We’re here to help! If you have any questions about your kitten’s health, behavior, or care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Behavioral Training & Enrichment
- Socialization window: 6–16 weeks is critical for lifelong adaptability.
- Exposure to car rides, other pets, children & loud sounds during this time period is critical to “desensitizing” them to these potential stressors
- Use positive reinforcement like treats for training.
Dental Care
- Start brushing the outside surfaces of your kitten’s teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste.
- Avoid human toothpaste—it is toxic to cats.
- If daily brushing is not possible, try VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council)approved dental disease preventative treats, water additives, or prescription dental diets.
Flea Prevention
- Start a monthly flea preventative at 6 weeks of age.
- Some products also protect against ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworm.
Genetic Health Considerations
- Purebred kittens may have breed-specific health risks.
- Early screening for genetic conditions can improve long-term health.
Heartworm Prevention
- Cats can get heartworm disease if bitten by a mosquito. While less likely then a dog to obtain a heartworm infection; there is no cure for heartworm disease in cats
- Start monthly heartworm prevention at 8 weeks of age. Continue through the entirety of your kitten/cats life. Most heartworm preventatives also include intestinal parasite, flea, and tick prevention as well
Intestinal Parasite Prevention
- Kittens commonly get infected with roundworms from their mother. They can also be infected by tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia due to early life exposure.
- We recommend deworming at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age to proactively treat for roundworm infections
- Bring a fresh fecal sample (collected within 6 hours) for screening to ensure that your kitten is clear of intestinal parasites. A clean bill of health includes a clean “fecal bill of health” as well
Litter Box Setup & Maintenance
- Best Practices: 1 litter box per cat + 1 additional litter box. Scoop daily, wash weekly.
- Use fine-grain, unscented litter (avoid scented brands).
- Common Issues: Avoid placing near loud appliances, Do not move the box frequently.
Nutrition & Weight Management
- Feed AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approved kitten food (examples include Purina, Hills, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Iams products)
- Kitten food should be fed until 1 year of age.
- Feeding Schedule: First 3–6 months: three meals per day, After 6 months: two meals per day.
Pet Insurance
- Purchasing pet insurance early helps avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
- Most policies require paying bills upfront and submitting claims for reimbursement by insurance provider
Spay/Neuter & Microchipping
- Recommended by 5 months of age to prevent health and behavioral issues, as well as prevent unplanned litters of kittens.
- Microchipping is recommended during the procedure but must be registered to be effective.
Vaccinations
FVRCP Vaccination
- We recommend three separate FVRCP (Feline Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis Virus, and Panleukopenia Virus) vaccinations at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. After the 16 week vaccine booster, your kitten should be covered against these 3 viruses for 1 year. At 1 year from the 16 week vaccination, a “1 year of age booster” is recommended. This booster vaccination will cover your cat for 3 years. Subsequent FVRCP vaccinations are then recommended every 3 years.
- This vaccination helps prevent deadly gastrointestinal viruses and upper respiratory illnesses.
- Until 1–2 weeks after the final vaccination, keep your kitten indoors and away from unvaccinated cats.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccination
- Recommended if your kitten may ever go outside.
- Vaccine series: Two doses, given 3–4 weeks apart, starting at 12 weeks of age.
- Annual boosters are then needed every 1–2 years for outdoor cats.
Rabies Vaccination
- Required at 16 weeks of age, provides one year of protection.
- Next booster due at 1 year of age, then every 3 years thereafter.
