Kitten playing with small ball.

Optimal Kitten Care at The Animal Hospital of Roxbury

Bringing a new kitten into your home is a joyful and memorable experience. At The Animal Hospital of Roxbury, we are dedicated to helping you provide the best possible start for your kitten with personalized veterinary care and expert support.

The first year of your kitten’s life is essential to their long-term health and development. Our team works closely with pet owners to create a tailored wellness plan that addresses your kitten’s unique needs—ensuring they grow into a healthy, well-adjusted adult cat.

We believe that early veterinary care builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of wellness. During your kitten’s first visits, we’ll take the time to answer your questions, offer recommendations, and ensure you feel confident in every aspect of your kitten’s care.

At The Animal Hospital of Roxbury, we’re honored to be your trusted partner in your kitten’s health—today and throughout their life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies do I need for a new kitten?
Essential supplies include food and water bowls, engaging toys, treats, a comfortable bed, one or more litterboxes, and a sturdy scratching post. A secure cat carrier is also important—get your kitten familiar with it early to make future vet visits less stressful.

How do I kitten-proof my home?
View your home from a kitten’s perspective. Kittens are small and curious and can get into tight spaces or chew on dangerous items like power cords or small objects. Check behind and under furniture, secure cords, and remove hazards before bringing your kitten home.

What is the best diet for a growing kitten?
Feed a high-quality, kitten-specific food to support rapid growth. If your kitten is already eating a particular food and doing well on it, continue that diet. Otherwise, your veterinarian can recommend dry, canned, or a mix of both.

How often should I feed my kitten?

  • 8–12 weeks: 3–4 times per day

  • 12–16 weeks: 3 times per day

  • Older kittens: 2 times per day

When should I take my kitten to the vet for the first time?
Ideally within 24–48 hours of bringing them home, especially if something seems off or there’s a health guarantee. Otherwise, within about a week is reasonable.

What shots does a kitten need and when?
Kittens usually receive vaccines every 3–4 weeks until 14–16 weeks old. Core vaccines include Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) and Rabies. Non-core vaccines, like Feline Leukemia (FeLV), are recommended based on lifestyle and exposure risk.

How do I litter train my kitten?
Most kittens are naturally litter-trained. Keep a litter box accessible in a small, safe space with food and water nearby. Young kittens may not make it far, so having the box close is important.

What are common health issues in kittens?

  • Internal parasites: diarrhea, weight loss, upset stomach

  • Upper respiratory infections: sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion

  • Eye infections: redness, discharge, swelling

  • Ear infections: scratching, head shaking, odor

  • Fleas: itching, skin irritation, anemia in severe cases

Early veterinary care helps identify and treat these conditions.

How do I socialize my kitten properly?
Play with your kitten using toys, offer treats, and handle them gently to build comfort with affection.

What is the best way to introduce my kitten to other pets?
Start by confining your kitten to a safe room. Allow other pets to see and smell the kitten through a carrier before face-to-face introductions. Ensure your kitten is healthy and parasite-free before interactions.

How often should I groom my kitten?
Most kittens self-groom, but it’s good to get them used to brushing, combing, and nail trims early.

What type of toys are best for kittens?
Kittens enjoy a wide variety—from simple paper balls to interactive wand toys, lasers, and treat-dispensing toys that encourage hunting and play.

How do I handle teething and biting behaviors?
Provide soft toys for chewing and redirect their attention from fingers and toes.

When should I start flea and tick prevention?
This depends on age and weight—consult your veterinarian for a personalized plan.

How do I ensure my kitten gets enough exercise?
Kittens are naturally active, but encourage play with interactive toys and climbing opportunities to provide extra exercise.

What are signs of a healthy kitten?
A healthy kitten is playful, curious, interactive, mischievous, and eats regularly.

When should I spay or neuter my kitten?
Most kittens are spayed or neutered at 5–6 months of age to prevent early heat cycles and marking behaviors.

How do I care for a kitten with special needs or health conditions?

  • Clean eyes and nose if needed

  • Administer prescribed medications as directed

  • Clean ears if infections or mites are present

  • Monitor appetite, energy, and litter box habits closely

What should I do if my kitten has diarrhea or vomiting?
Bring your kitten to the veterinarian with a stool sample to check for parasites or other causes.

How can I create a safe and comfortable sleeping area?
Provide a small bed or soft blanket in a quiet area. Consider a pet-safe heating pad or a sunny spot to encourage rest.

If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (973) 691-1771, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!

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