Five Tips for New Kittens

It’s so exciting having a cute new pet around – but it’s a serious business, too. Giving your kitten a good start in life can help secure a healthy, happy future for your entire household.

If you want to make sure you’re doing things right, why not book an early check-up for advice from our experienced vet nurse team in The New Forest?

Plus, we’ve got some great tips below to help you begin on the right track.

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Five essential tips for new kittens

1. Prevent diseases
   Vaccinations are best done as early as possible, for maximum protection from nasty diseases such as feline leukemia, rabies and distemper (usually at 8 weeks). You’ll also need boosters until 16 weeks, when we can do a booster vaccination for adult cats and a schedule for future care.
2. Prevent unwanted kittens
   Don’t want a pregnant cat? In that case, get your kitten neutered between 4 and 6 months of age. It can also protect them from other health complications and improve their behaviour, especially around cats of the opposite sex.
3. Choose the right cat food
   Kittens have different nutritional requirements to adult cats, due to fast growth of muscles, tissues and other developments. This means they need fat to support fatty acids; and LOTS of calories.
4. Start early with litter box training
   Every morning, lift your kitten into their litter tray – then do the same after every meal and right before bedtime. This way, they’ll start to associate the litter tray with times that they need to do their business. And remember, patience will pay off!
5. Socialise your kitten 
   As a pet owner, socialisation is one of your most important responsibilities. If animals don’t get used to people and other animals at an early age, they may grow up feeling nervous and even aggressive about interacting with the wider world. Handle your kitten frequently, groom them and make gentle introductions to other beings.

And finally, with all the above, don’t punish bad behaviour. Instead, reward good behaviour and your kitten will quickly realise that it’s the best way forward.

Got a particular concern? We’re here to help – so get in touch to make an appointment with our expert team.