A new member of the family

Getting a kitten.

A little preparation.
A much calmer homecoming.

From choosing responsibly to what to buy, the first week, vet care and insurance. A practical UK guide to welcoming your kitten home.

Explore the kitten guides Plan your budget

A ginger kitten resting indoors and looking towards the camera. — Photo: dmytkopl / Pexels

Start before the shopping

A good fit for
your everyday life.

Think about the time, space and ongoing budget you can offer—not just collection day. Discuss care responsibilities, time away and any housing restrictions before committing.

Consider adoption as well as buying. If buying, meet the young animal with their mother where they were raised, ask for the records and take time to make your decision. The guides below help you know what to ask.

Explore cat adoption with Cats Protection →

For new cat owners

A home ready for your kitten.

A safe place to settle, the right essentials
and a routine you can grow together.

Choose responsibly

Buying a kitten: essential checks, common health signs and when to contact a vet

Questions to ask before buying, plus signs that need veterinary advice.

Read guide Before they arrive

New kitten checklist: what to buy and how to prepare your home

Get ready for a kitten with a shopping checklist, a calm starter room, home-safety checks and a plan for vet care and insurance.

Read guide The first week

Your kitten’s first week at home: settling in, feeding and sleep

Help a new kitten settle with a quiet room, familiar meals and litter, gentle play, gradual introductions and an early vet check.

Read guide Plan your budget

How much does a kitten cost in the UK? Upfront and monthly budget

Compare kitten purchase and adoption costs, setup essentials and monthly spending, with sourced price ranges and a worked first-year budget.

Read guide

The care behind the cuddles

Plan the vet care.
Understand the cover.

Register with a practice, save its emergency number and bring the records to the first appointment. Ask about vaccinations, parasite care, microchipping and neutering for your individual pet.

Find a vet

Pet insurance explainedPolicy types, exclusions and what to compare →Pet insurance excess calculatorExplore what your share of an eligible bill might be →The first vet appointmentWhat to bring and what to ask →

Before collection day

Your ready-to-welcome checklist.

Tick off the essentials as you go. Use the kitten checklist guide for the details.

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0 of 8 ready

Preparation checklistI have checked the breeder or rescue and asked for the records.I have worked out the upfront and monthly budget.A safe resting area and household safety checks are ready.I have food, bowls, bedding, litter trays, a scratching post and a carrier.I have planned safe, secured transport home.I have a vet practice and its out-of-hours contact.I have considered insurance and how to meet unexpected bills.Everyone at home knows the first-week care plan.

Written by Vet Reviews using UK welfare, veterinary and consumer sources linked in each guide. General information; your vet can advise on your pet's individual care. Prices are estimates with their dates and assumptions explained.