First-time pet parent’s guide: Caring for new puppies and kittens in Australia

Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is one of life’s unforgettable moments – the tiny paws, curious sniffs, sleepy snuggles, and that overwhelming feeling of “Wow, this little one is mine.” But those first days are also crucial. Your new pet is adjusting to a completely unfamiliar world: new sights, new smells, new humans, and no littermates for comfort. Helping them settle starts the moment they arrive – letting them explore their new home, showing them where they’ll sleep and eat, keeping their food consistent for the first couple of weeks, and creating a calm space without too many visitors. The first night can be unsettling for them, so placing their bed or crate nearby offers reassurance as they begin building trust and confidence in their new life with you. 

What You’ll Need Before Bringing Home Your Puppy or Kitten

Getting a new pet is exciting, and having the right gear ready makes those first few days smoother for both of you. Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare.

Basic Supplies for Puppies and Kittens

• Food and water bowls
• Comfortable, washable bed
• Adjustable collar (breakaway style for kittens)
• ID tag with your contact number
• Safe travel gear: cat carrier for kittens; seatbelt clip, harness or crate for puppies

Food Essentials

• Keep feeding the same food used by the breeder or shelter and transition new food slowly (over 7–10 days)
• Puppy training treats for toilet training
• Kitten treats in small amounts

Toys for Enrichment and Development

Puppies

• Chew toys for teething
• Fluffy toys
• Enrichment toys like Kongs or Bob-A-Lot

Kittens

• Feather wands
• Chase toys
• Plush toys
• Scratching posts
• Puzzle feeders

Grooming Essentials

(Or you can have them professionally groomed at a groomer – starting early helps them get used to the experience)

For Puppies

• Puppy-safe shampoo
  Gentle, tear-free formulas are best for sensitive skin.
• Brush suited to their coat type

• Soft bristle brushes for smooth or short coats
• Slicker or pin brushes for long or fluffy coats
  
  – Nail clippers
  Trim every 2–4 weeks, or ask your vet or groomer if you’re not confident doing it yourself.

For Kittens

• Soft brush or grooming mitt
  Helps remove loose fur, reduces hairballs, and gets kittens comfortable with handling.
• Kitten-safe shampoo (used sparingly)
  Most kittens don’t need frequent bathing, but a gentle shampoo is helpful for the occasional clean-up.
• Regular nail trims: trimming every 2–3 weeks prevents scratching injuries and snagging on fabric.

Toilet Training and Litter Habits

Puppy Toilet Training

• Consistency and patience are key.
  • Take them outside regularly – after meals, naps and play
  • Praise them the moment they get it right
  • If you live in an apartment, puppy pads can be a helpful temporary tool in those early days

Kitten Litter Training

• Most kittens are naturals, and they catch on fast. 
• Provide:
  • A shallow/low, easy-to-access litter tray
  • A quiet spot to use it 
• • A tray that’s cleaned daily –  kittens can be surprisingly fussy!

Your Pet’s First Health Check

Once your new pet settles in at home, book a check-up with your vet. This first visit is important – it confirms your puppy or kitten is healthy, helps you understand their care schedule, and gives you a chance to ask questions.

Most breeders and rescue groups will have already completed an initial health check before adoption, and many will provide paperwork showing when the next vaccination and worming treatment are due. If this information isn’t clear, your vet will help you create a proper plan.

What Happens at the First Vet Appointment

Your vet will:

• Examine your pet’s overall health and weight
• Review vaccination history
• Confirm when the next vaccinations are due
• Check when the last worming dose was given
• Discuss any concerns you may have
• Make sure the visit is gentle and positive

Bring your puppy on a lead or your kitten in a secure carrier, and avoid contact with other animals in the waiting room until vaccinations are completed.

Vaccination Schedule

Puppies and kittens usually receive vaccines at:

• 6–8 weeks (first vaccination)
• 10–12 weeks
• 14–16 weeks

Boosters then follow based on your vet’s advice.

What Vets Say About Feeding Puppies (and Why It Matters)

Choose a Complete, Balanced Puppy Diet

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs: they require more protein, fat, and certain minerals (like calcium & phosphorus) to support rapid growth and development.

For large-breed puppies (e.g Labs, Shepherds, Great Danes etc), vets strongly recommend a “large-breed puppy” formula to protect their developing bones and joints.

Many owners choose a high-quality commercial puppy diet, while others incorporate fresh food or home-prepared meals. If you prefer the latter, vets recommend doing so with guidance, especially for growing puppies – to make sure all essential nutrients are covered and development stays on track.

A balanced approach, whether commercial, fresh, or a combination of both, gives your puppy the best chance to grow safely and thrive

Feed Based on Age and Growth 

• Under 3 months: 4 small meals per day
• 3–6 months: Reduce to 3 meals
• 12 months onward: Most transition to 2 meals a day

Instead of relying solely on the feeding chart, monitor your puppy’s body condition:

• You should feel (not see) ribs
• A visible waist from above
• A gentle tummy tuck from the side

What Vets Say About Feeding Kittens (and Why It Matters)

Look for a high-quality commercial food labelled specifically for kittens. These are formulated with:

• Higher protein and fat for energy and muscle development
• The right balance of vitamins and minerals (including calcium and phosphorus)
• Added nutrients like DHA to support brain and eye development

How often to feed kittens

• 8–12 weeks: 4 small meals a day
• 3–6 months: 3 meals a day
• 6–12 months: many can transition to 2 meals a day

Fresh water should always be available. Many vets like a mix of wet and dry food for kittens – wet food supports hydration, while dry food can help with dental health and convenience.

Avoid these common mistakes with kittens:

• No cow’s milk – it often causes diarrhoea and tummy upsets. 
• Avoid raw meat and raw bones due to bacteria and choking or tooth damage risks.
• Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake to prevent obesity and nutritional imbalance.

Socialising Your Pet 

Australia is full of new sights, sounds and surprises – early socialisation helps your pet grow into a calm, confident adult.

Puppies

Introduce them gently to:
• Friendly dogs and people
• Traffic, tradie tools and everyday noises
• Car rides, bikes, prams
• Puppy school – It’s offered across Australia and is a fantastic way to build confidence

Kittens

Socialise them with:
• Different people in the household
• Common household sounds
• Gentle handling and play

Keep kittens indoors or in a secure catio – ideal for safety, native wildlife protection, and compliance with council cat-curfew rules.

Creating a Safe, Enriching Home

For Puppies

• Remove electrical cords, toxic plants and harmful foods
  • Keep dangerous items out of reach (We see many claims from household mishaps!)
  • Ensure secure fencing
  • Provide shade and plenty of water

For Kittens

• Secure windows and balconies
  • Avoid hazards like lilies (extremely toxic)
  • Provide scratching posts, climbing spaces and interactive toys

Both puppies and kittens sleep 18–20 hours a day – it’s how they recharge their adorable batteries.

Planning Ahead: Insurance & Financial Preparedness

Unexpected vet bills in Australia can rise quickly — especially in emergencies such as tick paralysis, ligament injuries, ingesting toxic substances, heatstroke or snake bites. Preparing early can make a big difference to your pet’s long-term wellbeing.

Pet insurance with Petcover can help cover:
• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Hereditary or congenital conditions
• Third-party liability
• Ongoing or chronic health issues

Every policy is different, so it’s important to review your cover carefully – including waiting periods, limits and any exclusions – to ensure it meets your pet’s needs.

Planning ahead gives you greater confidence, more financial flexibility, and the peace of mind that you can support your pet through both the expected and unexpected.