Bringing a kitten into your life is an exciting experience. Ensuring the kitten you choose is healthy, confident, and well-cared for sets the foundation for a fulfilling companionship. We’ve partnered with FirstVet, the 24-hour digital veterinary service, to share six essential things to check before bringing your kitten home.
A kitten’s wellbeing is closely linked to its mother’s health and temperament. Observe if the mother cat appears healthy with a clean, shiny coat free of fleas or parasites. A friendly, approachable mother is often a good sign that her kittens will also develop social and confident behaviours.
Choose a kitten bred in a home environment similar to yours. This helps ensure the kitten is accustomed to household activity levels, especially if you have children or other pets. A clean, well-maintained area with ample space, food, water, and enrichment is ideal for raising happy kittens.
Healthy kittens show several clear signs:
A well-socialised kitten should respond positively to your presence. Indicators include:
Worm infections like roundworm are common in kittens, often transmitted through their mother's milk. It is important that the mother is regularly wormed and that the kittens have received worming treatments. Ask the breeder about the specific brands used and continue these treatments per manufacturer instructions.
Flea control is equally vital. Ensure the kittens have started flea treatment, and continue with the same product to avoid reactions. Unsure about treatments? Consult FirstVet for guidance on safe and effective options.
Kittens should be fully weaned by around 8 weeks old, meaning they eat solid food and no longer rely on their mother’s milk. Ask the breeder what diet the kittens have been fed so you can gradually transition them to the food you provide at home, avoiding tummy upsets.
Once settled at home, continue worming and flea treatments as advised. Your kitten will need vaccinations to protect against common feline diseases, and neutering at around four months old to prevent unwanted litters and reduce risks of certain diseases. Learn more about vaccinations and about neutering.
If you suspect a breeder may be engaging in unethical or poor practices, avoid rescuing the animal yourself. Instead, report the breeder to relevant authorities to protect animals from suffering and ensure responsible pet ownership.
You can book a video appointment with experienced FirstVet vets for personalised advice and support on kitten care.
For more detailed guidance, consider reviewing comprehensive checklists available online to support your search for a healthy and happy kitten.