Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting step. Early care plays a vital role in supporting your kitten's health, behaviour and development. Our veterinarians have outlined the essential care every care needs.
Your kitten's first veterinary visit focuses on assessing overall health and planning preventative care. This visit establishes a care schedule tailored to your kitten's age, environment and risk factors.
Kittens should start vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age, then have a vaccine every 2 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age or older. To help protect them from serious infectious diseases during early development, a booster at about 6 months of age may be recommended to reduce the change of a "gap" in protection in kittens that did not respond strongly earlier.
Parasite prevention is an important part of kitten care. Kitten's require protection against fleas, intestinal worms and heartworm, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors.
Microchipping provides permanent identification for your kitten and is an important part of responsible pet ownership.
Find out about microchipping your kitten at NSW Pet Registry.
Kittens have specific nutritional needs to support overall wellbeing, and can reduce the risk of some common problems such as diabetes and lower urinary tract disease. Feeding a complete and balanced diet designed for kittens is essential during their first year.
The best timing for desexing can vary based on your cat's overall health and lifestyle. A veterinarian should examine your cat before booking surgery and advise on the most appropriate timing. However, for most kittens, planning desexing by 4 months of age avoids additional fees.
After their first year, cats require ongoing preventative care, including regular health checks, parasite control and vaccinations, to support long-term health.
Often yes, but the plan may be simpler than for outdoor cats. Indoor cats can still get fleas, intestinal worms (especially if fleas are present), and mosquito exposure can occur. Your vet can tailor a low-risk plan.
Cats can be infected through contaminated environments, ingesting fleas (tapeworm), hunting prey, or early-life exposure as kittens.
Some intestinal worms are zoonotic. Good hygiene, prompt disposal of faeces, and an appropriate deworming plan reduce risk. Households with children, pregnant people, or immunocompromised people should discuss an optimal prevention plan with their vet.
Yes. Some cats groom fleas off quickly, and flea allergy dermatitis can cause significant itch from very small flea exposure. A veterinary examination can help identify the cause and the safest management.
If you live in, travel to, or have recently visited a tick risk area, prevention is important. If your cat develops wobbliness, weakness, breathing changes, or collapse, seek urgent veterinary care.
Ear mites are tiny parasites that cause itchy ears, head shaking, and dark, crumbly discharge. Many other conditions look similar, so a vet exam is needed to confirm the cause.
Often yes. Flea eggs and larvae live in the environment. Washing bedding and vacuuming can help reduce flea burden alongside treating pets.
No. Some dog products can be toxic to cats. Always use cat-labelled products and follow your veterinarians advice.
