Once you have brought your little fur-ball home, and have set up his toys, bed, litter box, food and water bowls and placed an ID collar around his neck, it might seem like all your work is done.  Pet parenthood means getting to enjoy an animal’s company by playing with them, and providing the important things they need. But it also means setting good habits at the beginning to establish the quality of their lifestyle.  Before you mentally kick up your feet, here are a few things to check off your to-do list when you bring a new kitten home.

1. Find a good vet. Ideally, your kitten will have received all the shots necessary, and will likely be neutered/spayed as well. However, you should still check in and find a good vet for the future. Talk to your local pet groomers or ask friends and family in the area what vet they would recommend. When you have found a good fit, schedule your kitty for an examination. This will allow you to run tests to see if your pet has any birth defects, parasites, or diseases like feline leukemia. It is best to find out a full report of his physical health while the pet is young.

2. Maximize your time at the vet. Doing a little research before you go in and see the vet will help you get the most out of the visit. By asking good questions, you might avoid unnecessary trips to the animal hospital in the future.  Here are some things to discuss with the vet on your preliminary visits:

  • What kinds of illnesses/infections are kittens most susceptible to, and what should you keep your eyes out for?
  • What are safe ways to control parasites like worms and fleas when the kitten is small?
  • Do they recommend any specific kind of food or supplements for your kitten, based on his age and breed?
  • How often should you expect to bring the cat in for a checkup, and what vaccinations should you plan to get your kitten in the upcoming months?

3. Establish good routines.  Once you have chosen the right kind of kitten food for your feline, (if you are unsure what to look for in a pet food company, review this helpful tip list), then you will want to set up a consistent feeding schedule.  This will help you monitor how much you are feeding your kitten, so that you do not overfeed or underfeed him in these critical months. A good rule of thumb is to fill the food bowl for kittens aged 3-6 months about 3 times per day, then twice a day until he is 9-12 months, when once a day will become sufficient. If you are concerned that your kitty might not be getting enough food, consult your vet for advice.

4. Socialize the kitten. Time bonding with his owner is vital for a young cat. However, it is also important for kittens to meet other cats, dogs, and people so that they are more adaptable when they are around unfamiliar humans and animals later in life.  If your friends own docile pets, maybe try setting up a play date once in a while to ensure that your kitty is able to expand his horizons.

5. Handling and Playing. Start brushing your kitty’s teeth early on, and checking their mouth for objects stuck between their teeth. Clipping their nails, holding them and brushing them will decrease any fear or anxiety that they might experience later in life when they visit the groomer or veterinarian offices. The same goes for wearing collars, putting on cat leashes, going on walks outside, or spending time in a cat carrier. The more you normalize these kind of experiences, the more comfortable your cat will be anytime he has to travel or go outside in the years to come. The younger you start, the better!