10 tips for kitten care
Bringing a new kitten(s) into your home is such a fun and exciting experience! Here are some tips to set them up for a healthy and enriching life!
1. Proper Nutrition is Key
Kittens need a high-quality, age-appropriate diet that supports the gastrointestinal microbiome and that is rich in protein and essential nutrients. Unlike adult cats, kittens have higher energy requirements and need food that supports their rapid growth. Look for formulas that are labelled for growth or all life stages and aim for at least 3 meals a day until the age of 6 months. We find that kittens do best with both dry and canned diet options.
2. Make Regular Vet Visits a Priority
The first thing you should do when bringing your kitten home is schedule a vet appointment. Kittens need a series of vaccinations starting at around 8 weeks of age to protect them from the following infectious diseases: Feline Herpes Virus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Rabies Virus. Your vet will also guide you on flea, tick, and worm prevention. Regular vet check-ups are crucial to catch any potential health issues early and to ensure your kitten is on track with their growth and development.
3. Spay or Neuter Early
One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your kitten is to spay or neuter them. This can usually be done at around 6 months of age. Spaying and neutering help prevent overpopulation, reduce the risk of certain health problems, and can improve behavior.
4. Provide a Safe and Stimulating Environment
Kittens are incredibly curious and active, so it’s important to provide a safe space where they can explore and learn. Set up a kitten-friendly area with scratching posts, a rotation of toys, and safe places to climb. Keep harmful objects, such as small items that could be ingested or toxic plants, out of reach. Creating a stimulating environment will help your kitten develop both physically and mentally. The Indoor Pet Initiative is a wonderful resource for understanding indoor feline needs. Creating opportunities for daily play is an important way to prevent feline obesity and stress-related health issues.
Some ideas to encourage play and enrichment include:
using towels to create tunnels and to hide toys
food puzzles and hiding food on cat perches
a variety of boxes with some toys and treats tossed in
provide scent enrichment: catnip, silvervine, valarian, and tatarian honeysuckle
placing a bird feeder outside a window
5. Litter Box Training Made Easy
Kittens are naturally clean animals, and most will use a litter box without much prompting. However, it’s important to place the box in a quiet, accessible location and keep it clean. Use a non-clumping litter for kittens, as they may accidentally ingest it, and make sure the box is easy for your kitten to enter and exit. If they have accidents outside the box, don’t scold them—just clean up promptly and gently guide them back to the box.
6. Teach Gentle Play
Kittens have sharp claws and teeth, and they can get a little too playful at times. It’s essential to teach them that rough play isn’t acceptable. Use toys like feather wands or laser pointers to engage their hunting instincts, but avoid using your hands or feet as toys. Consistent, gentle play will help establish good habits and prevent biting or scratching behaviors later on.
7. Socialization Is Crucial
The first few months of a kitten’s life are critical for socialization. Gently expose your kitten to various people, pets, and environments to help them grow into a well-rounded cat. If possible, let them meet other vaccinated cats or friendly dogs in a controlled environment. Early socialization reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems, such as fear aggression, in adulthood.
Place your cat’s crate with the door open in a common space in your home. Encourage your kitty to explore the carrier by tossing treats and toys inside. Soon they will choose to go in and out of their carrier on their own.
8. Provide Scratchers to Protect Your Furniture
Kittens have an instinctual need to scratch, which helps them keep their claws healthy and sharp. It’s important to provide them with plenty of scratching posts or pads. Be patient as your kitten learns where to scratch—redirect them to the scratching post if they begin to target your furniture. Over time, they’ll get the hang of it.
9. Keep Them Safe Indoors
While some cats enjoy outdoor adventures, it’s safer for most kittens to remain indoors, at least during their early years. Outdoor cats face greater risks, including traffic accidents, predators, and diseases. Keep your kitten indoors and consider providing window perches, cat trees, or even a leash walk (once they’re vaccinated) to give them some outdoor experience in a safe way. Catios can be customized to create an enriching and safe outdoor space for your cat!
10. Ensure Regular Grooming
Even though kittens are naturally clean and groom themselves, they still benefit from regular grooming. Start brushing your kitten’s coat early to get them accustomed to the process. Depending on their breed, some kittens may need more frequent brushing. It’s also a great time to check for signs of fleas, ticks, or other skin issues. Trim their claws regularly, and if your kitten isn’t used to nail trimming, introduce it slowly and make it a positive experience with treats or playtime.