A Brief Guide to Taking Care of Kittens

There are few things more exciting than getting a new kitten, but these fun, loving and playful pets require a lot of hands-on attention from their owners. From visits to your local cat clinic to socializing your pet, there are plenty of considerations to keep in mind during your cat’s first six months of life. As your kitten starts getting acclimated to her new family—not to mention her new surroundings—here are some helpful tips from the experts to ensure the adjustment period is a healthy one.

Kittens four weeks of age and under

There are many health considerations to keep in mind during your kitten’s first few weeks of life, and one of the first things you should do is find a reputable local cat veterinarian. Getting your kitten acclimated to visits to a cat clinic early on is ideal for initiating a bond between the kitten and her veterinarian, which is essential for reducing fear, anxiety and stress during future wellness visits. Your veterinarian will review your kitten’s unique needs, paying particular attention to feeding and monitoring progress in terms of motor skill development and coordination.

During a kitten’s first few weeks of life, their mother or human caretaker needs to provide plenty of care and snuggling to regulate body temperature. Keep your new furry friend warm with plenty of blankets, especially if she’s separated from her mother or siblings. Bottle feed kittens every two to four hours and make sure they feel that they’re in a warm, safe environment at all times.

Kittens between five and 11 weeks of age

Once kittens are between five and 11 weeks old, they should be weaned off their mothers or from bottle feeding. You’ll notice your kitten’s motor skills and coordination progressing rapidly during this period, and you should feed your kitten a high-protein diet to give her the nutrients she needs to have the strength to explore her surroundings.

Kittens between two and four months of age

Kittens at this age are full of energy and are ready to play at any time of the day or night. You should continue to feed your four-legged friend high-protein meals about three to four times each day. Give your kitten plenty of playtime and attention and take advantage of her willingness to explore new experiences and her desire to learn.

Kittens between four and six months of age

A kitten reaches adolescence and sexual maturity between 4 and 6 months of age. At this time, it’s wise to talk with your cat veterinarian to make plans for spaying or neutering. In general, it’s best to perform this surgical procedure when your kitten is between six and eight months old. In addition, at this point of your kitten’s life, make sure to continue to provide plenty of hands-on bonding time, with the addition of behavior modification whenever necessary.

By following the tips above, and making frequent visits to your trusted cat veterinarian, your kitten will grow into a well-adjusted, healthy cat. Contact Kingstowne Cat Clinic to learn more about the essential care tips for a kitten’s first months of life.

Categorised in: Kitten Care

This post was written by Writer