Bringing a puppy or kitten into your home is more than just getting a pet, it’s welcoming a new family member. Those early moments are full of excitement, curiosity, love and unforgettable firsts.
To help your new family member feel safe, happy, and loved, we’ve put together essential tips for puppy and kitten care that will make their transition smooth and joyful. When welcoming your new puppy or kitten, focus on four key areas: helping them feel at home, establishing a simple health and grooming routine, ensuring outdoor safety for walks, and fostering good habits through consistent behaviour training.
New Pet Shopping Guide
Before you get started, check out our New Pet Shopping Guide. It covers all the must-have items your puppy or kitten will need to thrive in their new home.
To make settling in even easier, enjoy R200 off your purchase when you buy 8 or more items from the list! [Download it here]
Help Your Puppy or Kitten Feel at Home
Feeding Your New Pet
The right nutrition sets the foundation for a long, healthy life for puppies and kittens. Puppy and kitten-specific diets provide the right nutrients for their growth. Continue the diet your breeder or rescue centre recommends for the first few days, then switch to a high-quality diet for your puppy and kitten. Don’t’ forget though that when switching to a new food you will need to transition them. This gives your new pet (and their stomach) a chance to adjust to the new food.
A high-quality diet for puppies includes essential ingredients and nutrients such as DHA for brain development and vision, calcium and phosphorus for bone, joint and muscle growth, probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health and vitamins and antioxidants for a strong immune system.
A high quality diet for kittens will include key ingredients and nutrients such as taurine for heart health and vision development, highly digestible protein for strong muscles and healthy growth, DHA for brain development, L-carnitine for lean muscle mass and healthy weight and vitamins and minerals to boost immunity and overall wellbeing.
Puppy or Kitten Proof Your Home
Before your new pet arrives, make sure your home is safe for them. Tuck away electrical cords and gadgets to prevent chewing or accidents and put fragile items and children’s toys out of reach.
Make sure any toxic plants, medicines, or cleaning products are safely stored. Think of it like babyproofing, but for your curious, playful puppy or kitten, eager to explore their new world.
Create a Cosy, Safe Spot that becomes their own
Your puppy or kitten might feel overwhelmed at first. Help them settle in by setting up a warm bed and blanket in a quiet, draft-free spot. This gives them a safe place to rest and helps them feel secure.
Keep their food and water bowls nearby so they can easily find their way around and start recognising their own special spot in their new home.
If possible, bring along something familiar from the breeder or rescue centre, like a blanket or toy with comforting scents. And if your puppy or kitten cries at night, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. With patience, love, and gentle reassurance, they’ll soon feel right at home.
Fun, Stimulating Toys
Toys aren’t just for fun; they play a big role in your puppy or kitten’s development. For puppies, chew toys are a lifesaver during teething, keeping them busy while supporting dental health. For kittens, a scratching post is essential (and your furniture will thank you!).
As your new family member grows, add toys that keep their mind and body active, think feather wands for curious cats and puzzle toys for clever puppies.
A Simple Health and Grooming Routine
An efficient health and grooming routine ensure puppies and kittens comfortable and reduces health risks.
Regular brushing and the use of gentle shampoos help keep their coat soft, shiny, and clean. With a simple routine in place, you’ll support their overall well-being and catch any little issues before they become big ones.
Find a good vet and schedule your first check-up as soon as you can after bringing your new pet home. Early vet visits are key to keeping your pet healthy. Your vet will help with advice on diet, dental care, deworming, sterilisation, vaccinations and microchipping.
Protect them with reliable tick and flea treatments so outdoor adventures stay worry-free. Be sure to check the packaging for age or weight suitability before administering any treatment. Puppies and kittens need vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. Puppies need vaccines for things like Canine Distemper and Parvo Virus, while kittens need vaccines for viruses like Feline Panleukopenia. Make sure your pet gets treated regularly and follow the vaccination requirements to protect them from various illnesses as well as ticks, fleas, and worms and the consequences of an infestation. Ask your vet or a Pet Care Advisor at Absolute Pets for advice on the best products.
Outdoor Essentials for Fun and Safe Walks
Getting outdoors is an exciting part of life with a new pet, but safety comes first. Start with a well-fitted collar and a secure lead for worry-free outings. Harnesses are especially helpful for puppies, giving you gentle control while they learn to walk confidently by your side.
Puppies don’t need a lot of exercise until they are about a year old, so focus on playtime and bonding. To keep them safe, make sure your puppy or kitten gets used to wearing a collar and ID tag early on.
For adventurous kittens, breakaway collars provide safe identification, while cat harnesses and leads allow them to explore the world in a safe, controlled way. With the right gear, every walk becomes a fun and safe adventure.
Building Good Habits with Behaviour Training
Discipline and social skills
Starting early with gentle behaviour training helps your puppy or kitten settle into routines and become a happy, confident companion. You can start puppy training classes as early as 8 weeks old. Find a good puppy training group nearby to help teach discipline and social skills. Avoid parks or public places until two weeks after their third vaccination.
Toilet training
When it comes to toilet training your puppy, training pads and aids like sprays help guide them to the right spots while discouraging accidents elsewhere. Consistency (and a little patience) goes a long way, along with thorough cleaning to prevent repeat mishaps.
Start potty training your new pet as soon as you get home. Be patient and consistent. Take them to their bathroom spot about 15 minutes after waking up or eating.
If you have a kitten, show them the litter tray and keep it clean and private. Choosing the right litter box size and a cat litter that suits both your pet, and your lifestyle is key. Keep it clean and scooped regularly to encourage good habits.
Rewarding good behaviour
Treats make learning and positive routines enjoyable for puppies and kittens. From crunchy biscuits to meaty bites, chews, or lickable rewards, there is a range of healthy treat options suitable for puppies and kittens that make learning enjoyable and strengthen the bond between you and your new pet.
By following these guidelines you’ll give your puppy or kitten the best start in life.
And when in doubt, pop into your nearest Absolute Pets and speak to a Pet Care Advisor, who is ready and waiting to help you welcome that special new addition to your family.
Enjoy every moment with your new companion!