Having a new kitten is very exciting. They are cure, playful and very entertaining. However, they require a lot of care too and may be with you for the next twenty years! It is important to think carefully before taking on a kitten and to be fully prepared for all their needs before they arrive.
As well as ensuring your kitten is comfortable in your home, you will need to take them to the vets so they can get vaccinated, microchipped, and checked over for any health problems.
Follow Patrick’s advice below to make sure your kitten has a happy and healthy start in life.
Book a first kitten appointment
Where do I get a kitten from?
We recommend adopting your kitten from a local animal charity and helping to reduce the number of unwanted kittens that need a home. If you are buying from a breeder, before choosing your kitten you should gather some information such as:
- When was it born? (It is important that kittens are not separated from their mother too young)
- Will I be able to see the kitten with their mother?
- Is there any information about the father?
- What breed is the kitten?
- Is it friendly?
- Is the kitten on solid food?
All these questions will help you understand what your kitten will be socially and physically comfortable with, as well as any important details concerning breed. In addition, make sure the kitten’s environment looks clean and the litter seems healthy.
Should my kitten be vaccinated?
It is crucial to have your kitten vaccinated, microchipped, treated for worms and fleas, and a little later on, neutered.
Here at Clarendon Street Vets, we can take care of all these procedures. They are important to ensure disease protection, identification, parasite infestation, and the prevention of unwanted litters.
There is also new government legislation to be released in 2022, stating cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks old. If the owner fails to do so, they risk being fined up to £500.
Should my kitten be neutered?
If you don’t want your female kitten to be at risk of becoming pregnant or your male kitten wandering far afield and contributing to the ever-growing population of strays, then your kitten will need to be neutered. Our 28 Clarendon Street Veterinary Surgeons can neuter and microchipping at the same time. Kittens should be kept in until fully vaccinated and neutered as even very young cats can become pregnant.
Kitten nutrition
Kittens require a diet high in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They should have been weaned by the time you purchase them, now requiring soft, wet, digestible food. They will then need to switch to dry food or a mix of wet & dry as they grow. Ask our team about the best types of food for kittens and young cats – get in touch.
Water should be always available and cats often like running water to drink from if possible. Ideally, your kitten should have a litter tray on each floor of your home away from their food and water bowls. If you have more than one kitten or cat, each will need their own litter tray to avoid fighting. they also like lots of cozy dens and resting places, some hidden away, some high up, some with a good view and others near a nice warm radiator! beds don’t have to be expensive .. An old cardboard box with a doorway cut into it and a soft blanket is generally very well received.
Enrichment
For enrichment, cats and kittens often enjoy interactive puzzles, toys, food balls, scratching posts, places to climb and hide, and time to roam outside. It is important that your kitten doesn’t venture outside until they have been vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered.
Having a kitten is a very fun, rewarding experience, but also requires effort and responsibility. It is important that you follow the guidance above to ensure your kitten has everything they need for a healthy start, and they are comfortable within your home. If you have any concerns please do get in touch.
Book an appointment at our Cambridge vet practice so our team can advise you further and make sure your kitten gets the preventative treatments they need.