During the first few weeks of the newborn's life, mother provides the necessities of warmth, nutrition, and stimulation.  Kittens may leave the mother when naturally weaned, usually at 6 to 8 weeks, or weaned by force at 8 weeks of age.  The pet owner's responsibilities consist of careful observation in order to detect problems before they become serious.

The first visit witht he family veterinarian should be on the way home from the place of purchase.  The veterinarian will conduct a general health examination and pinpoint any defects or health concerns.  Most kittens are sold with the understanding that any serious health problems or physical weakness will be sufficient reason for the kitten to be returned to the sellar. 

General Information

1.    Warmth:  Room temperature should be at lesaat 70F. and the kitten kept off cold floors.  Chilling can be fatal to young kittens.

2.    Crying:  Extended crying is usually a sign of trouble and should be reported to the doctor immedately.  A well-fed healthy kitten has a round stomach after eating and seems content.  The belly should not stay full.  If it does, the kitten may have worms.

3.    Diet:  Kittens should be fed a high-quality, name-brand commercial kitten food until they are one year old.  These feeds provide the additional nutrients needed for development of the kitten.  Growth requires extra nutrients needed for development of the kitten.  Growth requires extra energy, extra high-quality protien, and optimal balance of vitamins and minerals.  Correct balance is essential.  with a good diet, supplements are rarely indicated, and then, only on the veterinarians's advice.  Table scraps can be fed, but only to enhance the palatability of regular food, not a substitute for it.

        a.    How Much to Feed:  Follow the feeding instructions on the can or                    bag of food.  Your kitten may eat more or less than this amount.

        b.    How often to feed:  Feed 2 to 3 times a day.  If the kitten refuses                the third meal, just feed twice a day.  Usually the kitten will eat                    three meals until 6 months of age and two meals daily until a year                old. 

4.   Health Care

8 - 9 Weeks of Age:            1st FERCPN 

11 - 12 Weeks of Age:        2nd FERCPN,Leuk test, 1st FeLeuk

14 - 15 Weeks of Age:         3rd FERCPN,2ndFeLeuk,Rabies

3 - 6 Months of Age:            Neuter 

5. Deworming:  Kittens should be dewormed starting at two weeks of age and repeating every two weeks until two weeks after weaning.

6.  If your kitten stops using the litterpan:  PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE.  This is caused by a medical condition 95% of the time (i.e..parasities, bladder infection).  If left untreated, not only will the  house-soiling continue, but additional health problems, will develop.