Congratulations on the addition to your family – life will never be the same! This page covers some recommendations about keeping a new kitten.
Suggested Feeding Guidelines
6-12 weeks: 4 meals daily of a complete kitten food.
12-16 weeks: 3 complete kitten food meals.
From about 16 weeks: 2 complete kitten food meals.
Change to an adult complete diet at about 1 year.
Remember if you are feeding a complete kitten diet you do not need to add any form of supplementation or milk.
The best complete diet for your kitten is the one it finds palatable and likes and that agrees with your kitten. Remember even the most expensive complete diet will sometimes cause diarrhoea in the occasional kitten. I guess you can only try and see.
Cost – there is always going to be a premium on a top quality complete kitten food. The manufacturers have spent large sums researching the nutritional requirements of kittens and then formulating an optimal diet to deliver these requirements. I reckon the premium is fair considering what you get. If you are still confused then speak to your veterinary surgeon or your practice’s nutritional advisor if they have one.
Vaccinations
Once vaccinated your kitten should receive yearly booster vaccinations.
Your kitten should have a course of two vaccinations starting from the age of 8 weeks. With the second usually being given at 11 weeks. Kittens should be vaccinated against flu, enteritis and leukaemia (FeLV).
Remember older kittens still need vaccinating if the breeder has not already done it. If the kitten has only been vaccinated against flu and enteritis the leukaemia vaccine can still be given at a later date.
We recommend kittens should not go out unsupervised until 7 days after their second vaccination. Once vaccinated your kitten should receive yearly booster vaccinations at its annual health check.
Worming
Your kitten should have been wormed before coming into your care. Further worming will still be necessary. If the breeder has supplied you with a worming preparation then we suggest you follow the instructions issued with it. We recommend that you worm your kitten at 8, 12 & 16 weeks then monthly up to six months of age and then every 3 months.
Neutering
We recommend that both male and female kittens are neutered after the age of 6 months. Not only does this prevent unwanted pregnancy, it also has several health benefits to our pets. Neutering males can reduce the likelihood of testicular tumours and may prevent your cat from wandering as far and prevent him from fighting as much with other cats.
Neutering females at an early age can reduce mammary gland problems and prevent serious uterine infections in later life. Young male and female cats should be checked by a vet before the neutering operation to ensure that they are physically mature enough.
If you are considering breeding from you pet you should weigh up all the pros and cons carefully, if things do not go according to plan it can be time consuming and expensive. Further advice about breeding can be obtained from books or from your veterinary surgeon.
Insurance and Microchipping
Insurance for your pets is something we strongly recommend. Veterinary fees can be expensive. There is no NHS for animals but many people want the same quality of care and treatment for their pets. Many of the more complicated procedures can cost hundreds if not thousands of pounds! Your veterinary surgeon will have a range of insurance leaflets available in the clinic. Please ask for advice if you are unsure.
Microchipping is a unique way of identifying your pet. A small microchip is implanted, under the skin of your kitten’s neck. Should your pet go missing, many rescue centres are able to scan for these chips and identify you as the owner. Please ask for details.
Fleas
Flea infestations are best dealt with before they are a problem by the regular use of an appropriate flea control regime. There are various flea treatments on the market to suit both your pocket and practical skills in applying them to your pet.
We recommend the use of an “on pet” product or spot-on treatment. Plus an environmental control product such as a household spray. Flea collars are rarely effective enough to control a bad flea infestation and are therefore best avoided. Ask us in practice for more details.
Dental Care
Cats teeth like our own are susceptible to cavities and tartar. Regular oral hygiene is therefore an essential part of the care of your pet. Tooth brushing with a soft child’s tooth brush is suitable but may be very difficult to do in some cats. Flavoured toothpastes are available from the practice for your pet. Logic gel may be easier to administer, ask at the practice for advice.
Toys, playing and training
Your kitten will need lots of toys to keep it occupied. Try not to buy toys with bits that come loose and can be swallowed. Avoid playing with cotton thread and wool if the kitten is unsupervised as these can be easily swallowed and can cause serious problems.
Most kittens will automatically use a litter tray without needing to be trained. While the kitten is young a litter tray should always be readily available for use. If as the kitten gets older you would like him or her to use the garden instead then the litter tray can be gradually moved nearer to the door, then outside and then into the garden before removing it altogether.
And finally
We hope that you will have lots of fun and pleasure from your cat over the coming years. We trust it will enjoy good health and hope we can help you achieve this.
Should you need further advice about the health or welfare of your cat then contact us at the practice.