Week 1
A safe small world
Adoption day onwards
This week's goals
- Set up a single quiet room with food, water, litter, and a hiding spot.
- Let the kitten approach you — do not chase or pick them up unless needed.
- Use a covered carrier as a familiar safe space.
Milestones to watch for
- Eats and uses the litter box reliably.
Things you'll want this week
- Two low-sided litter trays — One in their starter room, one closer to where they will live long-term.
- Scratching post tall enough for an adult cat to stretch up
- Soft-sided carrier
- Two ceramic or stainless food/water dishes
Discuss with your vet:
- Schedule a first wellness exam within the first week.
Week 2
Expand the territory
Week 2 home
This week's goals
- Gradually give access to more of the house.
- Add a second scratching surface.
- Begin gentle 1–2 minute brushing sessions paired with treats.
Milestones to watch for
- Approaches you for play.
Week 3
Socialisation window peaks
~10 weeks
This week's goals
- Expose the kitten to gentle handling — paws, ears, mouth — paired with treats.
- Introduce car rides in the carrier with short positive trips.
Milestones to watch for
- Tolerates paw handling for 5 seconds.
Week 4
Play vs. predation
~11 weeks
This week's goals
- Direct prey-style play to wand toys, not hands.
- End sessions with a "catch" so the kitten doesn't feel frustrated.
- Avoid laser-only sessions — always end on a tangible toy.
Milestones to watch for
- Reliably attacks toy and not skin.
Week 5
Litter habits and confidence
~12 weeks
This week's goals
- Keep litter boxes scooped at least twice a day.
- Stick with one unscented clumping litter to avoid sensitivities.
- Watch for any change in posture or frequency and discuss with the vet if unusual.
Milestones to watch for
- Uses both litter trays as expected.
Week 6
Brush, brush, brush
~13 weeks
This week's goals
- Daily 30-second brushing sessions.
- Introduce a soft-bristled cat toothbrush, even just briefly.
- Trim front-paw claws with feline clippers — one or two nails at a time.
Milestones to watch for
- Sits for a 1-minute brush.
Week 7
Introducing other pets
~14 weeks
This week's goals
- If there is a resident cat, manage scent swapping before sight introductions.
- For dogs, keep first sight introductions on-leash and the dog calm.
- Always provide a vertical escape route.
Milestones to watch for
- Calm in the same room as another household pet.
Week 8
Routine takes shape
~15 weeks
This week's goals
- Two meals at consistent times for adult-feeding routine practice.
- Daily 10-minute play sessions, ideally before meals.
- Begin clicker- or marker-training basic targets — many cats love it.
Milestones to watch for
- Touches a target stick on cue.
Week 9
Carrier and vet positivity
~16 weeks
This week's goals
- Leave the carrier out with a soft mat and treats inside.
- Practise short, voluntary trips into the carrier.
- Schedule another vet check if recommended.
Milestones to watch for
- Walks into carrier voluntarily.
Week 10
Enrichment matters
~17 weeks
This week's goals
- Introduce puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys.
- Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting.
- Add a window perch if you have a safe vantage.
Milestones to watch for
- Engages with puzzle feeder for 2+ minutes.
Week 11
Strangers and household visitors
~18 weeks
This week's goals
- Practise the kitten greeting visitors calmly — never force interactions.
- Reward calm with treats; give them a safe retreat at all times.
Milestones to watch for
- Stays in the same room when a visitor arrives.
Week 12
Plan the next chapter
~19+ weeks
This week's goals
- Discuss spay/neuter timing and adult food transition with your vet.
- Review weight, body condition, and dental status at the next check-up.
- Look at the next 3 months — boarders, sitters, or travel plans.
Milestones to watch for
- Confident throughout the home, predictable daily rhythm.