Bringing a kitten home is pure joy and a little overwhelming. One minute they’re asleep in your hands, the next they’re climbing the curtains. Every new cat parent wonders the same thing: Am I doing this right?
That’s exactly why we created this kitten care guide week by week. It’s written for you, the loving, slightly anxious owner who wants clear, safe steps from day one. We’ll walk you through everything from the first midnight meow to the 12-week vet visit: feeding schedules, litter-training tips, early socialization, and what signs mean you should call your vet.
Learning how to look after a kitten doesn’t have to feel complicated or scientific. Think of this guide as your friendly roadmap. It is practical, vet-referenced advice you can follow in minutes, not hours.
Each section breaks down what to expect at every age so you can care confidently and focus on what matters most: bonding with your new companion.
We’ll also share a printable checklist and feeding chart you can keep on your fridge or phone which is a simple, visual reminders that make daily care easy.
If you want a quick start, grab your free Kitten Care Guide Week by Week PDF now. It includes a day-one shopping list, feeding schedule, and a one-page emergency reference sheet.
Let’s start right, so you can love longer and raise a happy, healthy kitten from week 0 to 12.
Your Quick-Start Cheat Sheet is Ready
Feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to remember everything? We get it. Juggling feeding times, vet appointments, and what to even buy is a lot.
So we made it simple. Here’s a one-page checklist that does the hard work for you. It’s a visual, at-a-glance guide you can print for the fridge or save to your phone.
It covers the absolute essentials:
- A straightforward feeding schedule from newborn to 12 weeks.
- A vet visit checklist so you know what to ask.
- Quick-reference emergency signs.
- The “no-fuss” starter shopping list.
We’ll send the Kitten Care Guide Week by Week PDF straight to your inbox instantly. You’ll also get a short series of emails with our best “welcome home” tips to help you through the first few days.
No more guessing. Just follow the steps.
How to Use This Guide?
We designed this guide to be your straightforward, week-by-week roadmap, not a single-use manual. Think of it as a reference you can come back to whenever you have a “Is this normal?” moment.
You can read it straight through for the complete picture, or jump directly to the week you’re in right now.
Here is how to get the most from this resource:
- Follow the Timeline: The content is laid out chronologically. Scroll to the specific week your kitten is in (Week 0–2, Week 3–6, etc.) for the most relevant tasks and advice.
- Check the Tables: We include a clear Kitten Feeding Schedule and product tables (like the Starter Kit) for quick decisions.
- Watch the Videos: Look for the short video embeds in key sections, like litter training, so you can learn a new skill in under 60 seconds.
- Reference the FAQ: Scroll to the bottom of the page for authoritative answers to common issues like biting or crying at night.
Our advice? Bookmark this page right now and make sure you’ve downloaded your Kitten Care Guide Week by Week PDF Checklist. Trust us, you’ll be glad to have it handy when you need to check a feeding amount fast!
Essential Supplies — The Kitten Starter Kit
Before your kitten sets one paw inside, a few simple supplies can turn chaos into calm. Having a clear kitten starter kit ready eliminates last-minute stress.
What to Buy Before Your Kitten Arrives?
This list covers what every vet and experienced cat owner agrees are the true essentials, no gimmicks, just what keeps a young kitten safe, fed, and comfortable. We’ve also included some options for you to compare.
Quick Tip: You can find complete, pre-assembled kitten starter kits on Amazon if you prefer one quick purchase. Look for sets that include kitten-safe bowls, a small litter box, toys, and grooming tools.
| Category | Budget Pick | Recommended Pick | Why it Matters |
| Food | Vet-approved wet kitten food (Purina ONE Kitten or similar) | Royal Canin Mother & Babycat (or equivalent premium formula) | Essential high protein/fat for rapid growth in the first 12 weeks. |
| Bowls | Stainless-steel set with non-slip base | Shallow, whisker-friendly ceramic or stainless bowls | Prevents whisker fatigue, which can make eating uncomfortable. |
| Litter & Box | Open, low-sided plastic pan + unscented clumping litter | High-sided litter box with odor-control liner | Kittens need a shallow lip to get in easily; unscented is best for their sensitive noses. |
| Bedding | Folded fleece blanket or small box lined with soft material | Soft washable cat bed with raised sides for security | Provides warmth and security during transition. |
| Carrier | Simple top-entry plastic carrier | Airline-approved hard-shell carrier (durable and safest) | Non-negotiable for safe transport and vet visits. |
| Grooming | Basic soft-bristle brush + nail clippers | Slicker brush + interactive wand toy | Brushing is key for bonding and coat health; wand toys encourage safe play. |
Before checkout, always double-check labels for kitten-specific formulas and avoid heavily scented products; young kittens’ senses are very delicate.
Not sure which of these you actually need right away?
That’s completely normal. Most new owners don’t need everything on day one, just the true essentials that keep a kitten fed, warm, and secure during those first few nights.
To make this easier, we’ve put together a simple Day-One Kitten Essentials Starter Kit that focuses only on what matters most in the first 0–12 weeks. No clutter. No guesswork.
👉 See the complete Kitten Starter Kit (0–12 Weeks)
🐾 Week 0–2 — Newborn & Infant Kitten Care
The first two weeks of a kitten’s life are the most delicate. Your job right now is to provide warmth, food, and gentle monitoring.
According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, kittens in this stage can’t control their body temperature or eliminate waste on their own. Therefore, your small actions now will prevent big problems later.
Warmth & Environment — Making a Cozy Nest
A chilled kitten is a medical emergency.
- Keep the nest between 85 – 90 °F (29 – 32 °C) for the first week
- Then gradually lower toward 80 °F (27 °C) by the end of week two.
This is standard guidance from veterinary foster manuals.
Use a heating pad on low under half the box so the kitten can crawl away if it gets too warm. Line the box with fleece or soft towels – no loose threads.
Keep the area quiet, draft-free, and away from direct sunlight. If the mother is present, she’ll supply most of the heat; just ensure her space stays clean and dry.
Quick Tip: Slip a small thermometer into the bedding so you can check temperature at a glance.
Feeding — Mother vs Bottle (KMR)
If mom is nursing, she’ll feed every 2–3 hours.
If the kitten is orphaned or not latching, use a kitten milk replacer (KMR). Never use cow’s milk, which can cause severe dehydration and diarrhea. Warm the formula to about 100 °F (38 °C) and feed while the kitten lies on their stomach, never on the back, to avoid aspiration.
Newborn Kitten Feeding Schedule (Starter)
| Age | Feedings per Day | Typical Amount per Feeding | Notes |
| 0 – 1 week | 6–8 (every 2–3 hrs) | ≈ 2 – 6 mL | Feed day and night ; watch for steady weight gain |
| 1 – 2 weeks | 5–6 (every 3–4 hrs) | ≈ 6 – 10 mL | Suckling stronger ; continue night feeds |
For exact mL by weight, follow the chart on your KMR label or the ASPCA bottle-feeding guide.
Healthy kittens should gain roughly 10 – 20 g per day.
After each feeding, hold the kitten upright against your chest and gently pat the back to release air, same process as burping a baby.
Elimination Help & Early Litter Exploration
Until about three weeks old, kittens can’t urinate or defecate without stimulation. After each feeding, gently wipe the genital and anal area with a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball for 15 – 30 seconds.
If no urine or stool after several feeds, call your vet.
Around the end of week two, place a very shallow tray with unscented, non-clumping litter near the nest. Let the kitten sniff and walk in it, do not apply any training pressure yet.
Emergency Signs — When to Call Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these kitten emergency signs:
- Refusing to eat or too weak to suckle
- Cold to the touch or limp/unresponsive
- Continuous crying for over an hour
- Pale or blue gums / labored breathing
- Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- Bloated belly / no urine or stool for 24 hours
- Seizures or collapse
If chilled, warm slowly before feeding and never feed a cold kitten. Rapid re-warming or feeding while cold can cause aspiration pneumonia or shock.
❤️ What to Remember
These first fourteen days decide everything. Keep them warm, feed often, track weight daily, and call your vet at the first sign of trouble.
If you’re caring for an orphan, this section of our kitten care guide week by week is critical, but you should also check our detailed Orphaned Kitten Guide for 24-hour feeding steps.
Small acts of care now build the healthy, confident kitten you’ll see by week twelve.
🐾 Orphaned Kittens – What to Do Now
Losing the warmth and care of a mother cat puts a newborn at risk within hours.
If you’re caring for one of these tiny lives, don’t panic, you can do this. You are their lifeline right now.
Here’s exactly how to raise kittens without a mother, step by step.
1️. Warmth First — Before Feeding
Cold kittens can’t digest food and can slip into shock quickly. Never feed a cold kitten.
- Target Temperature: Keep the nest between 85–90°F (29–32°C) for the first week, then lower slightly to around 80°F (27°C) by week two. This is the temperature recommended by ASPCA.
- Safe Setup: Use a heating pad on low under half the box so the kitten can move away if too warm, or fill a hot-water bottle, wrap it in a towel, and place it beside (not under) the kitten.
- Check: Always use a thermometer and feel their ears and paws. They (ears and paws) should feel warm, not cool.
2️. Feeding — Every 2 to 3 Hours (Yes, Overnight Too)
Once warm, feeding becomes the top priority.
- Use Only KMR: Always use kitten milk replacer (KMR), never cow’s milk.
- Warming & Position: Warm formula to about 100°F (38°C) and feed with the kitten lying on their stomach to prevent aspiration.
- Schedule: Feed every 2–3 hours for 0–7 days, and 3–4 hours for 8–14 days. Healthy kittens gain 10–20 g/day – weigh daily before feeding and call your vet if weight drops.
3️. Stimulation — Help Them Go to the Bathroom
Until about three weeks old, kittens can’t urinate or defecate on their own.
- After Each Feed: Use a warm, damp cotton ball or soft cloth to gently rub the genital area for 15–30 seconds.
- What to Expect: You should see a few drops of urine or small stool within minutes.
- If Not: If no urination after two feeds or stool looks white or bloody, call your vet immediately.
4️. Vet Check — As Soon as Possible
Even if your kitten seems fine, schedule a vet visit within 24 hours.
- Why It Matters: Orphaned kittens miss their mother’s antibodies (colostrum) and are more prone to infection.
- Vet Can Help: Check hydration, confirm feeding amounts, and provide parasite prevention or fluids if needed.
- Emergency Signs: Cold body, limpness, refusal to eat, nonstop crying, bloated belly, or breathing trouble, treat as urgent and contact a 24-hour emergency vet.
❤️ You’re Not Alone
Caring for a newborn without a mom is intense but deeply rewarding. Follow these steps, keep the kitten warm and fed, and reach out to your vet whenever you’re unsure.
🐾 Week 3–6 — Transition & Socialization
At this stage, your kitten is transforming from a sleepy newborn into a curious little explorer. Between weeks 3 and 6, they’ll begin walking, playing, and discovering the litter box. And it’s also time to start gentle weaning and early health care.
These weeks are all about helping your kitten grow confident, a key milestone in any kitten care guide week by week, while keeping routines calm, clean, and consistent.
Weaning Schedule — From Bottle to Bowl
Around 3½ to 4 weeks, those tiny teeth start peeking through, and kittens show interest in licking soft food. That’s your cue to begin gradual weaning. Kittens can safely start the transition when they’re alert, can hold their head up, and weigh over 350 g.
Step-by-step Weaning Plan:
- Start with “Gruel.” Mix kitten milk replacer (KMR) with canned kitten food (about $1:1$ ratio). It should look like warm oatmeal.
- Offer on a Shallow Dish. Dip your fingertip in and let the kitten lick it off first. Then, gently guide them toward the dish.
- Gradually Thicken. Over 7–10 days, reduce the KMR amount until they’re eating mostly wet kitten food.
- Feed Often. Offer food 4–5 times per day and always provide clean water in a shallow bowl.
- Monitor: Continue to monitor weight daily. Avoid dry food until at least 6–7 weeks, when teeth are more developed and chewing is comfortable.
How to Litter Train a Kitten?
This is one of the easiest (and most satisfying) milestones! Most kittens naturally understand litter use once introduced, often catching on within a week.
How to Train Your Kitten:
- Choose a Shallow Box. Use an open, low-sided box with non-clumping, unscented litter that’s easy for small legs to climb into.
- Pick the Spot. Place the box in a quiet corner near their bed, but away from food or water.
- Perfect Timing. After meals or naps, gently set the kitten inside and let them sniff or scratch.
- Praise Softly. When they dig or use it, offer quiet praise. Positive reinforcement works best.
- Keep it Clean. Scoop daily to keep the box fresh and prevent accidents.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid covered boxes or perfumed litter, the strong smell can overwhelm kittens’ sensitive noses.
Planning Ahead: First Vaccines & Deworming
Around 6 weeks, your kitten is due for its first critical vet visit. If you haven’t already scheduled this appointment, call your veterinarian now to book it for the beginning of Week 6.
This visit is crucial for:
- Starting their FVRCP vaccine series (Feline Distemper and respiratory diseases).
- Establishing a proper deworming schedule.
Your vet will ensure the timing is perfect based on your kitten’s health and age. Making the appointment now means you’ll be ready for the big day!
Growing, Playing & Bonding
This is the best time to start light play sessions – dangling toys, gentle petting, or supervised socialization. Early positive handling helps kittens grow into confident, friendly adults.
Keep it safe: Keep each playtime short (2–3 minutes) and always use toys, not your hands, to avoid teaching them that fingers are for biting. Add variety like soft toys, wand chasers, or small balls to support coordination and confidence.
🩺Week 6–8: Vet Check, Vaccines & Microchip
By week 6 to 8, your kitten is finally ready for their first official vet visit which is an exciting (and sometimes nerve-racking) milestone for both of you. This checkup sets the foundation for lifelong health and is a major event in your kitten care guide week by week timeline. Think of it as your kitten’s first ‘report card’
First Vet Visit Checklist for Kittens ✅
Bring these essentials to make your appointment smooth and stress-free:
- A Secure Carrier: Line it with a soft towel (you can spray lightly with Feliway if available).
- Familiar Items: A small blanket or toy that smells like home helps calm nervous kittens.
- Your Notes: Write down the feeding schedule, litter habits, and any odd symptoms you’ve noticed (sneezing, soft stool, etc.).
- Paperwork: Adoption records, and any vaccination or deworming history (if available).
- Stool Sample: Bring a small, fresh sample in a sealed bag. Many vets test for intestinal parasites during the first visit.
💡 Pro Tip: Write down your questions before you go! Common ones include:
- “What’s the right kitten vaccine schedule for my kitten’s age?”
- “When should I book the spay or neuter?”
- “What flea or worm prevention is safe at this stage?”
- “How much should my kitten weigh right now?”
Vaccines, Deworming & Microchip
At this age, kittens typically receive their first core vaccine: FVRCP. This vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (as recommended by the AAHA Feline Vaccination Guidelines).
Your vet will also:
- Perform a full physical exam.
- Discuss deworming (usually every 2 weeks until 8 weeks old) and safe flea prevention products.
- Discuss microchipping. While many vets prefer to do it during the spay/neuter surgery to minimize discomfort, now is the time to register them for permanent identification.
Spay/Neuter Timing
Most veterinarians suggest spaying or neutering around 5–6 months to prevent unwanted litters and reduce certain health risks later in life. However, some shelters safely perform pediatric procedures earlier (at 8–12 weeks).
Your vet will decide the ideal time based on your kitten’s health and weight (Cornell Feline Health Center).
❤️ After the Appointment
When you get home, let your kitten rest somewhere warm and quiet. A light meal, gentle petting, and a few hours of calm go a long way.
You’ve just completed a huge milestone, your kitten’s very first step toward a long, healthy life.
🐾 Week 8–12 – Routine, Feeding & Training
Welcome to the “teenage” phase! If you thought kittens grew fast before, just wait. These next few weeks transform your little furball into a confident, curious mini-cat.
It’s honestly amazing to watch their personality fully blossom. This is when consistency pays off big time.
The kitten routine you establish now? They’ll shape your kitten’s habits for life. And the good news is, it’s easier than you might think.
Feeding 3 Meals a Day – Finding Their Rhythm
Around 8-10 weeks, your kitten is ready to transition from frequent small meals to a more structured schedule.
- The Schedule: Offer three evenly spaced meals daily. Many owners find morning, after work, and before bed work perfectly.
- The Food: Continue to feed high-quality wet and/or dry kitten food until at least 12 months. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends kitten-formula food during this rapid growth phase.
- The Rhythm: Offer measured portions, then remove the bowl after 20-30 minutes so they learn mealtime structure. This approach helps prevent obesity later in life.
Enrichment & Scratching Solutions – Channeling the Energy
Kittens have energy to burn, especially around bedtime! The secret is to provide appropriate outlets during the day. This ‘teenage’ phase is often the most fun part of your kitten care guide week by week journey.
- Play Sessions: Focus on multiple short play sessions (2-5 minutes each) throughout the day, rather than one long one. This mimics their natural hunt, catch, kill, and rest cycle.
- Scratching: Scratching is natural, not destruction. Provide at least one vertical (sisal) and one horizontal (cardboard) surface. Place them near sleeping areas and reward use with treats or praise. The ASPCA suggests this is the best way to prevent damage to your furniture.
- Safe Toys: Use wand toys, soft balls, and puzzle feeders to redirect biting and scratching away from your hands.
Introductions to Other Pets – Slow and Steady Wins
If you have other pets, proper introductions are essential for harmony.
- The Golden Rule: Go slower than you think you need to. Proper introductions can take weeks, but they prevent years of stress.
- Phase 1 (Scent): Start with scent swapping (exchange bedding and towels) so they get used to each other’s smell.
- Phase 2 (Visual): Progress to short, supervised visual introductions through a cracked door or baby gate.
- Safety: Always provide escape routes and never force an interaction. Watch body language closely: flattened ears, intense staring, or hissing means you should step back. These methods are supported by veterinary behaviorists.
Your Quick Progress Check (Week 12)
By the end of week 12, your kitten should be showing these important signs of progress:
- Eating confidently on a 3-meal schedule
- Using the litter box and scratching posts regularly
- Sleeping through most of the night
- Responding well to handling and showing curiosity about the world
If your kitten is taking a bit longer with any of these milestones, that’s completely normal. The goal for any kitten owner is progress, not perfection!
Kitten Feeding Schedule: 0–12 Weeks 🐾
Feeding your kitten correctly in these first 12 weeks is one of the most important things you’ll do. Their tiny bodies are growing fast, and a good kitten feeding routine now helps prevent stomach upsets and supports steady development.
Veterinary experts (including the ASPCA, PetMD, and VCA Hospitals) recommend feeding small, frequent meals early on, then spacing feedings as kittens grow stronger. Here is the feeding chapter of our kitten care guide week by week that you can follow with confidence.
Kitten Feeding Time Table – Week by Week
| Age | Meals per Day | Food Type | Notes |
| 0–1 week | Every 2–3 hours (8–12 feeds) | Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) | Feed using a bottle or 1 mL syringe while kitten lies on stomach. Keep nest warm (85–90 °F / 29–32 °C). Never use cow’s milk. |
| 1–2 weeks | Every 3–4 hours (6–8 feeds) | KMR | Slightly larger portions; continue bottle-feeding. Stimulate to pee/poop after each meal. |
| 2–3 weeks | Every 4 hours (6 feeds) | KMR | Eyes open, still bottle-fed. Start gentle handling and weigh daily. |
| 3–4 weeks | 5–6 small meals | KMR + wet kitten food “gruel” (1 : 1 mix) | Begin weaning. Offer on shallow dish after finger-lick demo. |
| 4–5 weeks | 4–5 meals | Wet kitten food (moistened with KMR) | Reduce KMR gradually. Provide a shallow water dish. |
| 5–6 weeks | 4 meals | Wet kitten food | Fully on wet food; start litter-training routine. |
| 6–8 weeks | 3–4 meals | Wet kitten food + tiny amount of dry | Introduce dry only if teeth are through and chewing looks comfortable. |
| 8–12 weeks | 3 meals | High-quality wet kitten food | Stick to routine times. Keep fresh water available all day. |
Feeding Tips
- Consistency: Feed at consistent times daily because kittens thrive on routine.
- Warmth: Warm formula or wet food slightly to body temperature; it’s more inviting.
- Growth: Weigh kittens weekly: healthy growth is about 10-20 grams per day.
- Vet Check: Call your vet if your kitten refuses food, loses weight, or has persistent diarrhea.
This newborn kitten feeding chart is your reliable guide. But we know it helps to have everything in one place when you’re busy.
👉 Download the extended Feeding Chart (PDF) for printable versions with portion sizes by weight range, perfect for your fridge!
Common Kitten Problems & What to Do 🐾
Even the healthiest kittens can have small hiccups. A little tummy upset here, a restless night there can happen.
Most of these issues are minor, and following a structured kitten care guide week by week helps you spot what’s normal (and what’s not) instantly. Here are the common kitten problems and simple, vet-backed ways to handle them.
😿 1. Vomiting
Occasional vomiting can happen if your kitten eats too fast or tries new food too soon.
- What to do:
- Offer a teaspoon of water first, then small portions of food once settled.
- Avoid sudden diet changes. Mix new and old food over 5–7 days.
- Call your vet if vomiting is frequent, contains blood, or your kitten refuses food for 12+ hours.
💩 2. Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is common during weaning or food transitions.
- What to do:
- Keep your kitten hydrated, offer water or a kitten-safe electrolyte solution.
- Feed a bland diet for 12–24 hours (wet kitten food only, no milk).
- See your vet if kitten diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, or if you notice blood or lethargy.
🐜 3. Fleas
Kitten fleas are more than just itchy. They can cause anemia in small, young kittens.
- What to do:
- Use a kitten-safe flea comb daily and bathe with lukewarm water and mild kitten shampoo.
- Avoid strong flea treatments meant for adult cats and dogs.
- Ask your vet which flea preventives are safe for your kitten’s age and weight.
🌙 4. Night Crying
Kittens often cry at night because they’re lonely, hungry, or adjusting to a new home.
- What to do:
- Provide a warm blanket or heating pad under their bedding.
- Leave a ticking clock or soft toy nearby for comfort.
- Feed a small meal right before bedtime to keep them full.
🐾 5. Biting & Play Aggression
Teething kittens love to bite, it’s how they explore, but you need to set gentle boundaries.
- What to do:
- Immediately redirect their attention to a toy (never your fingers).
- Offer gentle chew toys or soft wands.
- End playtime briefly if kitten biting continues. This teaches them that biting ends the fun.
🚨 When to Call the Vet
If your kitten shows signs like persistent vomiting, constant diarrhea, refusal to eat, labored breathing, or extreme lethargy – stop reading and get help immediately.
Best Kitten Products (2026) — Day-One Essentials for New Owners
Not sure where to start?
If you’re bringing a kitten home for the first time, you don’t need to buy everything at once. We’ve organized the true day-one kitten essentials – feeding, litter, bedding, and safety items – into a simple Starter Kit so you can prepare your home without stress.
👉 See the Complete Kitten Starter Kit (0–12 Weeks)
Choosing the right kitten essentials can be overwhelming. Every product claims to be “the best.” We’ve sorted through the noise to bring you our top picks for a stress-free start, based on veterinary advice, user reviews, and real-life performance.
Those are our 2026 recommendations for the best litter box for kittens, the best kitten food, and the safest kitten carrier for first trip. Every pick balances safety, comfort, and ease of use – all reviewed with a kitten’s first months in mind.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Raising a kitten may feel overwhelming at first. However, every late-night feeding, tiny meow, and little milestone brings you closer to a confident, healthy cat who trusts you completely.
By following this kitten care guide week by week, you’re giving your kitten the best possible start in life. Warmth, nutrition, play, and love – everything that shapes a happy, well-adjusted adult cat.
If you haven’t already, Download your free Kitten Care Guide Week by Week PDF now. It includes a printable feeding chart, emergency checklist, and quick daily care tracker to keep you organized from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I tell how many weeks old my kitten is?
Look at the eyes, ears, teeth, and mobility. Newborns have eyes closed and ears folded. Eyes open around 8–12 days. Tiny teeth appear by 3 weeks, and steady walking starts near 4 weeks. By 8 weeks, kittens are fully mobile and playful.
2. How often should I feed a kitten?
Feed newborns every 2–3 hours with kitten milk replacer. From 3–6 weeks, feed 4–5 times daily with soft wet food. By 8–12 weeks, kittens thrive on 3 small meals a day of high-quality wet or mixed kitten food.
3. When should I take my kitten to the vet?
Your kitten’s first vet visit should be around 6 weeks for initial vaccines (FVRCP) and parasite control. Follow-up visits occur every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
4. How do I stop my kitten from biting?
Never use your hands for play. Redirect biting with soft chew toys or wand toys. If biting continues, stop play for a few seconds. This mimics how littermates learn boundaries.
5. How to wean a kitten week by week?
Start weaning at 3.5–4 weeks using a mix of kitten formula and wet food (“gruel”). Gradually thicken it over 7–10 days. By 6 weeks, most kittens eat wet food only. Always provide clean water.
6. What should I put in a kitten starter kit?
Include: food and water bowls, wet kitten food, an open litter box with unscented litter, a soft bed, a brush, a nail trimmer, and a secure carrier. Add toys for stimulation.
7. What are emergency signs in kittens?
Call your vet immediately if your kitten is cold, limp, refuses food, cries constantly, has bloody diarrhea or vomiting, or struggles to breathe. Quick action saves lives.
8. Where should my kitten sleep the first night?
Keep them in a warm, quiet, and confined space. A small box or carrier with soft bedding works best. Avoid letting them roam freely until they’re fully litter-trained and used to your home.
9. Should I cuddle my kitten?
Yes, gentle cuddling builds trust and confidence. Let the kitten approach you first and keep sessions short. Overhandling can stress very young kittens.
10. What’s the best way to play with a kitten?
Use interactive toys like feather wands, soft balls, or crinkle tunnels. Play for 5–10 minutes, several times a day. Avoid hand play to prevent future aggression.
📚 Primary Sources & References
All medical and care recommendations in this guide were verified through reputable veterinary, shelter, and animal welfare organizations:
- ASPCA – Cat Care Basics & Kitten Bottle-Feeding Guide
🔗 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care
🔗 https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/aspca-kitten-bottlefeeding-guide.pdf - VCA Hospitals – Raising Orphaned Kittens & Cat Care Library
🔗 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/raising-orphaned-kittens
🔗 https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-care - PetMD – Bottle-Feeding and Weaning Kittens
🔗 https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/bottle-feeding-a-kitten - Chewy Pet Education – Kitten Feeding Frequency & Growth Chart
🔗 https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/new-cat/how-much-to-feed-your-kitten - Best Friends Animal Society – Neonatal Kitten Care Manual
🔗 https://bestfriends.org/network/resources-tools/neonatal-kitten-care - Cornell Feline Health Center – Feline Health Topics & Behavior Guides
🔗 https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics - AAHA – Feline Vaccination Guidelines (2024 Update)
🔗 https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/ - MSD Veterinary Manual – Management of the Neonate (Cats & Dogs)
🔗 https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/management-of-the-neonate/management-of-the-neonate-in-dogs-and-cats - PMC – Feline Neonatology: From Birth to Commencement of Weaning (2023 Review)
🔗 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10845399/ - Royal Canin – Kitten Nutrition & Feeding Transition Guide
🔗 https://www.royalcanin.com/us/cats/kitten