitions are plain-language summaries for general education, not veterinary advice. Sources checked October 20, 2026.