Cat sitting for kittens: What to expect

Updated 27/02/2024

If you’re cat sitting for kittens, first of all, we’re super jealous! Those adorable big round eyes, teeny tiny paws, and clumsy antics - it’s cuteness overload, right?! But taking care of kittens does come with a caveat; it will require a little more work than looking after an adult cat. Although it will vary depending on the age of the kitten and the expectations of the pet parents, here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store for a kitten sitter like yourself.

How to take care of kittens

The aspects of kitten care vary depending on their age, so here is some guidance on what to expect at every stage.

Kittens up to 8 weeks old 

• It’s unlikely you’ll be taking care of newborn kittens unless you’re looking after the fur mama too. Kittens can usually get everything they need from their mother in the first few weeks of their life. 
• That being said, there are some situations where the mother cat is unable to care for her kittens. If this is the case, or you’re looking after an orphan kitten, they’ll need bottle feeding with a milk replacement formula every few hours.
• After a few weeks, kittens are typically weaned off their milk and are ready to start on a mixture of wet food and kibble. They will need frequent small meals throughout the day, and access to clean, fresh water at all times. Kittens this young do not know how to use a litter tray, so there will be lots of mess to clean up regularly throughout the day.
• Young kittens will continue to need lots of care and attention throughout this time. 

Kittens 8-12 weeks old 

• This age range often marks the moment when pet parents bring their new kitten to their forever home. A routine is often established from the beginning, and it’s up to you to stick to this schedule as much as possible while pet parents are away.
• With weaning complete, your furry friend should be eating a nutritious meal of solid food 3-4 times a day. You may need to mix their food with a little water to make it easier to chow down on. 
• Litter box training often begins the moment the kitten arrives home, so keep up the good work! 
• Kittens should have lots of toys to keep them entertained - remember playtime is a great opportunity for you to bond with your new furry friend. 
• Socialization and getting to grips with all the new sights and sounds is an important part of growing from a kitten to an adult, and as a cat sitter, you’ll be playing a part in this! Handle them gently and make sure their experiences are positive from the get-go. 
• Kittens this age are not fully vaccinated, so be sure to keep them inside and don't let any other cats visit the home whilst you are there. 

Kittens 3-6 months old 

• Kittens have a lot to learn at this stage. They’ll be impressionable and adventurous, so make sure they don’t get themselves into any mischief! 
• Pet parents may ask you to take their fur baby to the vet to get their booster vaccinations if you’re kitty sitting around the 3-month mark. 
• At around 6 months old, most pet parents also decide to spay/neuter their kittens. 
• If you’re caring for a kitty who has recently had vaccinations or been spayed/neutered, they may be feeling a little under the weather. They may need a little extra care and attention during this time, and while it’s completely normal for them to feel a little “off” for a few days, speak to the pet parents or the vet if you have any concerns. 

Kittens 6 month old plus 

• This is when the hard work starts paying off and furry friends are getting the hang of how things work. 
• There will still be lots for them to learn though, and socialization, grooming, and regular handling should ensure your feline friend develops into a well-rounded adult cat. 
• Kittens usually stick with kitten food until they’re about a year old, but now they’ll only need feeding 2-3 times a day. 

Tips on cat sitting for kittens 

Now you know how to care for kittens at each stage of their growth, here’s some more general advice for you.

What to feed baby kittens

• Really young kittens don’t need anything other than their mother’s milk, but if caring for an orphan kitten, you’ll need to feed them a cat specific milk replacement. Contrary to what the movies will tell you, cow’s milk isn’t very nutritious for kittens and should not be given to kittens. 
• Kittens begin to be weaned off their milk when their baby teeth start to show at around 4 weeks old. When making the transition, start them off with wet kitten food or soften kibble by mixing it with water. By the time they’re 8 weeks of age, kittens should be ready to eat both solid and wet cat food. 

Litter box training

• Many pet parents start training their kittens to use a litter box as soon as they come home, so you’ll need to keep up the good work. 
• Clean the litter tray daily to make it as appealing as possible to your furry friend.
• Don’t move the litter box around - you’ll want them to be able to find it easily in their time of need!
• Kittens (and cats) like options, so having more than one litterbox in different locations in the home will help with the litter box training process. 

The importance of playtime

• Teaching kittens to play is an essential part of caring for them, and your furry feline should have access to a variety of exciting toys to play with both by themselves and with you.
• Kittens are naturally curious, so make sure their interactions and experiences are as positive as possible. 
• Swap out toys frequently to keep your kitten interested in them. 

Grooming routine

• Kittens should be groomed regularly, not only to remove matted fur and dirt but also so it naturally becomes a part of their routine.

Teaching them the ropes

• Pet parents will have likely established reward-based training, so continue giving your furry friend a tasty treat, verbal praise, or a scratch behind the ears for good behavior. 

Health checks

• Depending on what stage of kittenhood your furry friend is at, they may need to go to the vet for vaccinations, spaying/neutering, or a health check-up. Keep pet parents in the loop and forward on any advice the vet gives you.

A comfortable environment

• Stick to the routine set by pet parents.
• Kittens should have access to food and water at all times, no matter their age.
• Make sure your feline friend’s environment is as comfortable and welcoming as possible. 
• Remove hazards such as poisonous houseplants, leftover food, and small items that are easy to choke on.
• Make sure kittens have access to a number of cozy spaces to cuddle up in, even if they look perfectly happy with their cardboard box!
• Note that a young kitten shouldn’t be left alone for longer than a few hours at a time. 

While these tips are a great starting point for your kitten sitting adventures, remember that every cat is unique, and you’ll need to put the pet parents’ wishes front and center. If you ever find yourself in need of a professional opinion while on a house sit, don’t forget you can contact our vet advice line any time you need. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.