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 for a new kitten 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—help your kitten become familiar with it early on to make future vet visits less stressful.
How do I kitten-proof my home?
The best way to kitten-proof your home is to get down on all fours and view your space from a kitten’s perspective. Because kittens are small and curious, they can find their way into tight spaces and treat just about anything as a toy—including power cords, electrical outlets, dust bunnies, and even unnoticed dropped food. Take a close look behind and under furniture to identify and remove potential hazards before your kitten does.
What is the best diet for a growing kitten?
The best diet for a growing kitten is a high-quality kitten-specific food, which is formulated to support their rapid development. Sometimes they will come to you having already started on a particular food, and I suggest continuing with that if they like it and are doing well on it. If not, we can make suggestions based on the kitten and their lifestyle for either dry or canned food—sometimes a balance of the two is a good idea.
How often should I feed my kitten?
Kittens will act like little bottomless pits and forget that you fed them after you just did. I suggest feeding very young kittens (about 8 to 12 weeks) three to four times a day. When they're about 12 to 16 weeks, decrease to three times a day, and as they get older, try feeding them just twice a day.
When should I take my kitten to the vet for the first time?
We recommend taking your kitten to the vet within 24 to 48 hours of obtaining them, especially if something doesn't seem right or if you have a health guarantee. If they seem healthy or there's no health guarantee, you might be able to wait about a week or so.
What shots does a kitten need and when?
Kittens usually need vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks until they're 14 to 16 weeks old. Core kitten vaccines include Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) and Rabies. Non-core vaccines recommended based on lifestyle include Feline Leukemia (FeLV).
How do I litter train my kitten?
That's easy. Most kittens come litter-trained already, as it's innate for them to scratch and find a place to bury their waste. However, if a litter box isn't easily accessible, kittens may seek out alternative spots—such as rugs or potted plants. I suggest initially keeping a kitten confined to a smaller room with their food, water, and litter box all in one spot to help them get used to it. Keep in mind that young kittens, especially around eight weeks old, may not be able to make it to a litter box that’s far away—so having it close by is key during the early weeks.
What are common health issues in kittens?
Common health issues in kittens include:
- Internal parasites, such as roundworms or hookworms, which can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, or an upset stomach
- Upper respiratory infections, often caused by viruses, which may result in sneezing, nasal discharge, or congestion
- Eye infections, which can cause redness, discharge, or swelling
- Ear infections, sometimes due to mites or bacteria, leading to scratching, head shaking, or odor
- Fleas, which can cause itching, skin irritation, or anemia in severe cases
Early veterinary care and regular wellness checks can help identify and treat these conditions before they become more serious.
How do I socialize my kitten properly?
Kittens are typically social and curious. If they seem shy, help them become more outgoing by playing with them using toys like fishing pole toys, offering treats, and holding and petting them to get them used to affection.
What is the best way to introduce my kitten to other pets?
Introducing a new kitten to existing pets should be done slowly and thoughtfully to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. Start by confining your kitten to a small room—such as a bathroom or laundry room—that serves as their safe space. This allows them to adjust gradually to their new environment. During initial introductions, use a secure carrier so the kitten can be seen and smelled by other pets. This helps reduce stress and prevents any sudden reactions. Always wait until your kitten has been examined by a veterinarian and cleared of any contagious conditions, such as parasites or respiratory infections, before allowing face-to-face interactions.
How often should I groom my kitten?
Most kittens are self-grooming, but getting them used to brushing, combing, and nail trims is a definitely a good idea.
What type of toys are best for kittens?
The sky's the limit for kitten toys—from rolled-up pieces of paper to fancy electronic toys, laser pointers, and treat-dispensers that encourage them to hunt and play.
How do I handle kitten teething and biting behaviors?
Provide soft toys for them to redirect their teething and biting behaviors away from fingers and toes.
When should I start flea and tick prevention for my kitten?
Flea and tick prevention is age and size-dependent, so consult your veterinarian for a case-by-case recommendation.
How do I ensure my kitten gets enough exercise?
Kittens are typically self-exercising, running around the house and climbing. Encourage more play with wands and toys to ensure they get extra exercise.
What are signs of a healthy kitten?
A healthy kitten is playful, curious, interactive, and mischievous. They eat regularly and are eager for more food.
When should I spay or neuter my kitten?
Spay or neuter kittens five to six months of age to prevent females from going into heat and males from spraying or inappropriate elimination.
How do I care for a kitten with special needs or health conditions?
Caring for a kitten with special needs or health conditions requires extra attention depending on their specific diagnosis. Common supportive care may include:
- Cleaning the eyes and nose regularly if your kitten has a respiratory infection, to help them breathe comfortably and prevent further irritation
- Administering prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, dewormers, or eye drops, exactly as directed by your veterinarian
- Gently cleaning the ears if an ear infection or mites are present, using your veterinarian's solutions and techniques
- Monitoring appetite, energy levels, and litter box habits to ensure they’re responding well to treatment and not developing additional concerns
What should I do if my kitten has diarrhea or vomiting?
Take them to a veterinarian for an exam and weight check. Be sure to bring a stool sample to check for parasites, a common cause of diarrhea or vomiting.
How can I create a safe and comfortable sleeping area for my kitten?
Provide a little bed or soft blanket in a quiet area of your home. Consider adding a pet-safe heating pad or place in a sunny spot to attract them.
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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