Welcoming a kitten into your home is an exciting (and adorable) time, but it also comes with important responsibilities. From health care to socialization, here’s what you need to know to give your kitten off to the best start.

 

1. When do I bring it to a vet?

 

Your kitten’s first stop should be the vet, ideally within the first week of bringing them home, especially if you already have cats. We’ll check their overall health, test for parasites and begin their vaccination schedule. If your kitten hasn’t already been microchipped, now’s a great time to consider it. Like puppies, kittens need a series of vaccines which typically include a combo vaccine that helps protect against feline upper respiratory viruses and feline leukemia. It is also required by Canadian law that our pet cats be vaccinated for Rabies at 3 months of age. We start vaccines at 8 weeks of age and booster them every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old.

 

2. How do I stop them from having MORE cats?

 

We love cats, but 1 female cat and her offspring if left unneutered can produce approximately 420.000 cats within a 7-year span! That’s a lot of cats! We typically recommend spaying or neutering around 6 months of age depending on your kitten’s size and development. This helps prevent any unwanted kittens and reduces the risk of certain health and behavioral issues.

 

3. What should I feed them?

 

Feeding a high-quality kitten food ensures that your growing cat gets the right balance of nutrients. Feeding a 75% canned food diet or greater is recommended as cats tend not to drink enough water. Kittens need more calories, protein and fat than adult cats, so don’t switch to adult food too early. Wait until they are at least a year old before stopping kitten food. Fresh water should always be available.

 

4. Litter box training do's and don'ts.

 

Most kittens instinctively use a litter box, especially if they’ve seen their mother do it. Keep the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location and scoop it daily. If not scooped often enough, they can soil outside the box, which can be frustrating for you. We recommend one more litter box than you have cats. Try to avoid harsh cleaners and heavily perfumed litter. While it may smell good to us, they can be overpowering to the kitten, making them not want to use it.

 

5. Socialization and play

 

Early socialization helps your kitten grow into a well-adjusted adult cat. Introduce them gradually to people, sounds and even gentle grooming. Daily playtime with cat safe toys also builds trust and burns off kitten energy.

 

6. How can I create a safe environment for my kitten?

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Kitten-proof your home by securing wires, removing toxic plants and keeping small objects (example-small children’s toys) out of reach. Supervise your kitten during their explorations and provide plenty of scratching posts, cozy bedding and vertical space to climb as most cats like to be up high.

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We’re your partner in helping your kitten grow into a healthy, happy cat! Have questions? Call us any time, we are happy to help!