Kitten Information
Everything you need to give your new kitten the best start, from vaccinations and wellness care to nutrition, litter training, and socialization.
Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting time filled with lots of love, fun, and new experiences!
Here you’ll find helpful information to guide you through those important first days, weeks, and months with your new feline family member.
From vaccination schedules and wellness care to feeding recommendations, litter training, socialization, and more, we’re here to help you give your kitten the best start possible.
Selecting Pet Food
Pet food labels contain important information to help pet owners and veterinary teams make informed nutritional choices. However, some labels also include marketing images and terms, such as “holistic” or “premium,” that may not provide meaningful nutritional information. Our veterinary team is here to help you understand pet food labels and choose the most appropriate diet to support your cat’s health and well-being.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens need a series of core and lifestyle vaccinations to help protect them against common diseases. Below is our recommended vaccination schedule for your new kitten.
Feline Viruses and Your Cat
There are several common feline diseases that vaccines can help prevent. Your veterinarian will create the best vaccination plan for your kitten based on your geographic location, travel plans, lifestyle, and other important factors.
Training Tips for Your Kitten
Positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency can help your kitten learn good habits and adjust to their new home. Starting early with gentle, engaging training helps build confidence and encourages positive behaviours as your kitten grows.
To get a kitten/cat into a carrier using a Fear Free approach, make the carrier a normal part of the home and build positive association rather than forcing the kitten/cat inside.
Toxins and Poisons: Keeping Your Kitten Safe
Many everyday items in your home and outdoor environment can be toxic or harmful to your kitten. Knowing which substances to avoid can help keep your kitten safe and healthy. Below is a list of common hazards to be aware of.
Identification for Your Kitten
Proper identification is one of the most important ways to help ensure your kitten can be reunited with you if they ever become lost. Without identification, cats are much less likely to be claimed by their guardians at shelters. Visible identification, such as an ID tag on a properly fitted collar, can help improve the chances of a safe return.
Microchipping Your Kitten
A microchip is a tiny capsule, approximately the size of a grain of rice, that contains a computer chip with a unique identification number. Your veterinarian can implant it under your kitten’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades, using a quick injection.
The unique number is registered in a North American and, in some cases, international database with your contact information. If your kitten is found, a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or humane society can scan the microchip to access the number and help reunite you with your pet.
Microchips are designed to last your kitten’s lifetime and cannot fall off like a collar or ID tag. Keeping your contact information up to date in the database is essential to ensure you can be reached if your kitten goes missing. Additional information, such as relevant health concerns, may also be recorded in the database.
Tattoos can also be used for identification, but they may be difficult to see on pets with dark-coloured skin or fur.
Pet Insurance for Your Kitten
Pet insurance can help you prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses and make informed decisions about your kitten’s healthcare. With many insurance providers and plans available, it’s important to compare coverage options and consider which plan best suits your kitten’s needs and your budget.
We partner with Trupanion, which offers a complimentary four-week pet insurance trial following your kitten’s first visit. This gives you an opportunity to explore the benefits of pet insurance as you begin your kitten’s healthcare journey.