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New Kitten Guide

Female vet smiling at a puppy

Tips for New kitten Owners

Bringing a new kitten into your home is a heartwarming adventure filled with joy and companionship. However, it comes with its own set of responsibilities and challenges. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for your new furry friend, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your kitten.

Preparing Your Home

Kitten-Proofing your Space

Before your kitten arrives, it’s essential to create a safe environment. Consider the following steps to kitten-proof your home:

Toxic plants

Identify and remove any plants that are harmful to cats.

Electrical cords

Use cord covers or hide them to prevent chewing.

Small items

Pick up small items that can be swallowed or choked on.

Breakable items

Move any breakable or fragile items out of reach to prevent them from being knocked over or damaged.

Kitten Essentials

Stock up on the following items before your kitten comes home:

Food & water bowls

Choose shallow, non-slip bowls that are easy for your kitten to access. Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh water.

Quality Kitten Food

Choose high-quality, age-appropriate food to meet their nutritional needs and maintain a regular feeding schedule.

Wet vs Dry Food

Both have benefits; wet food can help with hydration, while dry food can support dental health.

Frequent Small Meals:

Kittens often do better with several small meals throughout the day.

Feeding Schedule Recommendation

  • Up to 4 months – 3-4 times per day
  • 6 months- 1-2 times per day
  • We do not recommend free feeding kittens as it can lead to obesity and other health concerns

Consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

Litter Box and Litter

Select a litter box with low sides for easy access and choose a litter that is safe and comfortable for your kitten.

  • Clean the litter box daily. This will encourage your kitten to continue using your litter box and not other areas of your house!
  • If there are multiple cats in the household, we recommend each cat has access to their own litter box.

Bedding

Provide a cozy bed or blanket for your kitten to sleep on.

Scratching Post

Invest in a scratching post to encourage appropriate scratching behavior and protect your furniture.

Toys

Offer a variety of toys, including interactive toys, wand toys, and soft plush toys, to keep your kitten entertained and mentally stimulated.

Be sure to play with your kittens! Many behavioral problems (biting, destructive behavior etc.) arise when your housecat is under stimulated, play is a great way to prevent this!

A puppy and an older dog both tug on opposite ends of a dog toy

The First Days at Home

Introducing Your Kitten

When your kitten first arrives, allow them to explore their new home at their own pace. Start by limiting their access to one room for the first week to avoid overwhelming them. Gradually introduce them to other areas of the house.

Establishing a Routine

Kittens thrive on routine. Establish a daily schedule that includes:

Feeding Times

Feed your kitten at the same times each day to create consistency.

Litter Box Breaks

Show your kitten where the litter box is and encourage them to use it regularly, especially after meals and playtime.

Playtime & Training

Incorporate regular play and training sessions to help them adapt and learn.

Get the Family Involved

When you bring a kitten home, it’s really important to set some “House Rules” to help everyone adjust. Start by deciding together what the kitten can and can’t do—like whether he’s allowed on the furniture or to sleep in your bed. It’s also helpful to split up responsibilities so that everyone knows what they’re in charge of, like feeding, walking, and training. This way, you’ll create a happy and organized environment for your new furry friend!

Basic Training and Socialization

Litter Training

Litter training is one of the first challenges you’ll face. Here are some tips:

Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your kitten when they use the litter box.

Cleanliness is Key: Keep the litter box clean to encourage regular use; cats are naturally inclined to avoid dirty areas.

Location Matters: Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location away from food and water bowls.

Socialization

Socializing your kitten is vital for their development. Consider the following strategies:

Gentle Introductions: Gradually introduce your kitten to new people, pets, and environments to build their confidence.

Play Dates: Arrange playdates with other friendly, vaccinated cats or kittens to enhance their social skills.

Woman veterinarian examining a grey kitten

Health and Wellness

Veterinary Care

Schedule a veterinary appointment soon after bringing your kitten home. Your vet will:

Conduct a health check: Ensure your kitten is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.

Discuss preventive care: Talk about vaccinations, spaying/neutering options, and parasite prevention.

AVMA does not recommend declawing your cat unless there is a diagnosed health concern.

VIP Petcare Kitten Visits

at 8 Weeks Old
Vitals Check
3-in-1 Vaccine
Feline Retroviral Test (FeLV/FIV)
Intestinal Parasite Screening
Deworming

at 12 Weeks Old
Vitals Check
3-in-1 Vaccine
Feline Leukemia Vaccine
Deworming

at 16 Weeks Old
Vitals Check
3-in-1 Vaccine
Feline Leukemia Vaccine
Feline Rabies Vaccine
Deworming
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Why is it important to vaccinate?

Vaccination is a critical aspect of your kitten’s health care and overall well-being. It helps protect them from a variety of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Here’s why complete vaccination is essential:

Protection Against Common Diseases

Kittens are susceptible to several infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal. Core vaccines typically include:

Feline Panleukopenia: A highly contagious virus that affects the immune system.

Feline Rhinotracheitis: A virus causing severe respiratory issues.

Calicivirus: Another respiratory virus that can lead to oral disease.

Rabies: A deadly virus that affects the brain and is transmissible to humans. Vaccination is often required by law.

Building Immunity

Vaccines stimulate the kitten’s immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens, ensuring sufficient immunity to fight off these diseases effectively.

Community Health

Vaccination contributes to the health of the broader feline community by creating herd immunity, reducing the overall incidence of diseases.

Veterinary Guidance

Your veterinarian will provide a vaccination schedule tailored to your kitten’s needs. This schedule typically includes:

Initial Vaccines: Administered as early as six weeks of age, with follow-up doses every few weeks until the kitten is about 16 weeks old.

Booster Shots: Necessary to maintain immunity as your kitten matures.

Female vet smiling at a puppy

Grooming & Care

Establish a grooming routine early on to help your kitten become accustomed to it. Regular grooming helps minimize shedding and keeps your kitten’s coat healthy. Consider:

Brushing

Brush your kitten regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding, especially for long-haired breeds.

Bathing:

Only bathe your kitten as needed, using gentle cat-specific shampoos.

Nail Trimming:

Trim your kitten’s nails regularly to prevent injury and discomfort.

A puppy and an older dog both tug on opposite ends of a dog toy

Building a Bond with Your Kitten

Spend Quality Time Together

Bonding with your kitten is essential. Spend time playing, training, and simply being together. This will help build trust and strengthen your relationship.

Understanding Behavior

Learn about common kitten behaviors and how to manage them. Patience and consistency are key when addressing issues like scratching, biting, or play aggression. Use toys to redirect play aggression and keep their claws off you and your furniture. Offer a stimulating environment with climbing structures, scratching posts, and interactive toys.

New Kitten Checklist

Our comprehensive kitten checklist ensures you’re fully prepared with everything you need to welcome your new furry friend into your home!

Essential Supplies

  • Food and water bowls
  • Collar, leash, and ID tag/microchip
  • Comfortable bed
  • Safe and engaging toys

Nutrition

  • Choose a high-quality kitten food
  • Establish a feeding schedule

Training

  • Begin basic obedience training
  • Use positive reinforcement techniques

Veterinary Care

  • Schedule a first vet visit
  • Discuss vaccinations, deworming, and spaying or neutering options

Grooming

  • Brush, nail clippers, and grooming tools
  • Shampoo and conditioner suitable for their coat type

Safe Environment

  • Kitten-proof your home
  • Provide a designated space for rest and relaxation.

You’re ready for your new kitten!

Bringing a kitten into your life is a rewarding experience that requires time, patience, and dedication. By preparing your home, establishing routines, and providing proper training and care, you’ll create a loving environment for your new companion. Enjoy this exciting journey and cherish the many moments you’ll share with your furry friend!