First Time Kitten Owner? Here’s Your Essential Starter Guide.

You may have already heard that kittens are creatures that need a lot of special care, but as a veterinarian, I believe this isn't too difficult for first-time cat owners. No matter where you got your kitten from (whether purchased, adopted for free, imported from abroad, or from a rescue foundation), there are really only 2 main things to focus on and observe: your kitten's "health" and "behavior."

How Can a Kitten Have Good Health?

First, kittens should receive food appropriate for their age, since nutrition is extremely important in kitten care. Kittens need much more protein and amino acids than adult cats, and this is a stage of life that requires especially high energy. Here's what kittens should eat at each stage:

• Newborn -- Weaning (up to 4 weeks old)

Kittens should receive their mother's milk for at least 2 days if possible, since the colostrum provides nutrients and immunity against certain diseases. Kittens should be fed every 2-3 hours. If the mother cat's milk supply is insufficient, kitten milk replacer can be used instead.

• Kittens aged 4-6 weeks

At this stage, kittens are beginning to wean and can start eating wet kitten food. It's recommended to start with wet food, which makes it easier for kittens to learn to eat, divided into small meals since kittens have small stomachs and high energy needs. If the mother cat still has milk during this time, kittens can continue nursing alongside eating wet food.

• Kittens aged 6-8 weeks

At this stage, the kitten's teeth are starting to come in, and you can begin introducing dry kitten food, soaked in clean warm water to soften it slightly for easier chewing. Divide into small meals, about 6 times a day.

• Kittens aged 8 weeks -- 10 months

The first 6 months is the period when kittens grow the fastest in their entire life. You can start reducing the number of meals to about 3 times a day, still using kitten formula food, which can now be given dry without soaking. Once a kitten passes 10 months of age, it is considered an adult cat rather than a kitten.

Litter Training for Kittens

• Newborn -- 6 weeks old

Normally, the mother cat licks the kitten's body and bottom to stimulate elimination. However, if the mother cat does not exhibit this nursing behavior, you should stimulate elimination yourself using a damp warm cotton ball, gently wiping/touching the kitten's bottom and genital area at least 3-4 times a day, or after every feeding. During this time, also observe the kitten's waste for any abnormalities.

• Kittens 6 weeks and older

You can begin litter box training by placing the litter box in the area where you want the kitten to eliminate. It's recommended to use natural cat litter, such as tofu litter or plant-based litter, which are safe for kittens.

Appropriate Temperature

Kittens should be kept warm at all times, especially from birth to 1 week of age. If the mother cat is a good nurturer, the kitten can stay with her for warmth. If not with the mother, a heat lamp should be provided, ideally with a warm orange light. You should also observe whether the temperature in the kitten's area is appropriate: if kittens huddle together in a tight pile, the area is too cold; if kittens spread out as far from the heat lamp as possible, the area is too hot. Adjust accordingly.

Vaccinations

Kittens can start receiving vaccinations from 8 weeks of age onward. The two core vaccines every cat needs are the Feline Panleukopenia vaccine (starting from 8 weeks old) and the Rabies vaccine (starting from 12 weeks old). For the booster vaccination schedule, consult with your veterinarian. Optional vaccines currently available include the Feline Leukemia vaccine, which you can discuss with your veterinarian regarding necessity.

Parasite Prevention

Kittens should be protected from both external parasites (such as ticks, fleas, and ear mites -- flea and tick prevention drops can start from 8 weeks old and should be applied monthly) and internal parasites (such as intestinal worms -- deworming medication can start from 8 weeks old and should be given every 3-6 months).