How to Take Care of a Kitten

Taking care of a kitten requires a gentle and attentive approach to help them grow into a healthy, happy adult cat. From regular vet check-ups and essential kitten vaccinations to feeding a balanced diet and ensuring proper socialization, every step in kitten care is equally vital. Animal Oasis of the Rockies Veterinary Hospital specializes in comprehensive kitten care, offering kitten wellness exams and parasite prevention among a full range of other services, and expert advice to support your kitten's growth. Whether you're learning how to introduce your kitten to a new home or understanding their nutritional needs, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

What is the most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten?

The most important thing about raising a healthy kitten would probably be to establish care with a good veterinarian that you trust and that you can ask questions to and don't hesitate to reach out to if you have any concerns.

Dr. Julie Dobbs
Animal Oasis of the Rockies Veterinary Hospital

How can I tell if my kitten is happy and healthy?

A happy and healthy kitten should be running around playing a lot, so you can expect them to get what's called the zoomies. Every few hours a day, they should be sleeping but also playing around, running around intermittently, eating and drinking well, and using the litter box as well.

How should I feed my kitten?

I recommend meal-feeding your cat instead of just letting them free-choose out of a bowl. This can really help with maintaining weight in the future and it's easier for everybody's schedule.

What kind of products do you think I might need for my kitten?

A litter box is definitely important. Kittens and cats are naturally litter box trained, so they should be using the litter box right when you take them home. Also, make sure they have lots of scratching posts, especially where they like to rest. Food and water bowls and lots and lots of toys are also essential.

How soon should I bring my kitten in to see a veterinarian?

Generally, kittens are adopted out when they're about six to eight weeks old. If your kitten is six weeks or older, you should bring them in as soon as possible so they can get taken care of by your vet and make sure there are no underlying issues.

How do I get the most out of my first vet visit with my new kitten?

Follow your vet's advice and make sure you do all the appropriate testing that your veterinarian recommends. This includes testing for parasites and testing for two different viruses: feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Also, ask all your questions, especially about behavior, as most cats are relinquished to shelters for behavioral reasons.

What will you be looking for during that initial exam?

We'll be testing for parasites and those two viruses, but we'll also be doing a head-to-tail exam on your kitten. We will check for any signs of issues they were born with, like heart defects, heart murmurs, cleft palates, and appropriate development of sexual organs. Additionally, we will look for signs of contagious illnesses such as eye and nose discharge, coughing, and sneezing, and monitor their weight gain.

What do you need to know about kitten behavior?

Kittens sleep a lot, but they should also be running around the house, playing, and getting into things between their naps. It's important to keep them out of dangerous situations, such as chewing on plants or getting onto kitchen counters with hot stoves. Monitor their litter box habits as well. If they are going outside the box, address this with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.

If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (303) 900-7765. You can also email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram