Your New Kitten

Congratulations on your new arrival! Here is some basic information to get you started.

Even if your kitten has already had vaccinations with their previous owner we would advise making an appointment for a health check with one of our vets, as once we’ve officially met the new family member we can start to dispense medications and give the right advice.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations can be given from 9 weeks old, with the second one being given 3 weeks later. As your kitten loses protection from their mother at 12wks old, it’s very important to get this organised as soon as possible. Please see our Cat Vaccinations page for more information.

Parasite Control

All kittens will likely come with some roundworm that they have picked up from their mother, and sometimes they will also have fleas. We have a variety of different products to use depending on the age and weight of your kitten, which your vet will advise you about at your vaccine appointment.  We recommend treatment at least once a month, which can be done through our free Weigh&Worm checks with the nurses. Please see our Cat Parasites page for more details.

Neutering

Cats are very good at teenage pregnancy, and grow up faster than you would think! 

Neutering is called spaying in females and is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. In males it is called castration, and is the removal of the testicles.  

We would recommend neutering from 16wks old, and definitely before your cat goes outside. Even if they are not going to be an outdoor cat, hormones can make them less pleasant pets to live with (females are very noisy in call, and males like to spray urine around and get into fights!), so we would always recommend neutering. Please ask your vet or nurse if you have any questions.

Microchipping

Microchipping your cat will be required by law in the UK from 2023, to be done by the time the cat is 20wks old, with owners facing a £500 fine for non-compliance.  

Cats are very good at losing collars (especially the ‘safety’ collars which are the only recommended ones), and so if a ‘stray’ is brought into us, a microchip is the only way to identify who they are and to get them home. This includes indoor cats as it’s often them cats who manage to get lost 5ft from their own front door!

Microchipping can be done in a vet or nurse consultation, although we often will do it under anaesthestic at the same time as neutering.

Diet

Cats can eat both wet and dry food, and it’s very much a matter of personal preference as to what they decide they like. At your first appointment we can provide you with a sample of some dry kitten food and provide advice on how much to feed.

We do not recommend feeding raw meat, as this is not a balanced diet for a growing animal, and puts you, your family and your pet at risk of serious diseases from Salmonella, Campylobacter, E.coli, Listeria and types of worms.

Insurance

We would recommend you look into an insurance policy for your kitten, so that any treatment decisions can be made based on what is best for them rather than worrying about unexpected costs. We can offer an introduction to Petplan to give your kitten 4 weeks of free cover. Please see the Insurance page for more details, or ask any member of staff.