Kitten health and care

Basic immunization usually takes place at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. From then on, vaccinations are given annually with different vaccines. You can find out the exact details at your veterinary practice.

Avoid letting your kitten catch prey and ensure that it is kept clean and hygienic. Regular worming is also important. For outdoor cats, it is advisable to worm them every three months. For indoor cats, every four to six months is usually sufficient.

Diarrhea can have many causes in small kittens: Moving stress, a change of food, gastrointestinal parasites, infectious diseases or a swallowed toy are probably the most common reasons. To be on the safe side, contact your veterinary practice if your kitten has diarrhea.

It is not usually necessary to bathe a kitten as cats clean themselves thoroughly. However, if your kitten does need a bath, use a mild and cat-friendly shampoo, make sure it does not get into the eyes or ears and ensure it is rinsed thoroughly.

Although kittens have a lot of energy, they should not be overworked, especially in the first few weeks. You should only plan about two to three playtime sessions of 10-15 minutes each per day.

Veterinary examinations are always necessary if your kitten shows symptoms of illness. In the first few weeks, however, all recommended vaccinations should also be carried out at the vet’s practice.

During the change of teeth, you can support your little cat by offering it teething toys. Practise dental control and the associated dental care with your kitten right from the start. Regular tooth brushing is an effective prophylaxis against tartar.

Provide your kitten with suitable scratching opportunities such as scratching posts or scratching boards. Place these in strategic places in your home so that the kitten can access them easily.