Feeding

The majority of Breeders will supply a Welcome Pack with a kitten detailing what food the kitten has been reared on. It is recommended to continue your kitten on this food. A kitten's diet should ideally include both wet and dry food, whilst always ensuring that a fresh water supply is freely available. It is not recommended to give kitten’s milk.

If you decide to you would like to look at changing a kittens diet, please do NOT do this straight away, leave this at least 2-4 weeks after the kitten has settled with you. If your kitten should become a bit loose, a diet of boiled rice, chicken or fish (NO skin) should be given, but always consult a veterinary surgeon if the problem persists for more than 2 days as cats can become dehydrated very quickly. If you do have an issue with a ‘soft’ poo look at a probiotic to help settle the gut flora.

Litter Training

It is wise to use the cat litter that the kitten has been used to whilst with the breeder. Once a kitten is familiar with it’s new surroundings, you can look at changing should you wish to do so. However if you do decide to change the litter, again have one litter tray with the old litter in and a tray with the new litter in to ensure they have an option and can gradually start to use the new one.

Some kittens can be fussy about using their tray if it is not scrupulously clean, therefore it is essential that you remove any soiling regularly, and it might be best to invest in a second tray. Ensure that the tray is throughly cleaned out once a month and dried before you refill with fresh litter.

Grooming

Ideally start to groom a kitten from an early age to allow them the opportunity to enjoy a groom rather than feeling it’s been pushed on to them once in a while. Practice grooming at least twice weekly and most owners will find their pets enjoy a groom, in return this will maintain their coat in top condition. During the moulting season it maybe necessary to groom more often to prevent him/her digesting loose hair and getting fur balls. Check the ears once a week and gently clean with cotton bud in the outer ear. Look at investing in a pair of claw trimmers, learn how to trim the claws to help return the amount that they can scratch things around the house like a carpet or sofa.