Kitten Care Guide

Litter box training

• Most kittens instinctively understand digging and covering behaviour, so litter training is often mostly about placement and access rather than teaching from scratch
• Provide at least one litter box per cat plus one extra, placed in quiet, easily accessible locations
• Use a lower-sided box for very young kittens who may struggle to climb into a standard adult box
• Scoop daily — kittens are more likely to avoid a dirty box than adult cats sometimes tolerate
• If accidents happen outside the box, avoid punishment; instead check for a location, cleanliness, or box-size issue and clean accident spots thoroughly to remove scent

Feeding schedule & food

• Feed a food specifically labelled for kittens (or 'all life stages') rather than adult cat food, since kittens need more calories and protein for growth
• Very young kittens typically need 3-4 small meals a day, tapering to 2-3 meals by around 6 months as they approach adult size
• Introduce any new food gradually over about a week to avoid digestive upset
• Keep fresh water available at all times, separate from the food bowl
• Follow feeding guidelines on the food packaging as a baseline, adjusting for the individual kitten's body condition and your vet's guidance

Vaccination schedule overview

• Kittens typically begin their core vaccine series around 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters roughly every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks old
• Core vaccines generally protect against diseases like feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus; rabies vaccination timing and requirements vary by province
• The exact schedule and additional vaccines recommended (such as for FeLV) depend on the kitten's lifestyle and regional risk factors — confirm the specific plan with your veterinarian rather than following a generic timeline
• Keep vaccination records, since boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities often require proof
• Schedule the first vet visit as soon as possible after bringing a kitten home, even before vaccines are due, for a general health check

Socialization & kitten-proofing

• The primary socialization window for kittens is roughly 2 to 7 weeks of age, though positive experiences continue to matter well beyond that
• Expose kittens gently to handling, different people, everyday household sounds, and (if applicable) other pets in a calm, positive way
• Kitten-proof the home before bringing one home: secure blind cords and dangling wires, remove access to small swallowable objects, and store houseplants that are toxic to cats out of reach
• Provide a scratching post early to establish good scratching habits before furniture becomes the default target
• Give kittens vertical space (cat trees, shelves) and interactive play (wand toys) to burn energy appropriately

Spay/neuter timing

• Spaying or neutering is commonly done around 4-6 months of age in Canada, though some vets and shelters perform it earlier — timing recommendations vary by clinic and the kitten's individual health
• Confirm the recommended timing with your vet, since factors like breed, size, and health history can shift the ideal age
• Spaying/neutering before the first heat cycle in females is often associated with additional health benefits, which is part of why many vets recommend earlier timing
• Recovery is typically quick, but follow your vet's specific aftercare instructions, including any activity restrictions and e-collar use
• Many municipalities and shelters offer lower-cost spay/neuter clinics, which can be worth looking into for cost planning

Frequently asked questions