Kitten health

Welcome home kitty!

When you’re bringing a new kitten home, it’s important to have a calm environment for them to settle into.

Here are a few things you can do to make your kitten feel at home right away:

• Keep visitors to a minimum during the first few days
• Be conscious of noise levels and letting them hide away when they want will help them adjust.
• Make sure they have a warm, dry bed and take care to close off fireplaces or any spaces they could get stuck in until they are more comfortable with their surroundings.
• Start toilet training with the litter tray the moment you bring your kitten home – show them exactly there their litter tray is.

Kitten vaccinations, worming & flea treatments

One of the most important things you can do for your new kitten is to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Make an appointment to see your vet and fill them in on your kitten’s vaccination history. By the time your kitten reaches you he/she may have already had the first series of vaccinations, so make sure you have a copy of your kitten’s vaccinations certificate to show your vet - they will be able to tell you what to do from there.

Your new kitten will typically require a course of three vaccinations at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks but check with your vet as to the recommended vaccinations for your new kitten.

Adult cats require an annual vaccination booster for life.

As a guide, kittens should be wormed every two weeks until they reach 3 months of age and then for life with an intestinal all-wormer. Kittens can be given a topical flea treatment as early as six to eight weeks of age and you kitten can commence heartworm prevention any time before 16 weeks of age. Heartworm protection is needed for the lifetime of your cat. It is important to speak with your vet about the most appropriate treatments for your kitten.

Kitten toilet training

For toilet training tips see our Training section.

Kitten diet

Your kitten can be introduced to solid foods at around five weeks of age. This usually comprises a mixture of high quality commercial kitten food (wet and dry food) but best to always ask your vet or breeder on what diet they recommend for your kitten.

The food needs to be a kitten specific commercial product that is designed for the high energy needs of a growing cat. Leave dry food out for a kitten to graze on and always have a bowl of fresh water next to the food.

The diet of a kitten is very important – much like with a new baby you want to ensure you are feeding your kitten the right foods and nutrients to help ensure they grow up healthy and strong.

Generally your kitten should stay on this type of product until he/she reaches 12 months of age, but check with your vet about the best feeding routine and product for your particular puss.

How often to feed a kitten

Most people like to feed a small amount of wet food four times a day and leave dry food out for a kitten to graze on. Always have a bowl of fresh water next to the food.

Never feed a kitten:

• Cooked bones
• Dog food
• Chocolate
• Cow’s milk