Caring for your kitten
If you buy a pedigree kitten it is likely to have already been vaccinated before you can take him/her home at around 12 to 14 weeks old – always ask for a record of the vaccinations so far. If you take on a moggie kitten, it is unlikely to have been vaccinated and is probably around eight weeks old when you first take him/her home.
Kittens typically have their first vaccination at around 9 weeks of age, followed by a second dose 3-4 weeks later. It can take up to four weeks for your kitten’s vaccinations to be fully functional after their second dose, and therefore they should not be allowed outside until this time. It is best to keep your kitten inside until it has been neutered and is a little older.
Shopping list
- Food and food bowl
- Water bowl
- Toys
- Basket and bedding
- Litter tray, litter, and scoop
- Brush and/or comb
- Carry cage
- Collar and tag
- Scratching post
- Worm/flea preparations
- Book on cat care
Kittens will require vaccinations against
Infectious Enteritis
The disease is also known as Panleucopaenia or Parvovirus, fortunately, it is now less common thanks to highly effective vaccinations. Upper Respiratory Disease: Commonly known as ‘cat-flu’. Vaccine immunity does not last a lifetime, so your cat will need annual boosters.
Leukemia / Panleukopenia
This infection may not show any symptoms for months or even years, meaning many other cats can be infected before the owner is aware of the illness. Only early vaccination and annual boosters can protect your cat from the virus.
Other vaccinations are available depending on your cat’s lifestyle – your vet will advise you on this and how often boosters are required.
Handling
Always pick your kitten up with one hand behind the front legs and the other supporting its rear legs and bottom. Give your kitten a few days to settle in and feel comfortable before allowing children and visitors to handle it.
House training
Kittens are naturally clean and will normally use a litter tray. Initially try to use the type of litter the kitten has been used to. You can change to a different one by gradually mixing in the new type. The litter must be changed regularly and the tray washed, disinfected, rinsed and dried. Encourage your kitten to use a litter tray by placing your pet on it when it wakes up and after meals.
Toys
Your kitten will enjoy playing with toys, which is a good source of exercise, entertainment, and socialisation. Offer an assortment of toys which are safe, firm favourites are toys that mimic a bird or mouse and allow you to play together. Cats like being at a height, so playhouses, platforms and climbing frames made especially for cats strengthen their limbs, give lots of fun, and often incorporate scratching posts too.
General care
Grooming
All kittens will benefit from regular grooming. If you are taking on a long haired cat then it is essential to get it used to grooming, as you may need to do this every day, so it should be made into a pleasant experience. Your pet shop can advise on a brush and comb suitable for your kitten’s coat type.
If you don’t have the time, ability or resources to groom your Kitten at home, we have a pet grooming service called Huggles Pamper Lounge where we can groom them. Just follow this link to have a look at the grooming page.
Worming
Your kitten must be wormed regularly with a proprietary worming preparation – ask your vet or pet shop if you are unsure.
Flea control
Regular flea treatments will be needed to prevent fleas and other skin parasites – ask your vet or pet shop if you are unsure. Never use a dog flea product on a cat – some can be fatal.
Neutering
If you are not going to breed from your cat then you should have it neutered to prevent unwanted litters and certain health issues. Pet kittens can be neutered from four months old. For females, it needs to be done before the kitten comes into season, which can be between four and six months old. For males, it is recommended to wait until at least six months of age.
Insurance
Kittens should be registered with your vet and insured against unexpected veterinary costs.
Identification
You should consider having your kitten microchipped in case it gets lost or injured away from home. If you are putting on a collar then ensure it is a snap-open type and is fitted properly. Collars can be used from six months old and may need to be adjusted as the kitten grows.
Outside
Your kitten should not be allowed outside until it has had all of its vaccinations and has been neutered. Many people wait until kittens are around 6 months old before giving them free access outside. Kittens can get themselves into all sorts of trouble so supervise outdoor activity at first. Bring kittens inside in the evening and gradually let them have more free access as they get used to the garden and surrounding area.
Thanks for reading
We hope you have found the information on this guide to caring both useful and effective. If you would like to read more from this care sheet just click here.
Finally, if there are any questions you have that weren’t covered in this caring guide then please go over to our Facebook page and drop us an inbox or give us a call on 01902 494860.
