Like kids, kittens need to eat, drink, play, potty, and sleep to feel regulated and happy. Establishing a schedule, or borrowing one, can help to organize your kitten’s day and help nurture your pet.

Instead of free-feeding your new cat or kitten, scheduling feed times is beneficial and can help to teach simple routines like Come, Sit, and Paw. It is important to keep water and litter accessible at all times.

Ensure that your kitten has a place to explore while you’re preoccupied by placing toys in spots that can easily be found. Cat trees are a great way to provide an enriching playscape.

Young kittens spend a large portion of their day sleeping (about 20 hours a day). Provide a quiet area away from distractions during their key developmental phase (3-14 weeks), as this is a time of brain and physical development. Throughout your kitten’s life, provide protective places like cat trees, boxes, cubbies, and other locations to retreat to and resting.

Creating a schedule and making sure to provide enriching playscapes and rest areas is essential in keeping your kitten happy and healthy. Establishing these routines can give both you and your kitten the opportunity to bond and grow together.