Everyday care Cats
New kitten checklist: everything for the first week
Bringing home a kitten in Bangladesh? What to buy, what to feed, when to visit the vet, and the mistakes to avoid in the first week — from vets in Rangpur.
Key takeaways
- Start with one quiet room — a kitten feels safer in a small space.
- Vet visit within the first few days; same day if the kitten is weak.
- Kitten food 3–4 times a day. No cow's milk.
- First vaccine at 8–12 weeks, deworming before it.
On this page
A new kitten is pure joy — and a lot of responsibility in the first few weeks. Here’s the checklist we give new kitten parents at Community Pet Care.
Before you bring it home
- A secure carrier — never carry a kitten loose in a rickshaw or CNG
- Kitten food — a complete kitten formula (dry and/or wet)
- Water bowl — wide and shallow
- Litter tray and litter — low sides for small kittens
- A warm bed — a box with a soft towel, off the floor in winter
- A scratching post (or a piece of rough jute mat)
- A few toys — wand toys and balls
- One quiet room to start in
The first day
- Let the kitten explore one room — the whole house is overwhelming.
- Show it the litter tray, food and water.
- Keep children calm and handling gentle and short.
- Keep other pets apart until the kitten has been checked by a vet.
The first vet visit — within a few days
At the first visit we check the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, belly and coat; weigh the kitten; start deworming; check for ear mites and fleas; and plan the vaccines. See kitten & puppy care.
Come the same day if the kitten:
- is weak, cold or not feeding
- has diarrhoea or is vomiting
- has sticky eyes and is sneezing
- was rescued from the street and seems unwell
Read about diarrhoea in kittens and panleukopenia — both are common and serious in young kittens.
Feeding
- Complete kitten food, 3–4 small meals a day under 4 months.
- No cow’s milk — it causes diarrhoea. If the kitten is very young, use a kitten milk replacer.
- Fresh water always.
- Use our food calculator to set the portion by weight.
Vaccines and deworming
- Deworm every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months — deworming schedule.
- First vaccine at 8 weeks (PureVax) or 12 weeks (Biofel PCH), second 3–4 weeks later, rabies from about 12 weeks — vaccination schedule.
Common mistakes
- Cow’s milk and rice-only diets
- Bathing too early — kittens get cold quickly
- Dog flea products or human lice shampoo — can be fatal
- Letting the kitten outdoors before it’s vaccinated
- Waiting too long when a kitten stops eating
Looking ahead
- 5–6 months: spay or neuter — read the spay & neuter guide
- 1 year: first annual booster and check-up
Welcome to cat parenthood — and message us on WhatsApp whenever you’re unsure.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If your pet is unwell, call us or visit a registered veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
When can I bathe a new kitten?
Avoid baths in the first weeks unless a vet advises it — kittens chill easily. Spot-clean with a damp cloth instead.
How do I litter-train a kitten?
Put the kitten in the tray after meals and naps. Most kittens learn within days. Use a low-sided tray and unscented litter, and keep it away from the food.
Can a new kitten meet my other cat?
Wait until the kitten has been checked by a vet and treated for parasites, then introduce slowly over several days.
The kitten I found has fleas. Can I use flea powder?
Many flea products are dangerous for young kittens, and dog products can kill cats. Bring the kitten in — we'll use something safe for its age and weight.