Raising My First Kitten: What I Wish I Knew from Day One

I remember the night I brought Luna home like it was yesterday. She was so tiny, so quiet... and I was so unprepared. I’d read tons of kitten care guides, but nothing really captured what it feels like to raise a baby cat. This post isn’t another sterile list of dos and don’ts. It’s what I wish someone had told me before I welcomed her into my chaotic little apartment.

The First 48 Hours: Panic, Poop & Pure Love

Let’s be honest: the first couple of days were overwhelming. She refused to eat at first — I panicked. I googled things like "kitten not eating first night" a dozen times. Turned out, it’s normal. She just needed time to adjust.

One thing no one warned me about? The smell. Yep. I wasn’t ready for the litter box drama. Clumping litter helped, but what really made a difference was switching to a natural corn-based brand. Total game changer.

Feeding Isn’t Just About Food

I thought feeding her meant just filling a bowl. Wrong. Luna was picky, and her tummy was sensitive. Eventually, I settled on a grain-free wet food from Wellness. The trick was warming it slightly and sitting with her while she ate. She craved companionship as much as calories.

Tip: Make feeding a bonding ritual. Don’t just serve and walk away.

The Vet Visits Felt Like Final Exams

I’m not going to lie — I was nervous. Vaccines, worm checks, microchipping... it was a lot. But I found a vet who talked to me like a person, not a robot. If you’re in your first weeks with a kitten, please find a vet who treats you with compassion too, not just the pet.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions. I once called asking if it was normal for Luna’s ears to twitch. (It was.)

Playing Is More Than Just Fun

I quickly learned that playtime wasn’t optional. Luna needed at least 30 minutes of active play to burn off her zoomies. I used feather wands and eventually trained her to chase a laser pointer (but not obsessively — that can lead to frustration).

These moments built our trust. Her purring afterward? That was the reward I didn’t know I needed.

I Made Mistakes. It’s Okay If You Do Too.

I once left out lilies (toxic!). I fed her tuna every day for a week (oops). I didn’t kitten-proof the bookshelf and she knocked down a framed photo on her own head.

But she forgave me. And I learned. That’s the beauty of raising a kitten — it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, being present, and growing together.

Helpful Kitten Resources That Actually Helped

• Kitten Lady – for newborn care and emergency advice.
• Kitten Checklist UK – printable essentials guide.
• PurrCuddle’s Kitten Corner – (yes, shameless plug) but we’re building something real here.

Would I Do It All Again?

Absolutely. Luna turned my apartment into a home. And if you're reading this, you're probably on the edge of that same beautiful chaos. Just know that it's okay to be unsure. You're not alone. And it gets easier — not because kittens become less needy, but because you become more confident.

So if you’re holding a sleepy furball right now and wondering if you’re doing it right — you are. Just keep loving them the way they need, not the way you think you should. The rest will follow.

— Written from the floor, with Luna sleeping beside my laptop.