We suggest feeding your kitten the same (or very similar) food it was receiving before the adoption. Changing the diet quickly can result in an upset tummy. Once your kitten has settled for a few days you can slowly transition to the food of your choice. Kittens have very small stomachs. Offer a small amount of dry food at all times, and 3 – 4 small wet or cooked meat meals per day.
Kittens are tiny and their curious nature can get them into trouble very easily! We recommend confining your kitten to a small room for the first few days when unsupervised. They need lots of sleep so providing a warm and safe bed for plenty of undisturbed rest is important. Ensure any toys do not easily fall apart or have bits than can be accidentally eaten (especially strings or tails). Provide a small cat pole to give your kitten the chance to express their normal clawing behaviour – as your kitten grows into an adult you may need to invest in a taller pole.
Finally ensure that your kitten’s food and toileting needs are taken care of. Cats do not like eating close to where they use their litter so keeping food and litter tray well apart is recommended. Cats also do not like having their water close to their food – ensure food and water is well separated.
Using Feliway, a synthetic pheromone product, can reduce stress and anxiety when introducing your kitten into its new home, especially if there is already another cat living there.
Young animals are ‘temporarily’ protected against disease by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. However, these maternal antibodies decline in the first couple of months of their lives and until they drop sufficiently they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations is necessary for kittens at specific intervals. These visits are also the perfect time to discuss diet, grooming, parasite control, pet insurance and general wellness with your vet.
We recommend at minimum the F3 vaccination for all kittens – this protects against Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus. If you intend for your kitten to be outdoors and free-roaming we also recommend vaccination against FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. How many vaccination visits your kitten will require will depend on their age, projected lifestyle and any previous vaccinations they may have had.
Kittens should be treated for intestinal worms every 2 weeks, from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age. After 12 weeks of age we recommend monthly worming until 6 months of age, then every 3 months life long. Outdoor kittens should be treated for fleas monthly with a quality cat-safe product from 8 weeks of age. Our team can advise you of the best parasite control program for your cat.
We recommend a kitten health check prior to 6 months of age if your new kitten is fully vaccinated to discuss diet, parasite control and settling in. Book your kitten in and we can answer any further questions you may have on rearing your new little friend!