You’ve decided to adopt a cat or kitten — what a wonderful choice. Cats are loving, entertaining companions, but like all animals, they have needs that rely on you. Good healthcare, a safe environment, and understanding their behaviour will help your new family member thrive.
🐾 Understanding Kittens vs. Adults
Kittens are adorable, playful, and full of curiosity — but they are also babies. They explore the world with their teeth and claws, not out of mischief, but because they’re still learning what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Toilet accidents, pouncing on moving hands and feet, and bursts of wild energy are all normal parts of kittenhood.
If you have very young children, consider adopting a slightly older kitten or a young adult. They are still playful but have already learned basic behaviour and their personalities are more predictable. Adult cats can form deep, loving bonds with children just as easily as kittens.
🍽️ What and When to Feed
A good‑quality diet is essential for your cat’s long‑term health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their food should contain a high percentage of meat. Many well‑known brands contain cereals or fillers, so it’s worth reading the ingredients list. Higher‑meat diets may cost a little more, but your cat will usually need less of it.
There are many opinions on the “best” diet — wet, dry, mixed, or raw. Ultimately, it’s your decision. The most important thing is to avoid sudden changes, as these can upset your cat’s stomach. Any dietary change should be made gradually.
Feeding frequency:
- Young kittens: small meals, several times a day
- Older kittens & adults: usually 2–3 meals per day
💧 Water
Fresh water should always be available. Tips:
- Change water daily
- Keep bowls clean
- Some cats prefer running water from a fountain
- If your cat doesn’t drink much, you can add a little water to wet food
Even though it’s a common myth, cats shouldn’t drink cow’s milk. Their stomachs can’t process lactose well, and it often leads to diarrhoea. Fresh water is all they need.
Milk — even special “cat milk” — should never replace water.
💉 Vaccinations
Kittens usually receive their first vaccination at 8–9 weeks, while still in rescue care. A second vaccination follows 3–4 weeks later, and then boosters are needed every year.
One vaccination does not last a lifetime. Without regular boosters, cats can pick up preventable diseases and pass them on to others.
🐛Parasite Treatment
Parasites can be dangerous, especially for young kittens.
Kittens:
- First worming at 3–4 weeks
- Then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks
- Regular checks for fleas and ticks
Important: Young kittens should never be treated with over‑the‑counter supermarket products. Always consult a vet for safe options.
From around 12 weeks, many kittens can safely receive combined treatments that cover internal and external parasites. Your vet can advise on the best plan.
If you ever face a flea infestation, remember:
- All animals in the home must be treated
- The home itself often needs cleaning with anti‑flea products
It’s much easier to stay on top of prevention than to treat an infestation later.
👀 Eyes and Ears
Healthy eyes should be clear and bright. Discharge or dullness can indicate that your cat isn’t feeling well.
Ears should be clean, without scratching or head‑shaking. Ear mites can cause irritation and need veterinary attention.
🐈 Coat and Skin
Your cat’s coat should look shiny and healthy. Scratching, bald patches, or irritated skin are signs that something may be wrong and should be checked by a vet.
✂️ Neutering
Neutering is a routine surgical procedure:
- Females: removal of ovaries and usually the uterus
- Males: removal of testicles
Cats can start breeding at 4–5 months, so neutering should be done around that age.
It is essential that your cat has no outdoor access before neutering. Hormones make cats desperate to roam, and especially males may wander far and fail to return.
Benefits of neutering include:
- Reduced or eliminated risk of mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancers in females
- Eliminated risk of testicular cancer and reduced prostate issues in males
- Reduced aggression and fighting
- Prevention of unwanted litters and overpopulation
If you need help with neutering costs, contact your local rescue.
📍 Microchipping
Microchipping is a quick, simple procedure where a tiny chip is placed under the skin at the scruff of the neck. Each chip has a unique number that can be read by a scanner.
It is the fastest and most reliable way to reunite lost cats with their families. Please ensure your cat’s microchip is registered and that your details stay up to date.
🩺 Regular Health Checks
Yearly booster appointments are a perfect opportunity for a full health check. Between visits, keep an eye on your cat’s behaviour — cats are experts at hiding illness. By the time they show obvious symptoms, the issue may already be advanced.
Any change in behaviour, appetite, energy, or litter habits can be a sign that something isn’t quite right.
