Kitten Care Guide

Prepare a safe settling area

A kitten should arrive to a calm, kitten-proofed environment with food, water, a litter tray, a comfortable bed, hiding places, safe high areas, scratching equipment and suitable toys. Cats^★ Protection recommends keeping food and litter routines familiar initially and making changes gradually. Secure cables, medicines, chemicals and small objects that could be swallowed.

Feeding, sleep and socialisation

Kittens grow quickly and need complete kitten food suited to their life stage. Cats Protection advises feeding young kittens smaller amounts more often and notes that kittens may need food checked and replaced four times a day. Kittens also need plenty of sleep. Gentle, positive exposure to people, handling, household sounds and safe experiences helps them develop confidence.

Veterinary care^★ and development

Register with a vet promptly and discuss vaccinations, parasite treatment, neutering and microchipping. Vaccinations commonly start at around eight to nine weeks, but the vet should set the schedule for the individual kitten. Do not separate kittens from their mother too early; Cats Protection advises that kittens should not be fully separated before at least eight weeks. Seek advice quickly if a kitten is not eating, seems weak or develops persistent illness.