AGE: Kittens are usually homed around 8 weeks old

DIET: Try not to change the diet when the kitten is homed. If possible find out what the breeder weaned the kittens onto and continue to feed the same. A sudden change in diet can cause diarrhoea or stomach upsets, especially over the stressful time of moving homes.
A usual diet would be a proprietary tinned or dry kitten food and water to drink. The “big name” brands of food contain all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids in the correct balance for a kitten, so “extras” are unnecessary. Kitten foods are specifically formulated for growing cats so should be fed in preference to adult cat food. Many owners like to give cats and kittens cows milk to drink but be aware that this can cause diarrhoea.
As kittens have very small stomachs, offer meals little and often – 4 times a day is ideal. You can train the kitten into a good routine if you leave the food down for 20 minutes then take the bowl away if the kitten has not finished it, and offer no more until the next feed. Water should be freely available all the time.
NOTE – if the kitten does not eat or develops vomiting or diarrhoea, it should be taken to see the vet, as they can become weak very quickly.

BED: Acardboard box is fine, as it is easily and cheaply replaced if soiled. Cats need their own special place where they can feel safe and secure, and hide in when they are worried. Any bedding should be easily washed or disposable.

TOILET TRAINING: Kittens have a well developed idea of personal hygiene, but need to be directed to the proper place. Routine is also important, as with the young of any species. Also remember – if the ultimate aim is for the cat to go to the toilet outdoors, do not give it an indoor litter tray, as this will only cause confusion when it is older. A litter tray just outside the back door is fine, even for an 8 week old kitten. You can put the tray inside a wooden box on its side to provide safety and shelter, and to keep the litter dry.

GROOMING: Brush or comb your kitten lightly every day, and get him/her used to being handled all over. Look at the eyes and ears, and open the mouth, pick up the feet, and run your hand along the tummy. Doing this regularly will mean that you can detect any abnormalities quicker and have a cat that is happy to be handled.

DISCIPLINE: An effective and non-painful shock can be given via a water pistol. If the kitten gets a sudden wetting when it is clawing the sofa/wallpaper, it begins to associate the two actions and should stop with time.

VETERINARY CARE: Kittens should be wormed against roundworms at least twice before they are 12 weeks old. They should also be vaccinated against feline enteritis and the cat flu viruses, and feline leukaemia virus. This usually involves 2 injections 3 weeks apart, starting from 8 weeks old. Different vets use different vaccines, so always check the timing with the vets. The costs vary - around £40 for the course of 2 injections – but again check this with your vet.

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