HOW TO CARE FOR KITTENS AND 7 TIPS FOR RAISING CATS

Bringing a new kitten into your home is a special and joyful experience filled with happiness and laughter. The popularity of kitten pictures and videos on the internet is a testament to how fun, affectionate, and entertaining kittens can be. Taking care for kittens involves giving them love and attention from their human family members. The main focus of kitten care is helping the kitten adjust to their new family and ensuring their physical health for proper growth. Let’s find out with Petlandlove.

With a deep love for kittens and years of experience in veterinary care, our staff is eager to provide you with valuable information about caring for your kitten. It’s important to understand the different stages of a kitten’s life and how their needs will change as they mature. We have gathered essential tips for kitten care to help you along the way.

Remember that proper kitten care includes regular check-ups with a cat-friendly vet, vaccinations, deworming, and other necessary care to support your kitten’s development through each stage of their early life.

Table of Contents

Taking Care of Kittens – The First Six Months

Taking care for kittens is a common question, especially during the first six months of its life. Here are some basic tips for caring for a kitten at different stages:

Under 4 Weeks: Newborn kittens from 0-4 weeks rely on their mother for warmth and care. If the mother cat is present, minimal human intervention is needed. However, if the mother is absent, extra care is required such as bottle feeding every few hours, keeping them warm, and assisting with urination and defecation. It is important to seek veterinary advice in such cases.
5-11 Weeks: At this stage, kittens should be weaned off their mothers and onto a high-protein diet. They will also start exploring more, so supervision is crucial to prevent any accidents.
2-4 Months of Age: During this stage, kittens experience rapid growth and development. They will have more energy compared to adult cats, so be prepared for late-night play sessions. Taking care of a kitten at this age involves engaging in bonding playtime and feeding them 3 or 4 high-protein meals daily.
4-6 Months of Age: At this point, your kitten is entering adolescence and approaching sexual maturity. This may lead to increased energy levels and behavioral changes similar to those seen in human adolescents going through puberty. It’s advisable to consider spaying or neutering your kitten before they reach 6-8 months of age. It’s crucial to continue interactive playtime and introduce behavior training if needed. Providing a stimulating environment is essential, especially for indoor kittens. Let’s discuss strategies to create an enriched environment that meets your kitten’s natural instincts during your next visit.

Nutrition Tips for Kittens

As mentioned earlier, it is important to provide proper nutrition for kittens by adjusting their diet according to their growth stages.

During the first 4 weeks, kittens should be nursed by their mother or given a special milk replacement formula every 2-4 hours if they are not with their mother.
Between 3-5 weeks, kittens can start weaning by offering milk replacement formula in a shallow dish along with a mix of warm milk replacement formula and high-quality canned or dry kitten food 4-6 times a day.
From 5-8 weeks, kittens should be able to eat solid food and should be fed a protein-rich and energy-filled diet 3-4 times daily. Different types of kitten food are available, and we can discuss these options during your next vet visit.
After 6 months, kittens should be fed 2-3 times a day.

Proper feeding of kittens with the right food, in appropriate portions, and at scheduled times is crucial for their well-being and growth. Our veterinary team is ready to guide you on the correct feeding routine for your kitten during your next appointment.

Socializing Your Kittens

A significant aspect of raising a kitten involves socializing them with both human family members and any other pets in your home. While the belief that dogs and cats cannot get along is often false, some dogs may have a strong prey drive and struggle to differentiate between a cat and a rabbit. Therefore, it is essential to engage in hands-on, responsible, and consistent socialization practices including:

Teaching litter box habits
Providing regular affection and cuddling
Introducing toys
Allowing exploration with items like boxes and paper bags
Using treats to reinforce good behavior
Redirecting biting or scratching behaviors
Introducing new people and animals in a controlled manner
Regular grooming and handling sessions
Trimming nails

Kitten development can be enjoyable, but it requires active participation from you. It is crucial to understand the time and effort needed to ensure proper growth and development for your kitten.

What Can Go Wrong with Kittens

Taking care of newborn kittens (0-4 weeks old) can be quite demanding. It is crucial to be aware of potential issues that may arise with newborn kittens. Some signs to watch out for in newborn kittens include:

Refusal to eat, especially in cases where young kittens have been abandoned or separated from their mothers
Delays or difficulties in motor skills and coordination
Symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting

Kittens older than 4 weeks have passed the more fragile stages where feeding and body temperature regulation are critical. During this stage, it is important to still monitor for the above warning signs but also pay attention to behavioral issues such as:

Learning to use the litter box
Displaying signs of aggression or play-biting
Addressing fears and other behaviors while they are still impressionable

If you notice any unusual or concerning behaviors during kitten development, it is advisable to schedule a special visit in addition to regular veterinary appointments for preventive care and vaccinations.

Preventive Care for Kittens

It is crucial to provide preventive care for your kitten to help them live a healthy life. This includes choosing the right vet and following a schedule for checkups, vaccinations, and preventive care. At Cat Care Center, we are skilled at detecting early signs of any potential issues with your kitten through discussions with you and thorough physical exams conducted by our veterinarian.

When to Schedule Your Kitten’s First Veterinary Appointment

It is important to make a veterinary appointment for your kitten within the first week, regardless of when you bring them home. Regular visits early on will help your kitten become comfortable with the vet and provide a good starting point for monitoring their health and well-being.

Intestinal Parasites, Fleas, and Heartworm Disease in Kittens

All young cats should follow a regular deworming schedule that involves giving them medication to eliminate most types of intestinal parasites. It is also important to examine your cat’s feces for less common but potentially harmful parasites. Apart from intestinal worms, cats can also be at risk of heartworm infection. Unfortunately, there is no cure for heartworm disease in cats, so it is advisable to provide consistent prevention measures for all feline patients.

One of the most prevalent parasitic threats to kittens is fleas. It is crucial to have a conversation about your cat’s lifestyle and the appropriate methods for flea and tick control as part of their care. We do not recommend using over-the-counter sprays, powders, or collars, as they are less effective and can be more harmful to your kitten. Feel free to discuss an efficient parasite prevention plan, including flea and tick control, during your next visit.

Schedule for Kitten Vaccinations

Vaccinations are crucial for the health and well-being of your new kittens! At Cat Care Center, we adhere to the AAFP guidelines for vaccinations. Your kitten will receive a series of booster shots during 3 visits, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. The schedule may be adjusted by your vet based on the age and vaccination history of your kitten.

These vaccinations include:

3 to 4 FVRCP shots, guarding against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (feline Parvovirus), until at least 16-20 weeks old
2 FeLV shots, protecting against Feline Leukemia Virus
1 Rabies shot

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing in Kittens

When Should You Spay/Neuter Your Kitten?

Around 4-5 months old, kittens enter a stage of mature adolescence, also known as kitty puberty. It is important to have your kitten spayed or neutered at this time to prevent certain issues such as territorial spraying, heat behavior, and aggression. Spaying and neutering also helps avoid unplanned litters and reduces the risk of cancer in the future. If your kitten interacts with other cats of the opposite sex, it is crucial to have them spayed or neutered before or when they reach 4-5 months old.