A New Pet Parent’s Guide: Caring for Your Puppy or Kitten in Their First Year

Every pet is unique. Their needs are too.

Welcoming home a new puppy or kitten is exciting, but their first year is also the most important. This is when they grow rapidly, build immunity, learn social behavior, and develop key physical and cognitive abilities. Understanding their unique needs helps set the foundation for lifelong health.

1. Understanding Their Growth Journey

Kittens

- Vision sharpens around the 4th week

- Their immunity shifts as they move from milk to solid food

- Weight can triple within weeks

- Bones, digestion and brain development accelerate

Puppies

- Eyes open at 2 weeks, hearing develops by 8 weeks

- Growth rates differ by size (small vs large breeds)

- Socialization and early learning begin in this phase

2. Preparing Your Home

Create a safe, comfortable environment before your pet arrives:

- Cozy resting space

- Age-appropriate food and feeding bowls

- Litter tray for kittens

- Chew toys for puppies

- Grooming essentials

- A quiet area where they can settle and feel secure

3. Feeding for Their Unique Needs

Puppies and kittens are not small adults — they need specialised nutrition to support rapid growth, digestive development, and natural defences.

Kitten Needs

- Highly digestible proteins

- Antioxidants to support immunity

- DHA for brain development

- Controlled minerals for bone health

Puppy Needs

- Small breeds need energy-dense diets

- Large breeds need controlled growth to support bones and joints

4. Daily Care Essentials

For Kittens

- Schedule timely vet visits

- Maintain clean litter trays

- Provide scratching posts and play engagement

- Introduce new environments gently

For Puppies

- Start basic training early

- Build socialisation gradually

- Establish regular feeding routines

- Visit your vet for vaccinations and health checks

The First Year Sets the Foundation

From immunity to digestion, bones to behaviour — everything develops rapidly in the first year. Providing the right nutrition and care at each stage ensures your puppy or kitten grows into a healthy, confident adult.

Visit the Royal Canin Experience Zone at Pet Fed to learn more about tailored nutrition for your growing pet and get expert guidance that supports their unique needs.