Puppy and Kitten Care 101: A Vet’s Guide for New Pet Owners

Bringing home your new puppy or kitten is one of life’s great joys, but it also comes with plenty of questions. From vaccination schedules to training, nutrition, and socialisation, those first few months shape your pet’s lifelong health and behaviour.

At Cherrybrook Vet Practice, we love helping new pet owners start off on the right paw. This guide answers some of the most common questions we hear from families welcoming a new puppy or kitten.

What should I do when I bring home a new puppy or kitten?

The first week is about helping your new family member feel safe and settled. Choose a quiet, secure space with a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, and a few toys. Avoid overwhelming your pet with too many visitors at once.

A quick trip to your vet is one of the most important early steps. During your first appointment, our team will check your pet’s health, discuss vaccination timing, microchipping, parasite prevention, and diet. We’ll also answer any questions you have about toilet training, sleeping routines, or setting up your home environment.

If you’ve recently adopted your pet from a shelter, bring along any paperwork, including vaccination or microchip details. It helps us keep their care on track.

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What happens at your pet’s first vet visit?

Your pet’s first few visits to the vet are all about prevention and building a lifetime of trust.

For puppies, vaccinations typically start around 6–8 weeks, with boosters at 10–12 weeks and 14–16 weeks.

For kittens, the schedule is similar: 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks, followed by annual boosters.

Vaccines protect against serious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and feline enteritis. After the first course, yearly boosters are recommended to keep immunity strong.

Our vets also discuss microchipping (a legal requirement in NSW), parasite control, and desexing advice. Tick and flea protection is particularly important in Sydney’s warmer months. If you’re unsure which products are safe for your pet’s age and weight, we can help you choose an effective, vet-approved option.

For more details on how to register your new puppy or kitten, you can click the link below:

How do I feed and care for a growing puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens grow quickly, so their nutritional needs are very different from adult pets. They require a diet that’s rich in protein, calcium, and essential fatty acids to support healthy bones, joints, and brain development.

Choose a premium-quality puppy or kitten food designed specifically for growth. Avoid adult formulas, which lack the nutrient balance young animals need. At Cherrybrook Vet, we often recommend Hill’s Science Diet, a brand formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of growing pets.

Feed measured portions according to the feeding guide on the packaging and your vet’s advice. Overfeeding can lead to joint strain and early weight issues, while underfeeding may slow development.

Fresh water should always be available, and treats should make up no more than ten percent of daily calories.

How can I socialise and train my new pet?

The first few months are a critical learning period for both puppies and kittens.

For puppies, early socialisation between 8–16 weeks helps prevent anxiety and reactivity later in life. Introduce new experiences gradually by introducing different people, sounds, and gentle handling. Puppy preschool is a great way to build confidence and learn positive training techniques.

For kittens, create an enriched environment with scratching posts, hiding spaces, and climbing options. Let them explore new rooms at their own pace, and encourage gentle handling from family members.

Reward calm and confident behaviour with praise and small treats. Avoid punishment, which can create fear or confusion.

When should I desex my puppy or kitten?

Desexing is an important part of responsible pet ownership. It prevents unwanted litters and can also reduce certain health and behaviour risks.

Most pets are desexed between five and six months of age, though the timing can vary depending on breed and development. Your vet will recommend the best schedule for your pet.

In female pets, desexing can help prevent mammary cancers and uterine infections, while in males, it can reduce aggression and marking behaviour.

At Cherrybrook Vet, we perform desexing procedures under safe anaesthesia and provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

(Related reading: Looking After Your Dog in Winter: Coats, Rain and Other Winter Warmers — practical advice on keeping your pet healthy through the seasons.)

What are common mistakes new pet owners make?

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new pet, but a few simple oversights can lead to issues down the track.

  1. Delaying vaccinations or check-ups: Missing early vet visits can leave your pet unprotected from preventable diseases.
  2. Overfeeding or feeding the wrong diet: Growth-stage nutrition matters. Stick with a high-quality puppy or kitten food until advised to transition.
  3. Skipping socialisation: Fear-based behaviours can develop if pets aren’t introduced to new experiences early.
  4. Inconsistent toilet training: Regular routines and positive reinforcement are essential. Avoid punishment if accidents occur.
  5. Ignoring dental care: Get your pet used to gentle brushing early. Dental disease is preventable with good habits.
  6. Neglecting parasite control: Fleas, ticks, and worms can cause serious illness, even in young pets.

Taking small, consistent steps from the beginning helps avoid most of these problems entirely.

Why understanding your pet’s natural instincts matters​

It’s easy to treat our pets like little people, especially when they feel like family. But dogs and cats experience the world differently to us. They communicate through body language, scent, and behaviour, not words. When we accidentally interpret their actions through a human lens, it can lead to confusion on both sides.

Understanding your pet’s breed background and instincts helps you meet their emotional, physical, and social needs more effectively. For example, a puppy bred from two working parents may have more energy and drive than a toy breed mix. Likewise, some cats naturally crave activity and stimulation, while others prefer quiet companionship.

Here are a few examples to illustrate how genetics and instincts can shape your pet’s personality and behaviour.

Breed or Mix Parent breeds & Traits Common Traits Common Traits of Offsprint
Cavoodle
(Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle)		 Cavalier: affectionate, people-focused, moderate energy
Poodle: intelligent, active, sensitive		 Friendly, quick to learn, enjoys company Cavoodles often thrive on companionship and mental stimulation. They can become anxious if left alone too long, so early socialisation and routine help them feel secure.
Labradoodle
(Labrador Retriever x Poodle)		 Labrador: sociable, food-motivated, loves exercise
Poodle: intelligent, agile, alert		 Playful, highly trainable, energetic Many Labradoodles need plenty of exercise and enrichment. Regular activity prevents boredom-related behaviours like chewing or barking. Highly trainable, but they don’t do it by themselves… we highly recommend puppy preschool for social and early obedience training. A good puppy preschool is the ideal way to create solid foundations.
Ragdoll
(Pure breed)		 Originated in the USA; bred for calm temperament and striking blue eyes Gentle, relaxed, affectionate Ragdolls are known for their easy-going nature. They enjoy human interaction but can become stressed in loud or unpredictable environments.
Bengal
(Pure breed)		 Hybrid of domestic cat and Asian leopard cat Active, intelligent, vocal Bengals need more play and climbing opportunities than many cats. They’re brilliant companions for busy households that can provide stimulation and space to explore.

What milestones should my puppy or kitten reach in the first year?​​​

Every pet grows at a different pace, but here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

6–8 weeks: First vaccination and health check. Begin gentle socialisation and crate or litter training.
10–12 weeks: Second vaccination and parasite prevention plan. Introduce short car rides or grooming routines.
14–16 weeks​​: Final puppy or kitten vaccination and vet review. Continue training and exposure to new experiences.
5–6 months: Desexing, transition to adolescent diet, and ongoing training.
6–12 months: Annual health check and booster vaccination. Reinforce good behaviour and consider advanced training or enrichment activities.

These milestones aren’t just medical—they’re opportunities to build trust, confidence, and a strong lifelong bond with your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy and Kitten Care

When should I take my new puppy or kitten to the vet?

It’s best to book your pet’s first vet visit within a few days of bringing them home. This early check allows your vet to confirm overall health, start vaccinations, and discuss parasite prevention, diet, and microchipping. If your pet came from a shelter or breeder, bring any vaccination or health records to keep their care on track.

What vaccinations does my puppy or kitten need in NSW?

In New South Wales, puppies are generally vaccinated at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks, while kittens follow a similar schedule. Vaccinations protect against common and serious diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and feline enteritis. Annual boosters maintain protection throughout your pet’s life.

When is the best time to desex my pet?

Most puppies and kittens are desexed between five and six months of age, though timing can vary depending on breed and development. Desexing helps prevent unwanted litters and reduces certain health and behaviour issues.

How can I toilet train my puppy or kitten?

Consistency and patience are key. For puppies, take them outside regularly after sleeping, eating, or playtime, and reward them immediately for going in the right spot. For kittens, place the litter tray in a quiet, accessible location and keep it clean. Most kittens instinctively use the tray, but gentle redirection and cleanliness help avoid accidents.

How much should I feed my puppy or kitten?

Use the feeding guide on your chosen puppy or kitten food, adjusting for your pet’s breed, size, and energy levels. Premium diets like Hill’s Science Diet are formulated to support growth and development during the first year. If you’re unsure, your vet can tailor a feeding plan to ensure healthy, steady growth.

When can my puppy or kitten go outside?

After your pet’s final vaccination, typically around 16 weeks, it’s safe to begin exploring outdoors. Start with short, supervised sessions. For kittens, a secure outdoor enclosure or leash training can let them enjoy the outdoors safely while reducing risks of injury or disease.

What are common mistakes new pet owners make?

The biggest issues often come down to skipping early check-ups, inconsistent training, and overfeeding. Another common one is over-anthropomorphising—treating pets like people instead of animals with unique instincts and needs. Learning about your pet’s breed traits and communication style helps prevent frustration and builds a stronger bond.

How can Cherrybrook Vet Practice help me as a new pet owner?

Our friendly team is here to guide you through every stage—from first vaccinations and desexing to nutrition and behaviour advice. Whether you’ve brought home a playful Cavoodle or a curious Ragdoll kitten, we’ll help you give them the healthiest start in life.

Building a Lifetime of Care with Cherrybrook Vet Practice

Raising a puppy or kitten is rewarding, but it’s also a commitment to daily care and patience. With guidance from your veterinary team and a few consistent routines, you’ll help your pet grow into a happy, confident adult.

At Cherrybrook Vet Practice, we’re here to support you through every stage—from your pet’s first vaccination to their golden years. If you’ve recently welcomed a new family member, book a check-up with our friendly team today.

We’ll help you make the early months as healthy and enjoyable as possible.