Kitten health
Welcome home kitty!
When you’re bringing a new kitten home, it’s important to have a calm environment for them to settle into.
Here are a few things you can do to make your kitten feel at home right away:
- Keep visitors to a minimum during the first few days
- Be conscious of noise levels and letting them hide away when they want will help them adjust.
- Make sure they have a warm, dry bed and take care to close off fireplaces or any spaces they could get stuck in until they are more comfortable with their surroundings.
- Start toilet training with the litter tray the moment you bring your kitten home – show them exactly there their litter tray is.
Kitten vaccinations, worming & flea treatment
One of the most important things you can do for your new kitten is to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. Make an appointment to see your vet and fill them in on your kitten’s vaccination history. By the time your kitten reaches you he/she may have already had the first series of vaccinations, so make sure you have a copy of your kitten’s vaccinations certificate to show your vet - they will be able to tell you what to do from there.
Your new kitten will typically require a course of three vaccinations at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks but check with your vet as to the recommended vaccinations for your new kitten.
Adult cats require an annual vaccination booster for life.
As a guide, kittens should be wormed every two weeks until they reach 3 months of age and then for life with an intestinal all-wormer. Kittens can be given a topical flea treatment as early as six to eight weeks of age and you kitten can commence heartworm prevention any time before 16 weeks of age. Heartworm protection is needed for the lifetime of your cat. It is important to speak with your vet about the most appropriate treatments for your kitten.
Kitten toilet training
For toilet training tips see our Training section.
Kitten diet
Your kitten can be introduced to solid foods at around five weeks of age. This usually comprises of a mixture of high quality commercial kitten food (wet and dry food) but best to always ask your vet or breeder on what diet they recommend for your kitten. The food needs to be a kitten specific commercial product that is designed for the high energy needs of a growing cat. Leave dry food out for a kitten to graze on and always have a bowl of fresh water next to the food. The diet of a kitten is very important – much like with a new baby you want to ensure you are feeding your kitten the right foods and nutrients to help ensure they grow up healthy and strong.
Generally your kitten should stay on this type of product until he/she reaches 12 months of age, but check with your vet about the best feeding routine and product for your particular puss.
How often to feed a kitten
Most people like to feed a small amount of wet food four times a day and leave dry food out for a kitten to graze on. Always have a bowl of fresh water next to the food.
Never feed a kitten:
- Cooked bones
- Dog food
- Chocolate
- Cow’s milk
The information provided is general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice. Medibank Private does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information, representations or advice contained. To the extent permitted by law, Medibank Private accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by readers of this website as a result of or in connection with the information contained on this website (whether by way of negligence or otherwise).
Limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Medibank Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (ACN 090 584 473; AFSL 241436) (Hollard), is promoted by Medibank Private Limited (ACN 080 890 259; AR 286089) (Medibank) and administered by Pet Sure (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACN 075 949 923; AR 268991). This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consequently, before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. The product disclosure statement (PDS) for Medibank Pet Insurance is available from www.medibank.com.au . You should obtain and consider the PDS in deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, Medibank Pet Insurance. Any general advice provided by Dr Chris Brown in relation to Medibank Pet Insurance is provided as an authorised representative of Hollard in connection with an arrangement with Medibank under which an entity associated with Dr Chris Brown will receive remuneration. Medibank is an authorised representative of Hollard and has appointed Dr Chris Brown as an authorised representative of Hollard. Hollard can be contacted by telephone: (02) 9253 6600 or by mail: Level 38, 2 Park Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000.