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Kitten Care

Everything you need to know — from someone who knows everything. (That's me.)

Right, let's talk about kitten care — from someone who knows. That's me. I'm Felix. I've been on the receiving end of all of this guidance and I can confirm: when the humans get it right, life is genuinely excellent. When they don't, I write strongly worded critiques in the form of knocked-over objects. Let's get it right.

Feeding schedules

Up to six months old, kittens need three to four small meals a day — their little stomachs can't take big portions, and the energy requirement is surprisingly high for something so tiny. After six months, two meals a day is the standard rhythm. Keep it consistent; kittens are creatures of routine (and will remind you loudly if you're late).

Portions & food quality

Look for wet or dry food with meat or fish listed first in the ingredients — not derivatives, not cereals. Cats are obligate carnivores; carb-heavy food is filler. Follow the pack guidelines as a starting point, then adjust for your individual kitten's build and activity level.

Fresh water should be available at all times and changed daily. Many cats prefer running water — a cat fountain is worth the investment.

Play routines

Kittens need at least two play sessions of 15 minutes each, every day. This isn't optional — it's how they burn energy, develop coordination, and stay mentally sharp. Rotate toys so they stay interesting: wand toys, crinkle balls, puzzle feeders, and anything that moves unpredictably.

  • Wand/feather toys — encourage jumping and pouncing
  • Puzzle feeders — mental stimulation, slow feeding
  • Cardboard tunnels and boxes — exploration and hiding
  • Small balls — batting and chasing
Felix says: Exercise is important. I personally sprint at 3am to stay in shape. The humans find this less charming than I do, but cardio is cardio.

Grooming

Short-haired cats (like me) benefit from a brush once or twice a week — it removes loose hair, reduces hairballs, and is a pleasant bonding activity when introduced gently. Long-haired cats need daily brushing to prevent mats. The earlier you introduce the brush, the more readily a kitten will accept it.

Nails should be trimmed every two to three weeks. Introduce nail trims young; keep sessions short; always use proper cat clippers and avoid the quick (the pink part of the nail).

Litter habits

The standard recommendation is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra. Location matters — quiet, private, away from food and water, and easily accessible. Cats will avoid a tray that is too dirty, too public, or too close to their food.

  • Scoop at least once daily
  • Full litter change and tray clean weekly
  • Avoid strong-scented cleaning products in the tray — cats have sensitive noses
  • If a cat starts avoiding the tray, check cleanliness and location first, then vet if it continues

Cat-friendly home

A tidy home is a safe home. Before a kitten arrives, do a circuit for hazards:

  • Secure exposed cables (chewing is a real risk)
  • Remove toxic plants — lilies are extremely dangerous to cats (all parts, all varieties); also check poinsettia, ivy, and daffodils
  • Keep small objects, rubber bands, and hair ties off the floor
  • Ensure windows have secure screens
  • Put away human medications — paracetamol is toxic to cats
Felix says: I maintain immaculate personal standards. Mostly. The kitchen worktops are a separate matter and we do not discuss them.

The essentials, clearly laid out. Pin this to the fridge. Tattoo it somewhere visible. Whatever works for you.

✓ Do
  • Book a vet check within the first week
  • Follow the vaccination schedule
  • Microchip your kitten
  • Spay or neuter at the vet-recommended age
  • Enrich the environment — climbing, hiding, scratching
  • Give your kitten a quiet safe space to retreat to
  • Introduce new people and pets gradually
  • Keep indoor plants verified as cat-safe
  • Use cat-specific flea and worm treatments
  • Handle gently and often from a young age
✗ Don't
  • Feed onions, garlic, or chives (toxic)
  • Feed chocolate, grapes, or raisins (toxic)
  • Give xylitol (in sugar-free products — toxic)
  • Use dog flea treatments on cats (can be fatal)
  • Let kittens outside unsupervised too young
  • Punish with water, loud noises, or physical correction
  • Leave small string, tinsel, or ribbon accessible
  • Give raw fish as a staple (thiamine deficiency risk)
  • Ignore changes in eating, drinking, or litter habits
  • Skip annual vet checks once vaccinations are done
Felix says: The don'ts list has been personally reviewed by me. Several of them are about baths. I stand by my position. On the rest — they speak for themselves. Please take them seriously. A well-cared-for cat is a happy cat, and a happy cat is much less likely to knock things off shelves. Mostly.