Kitten Resources

Kitten Health & Wellness

Vaccinations & Exams

Your kitten will need a series of visits over the first few months to build up protection and monitor growth. These include:

• Core vaccines (FVRCP, Rabies, and FeLV, where appropriate)
• Fecal exams to check for internal parasites
• Early testing for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
• Spay/neuter planning

We’ll customize a vaccine schedule based on your kitten’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Need help planning your kitten’s next visit? Call us at 937-667-8489.

Parasite Prevention

Even indoor cats can be exposed to parasites, especially in multi-pet households. Parasite protection keeps your kitten (and your household) safe from:

• Fleas – Cause itching, skin infections, and tapeworms
• Ear Mites – Common in young kittens and highly contagious
• Roundworms & Hookworms – Can be passed to humans; many kittens are born with them

We’ll recommend a safe, vet-approved parasite control plan customized for your kitten.

The Importance of Year-Round Parasite Protection

Nutrition 101: What Should I Feed My Kitten?

Kittens need a diet specifically formulated for growth and development. Adult cat food or unbalanced homemade diets can lead to serious health issues.

• Choose a reputable, vet-recommended brand labeled for kittens or all life stages
• Feed multiple small meals a day for energy and digestion
• Avoid raw diets unless formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist

Read: The Savvy Cat Owner’s Guide to Nutrition on the Internet (PDF)

Litter Box & Behavior Basics

• Provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra, in quiet, accessible locations
• Use unscented, clumping litter and scoop daily
• Discourage scratching furniture by offering cat trees, cardboard scratchers, or sisal posts nearby (Here is a dedicated guide for Living with Clawed Cats)
• Start trimming nails and brushing early to build lifelong grooming tolerance

If you run into challenges—biting, inappropriate urination, or fearful behavior—we’re here to help before it becomes a long-term issue.

Training & Socialization

Yes – you can train a kitten! And just like puppies, early positive experiences help prevent fear, aggression, or stress-related behaviors later in life.

Why Kitten Socialization Is Important

Kittens have a critical socialization window between 2–9 weeks of age (though continued exposure after that is still helpful!). During this time, they should be gently exposed to:

• Human handling and grooming
• Routine household sights and sounds
• Friendly dogs, cats, and visitors
• Carriers and vet visits

Our team can guide you in using gentle handling, toys, and positive reinforcement to build confidence and trust.

Understanding Kitten Stress

Cats may not wear their hearts on their sleeves like dogs, but they experience stress just as deeply. Sudden changes in routine, rough handling, or loud noises can lead to fear-based behaviors or illness.

Learn how to prevent common stress triggers and create a calm, enriched home environment.

Read: 10 Common Stress Triggers in Cats (PDF)
Indoor Pet Initiative – The Ohio State University

Planning Ahead: Why Consider Pet Insurance?

While we all hope our pets stay happy and healthy, unexpected injuries or illnesses can happen, often when we least expect them. Pet insurance can help make veterinary care more affordable, especially for emergency visits, surgeries, or chronic conditions.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance works similarly to health insurance for humans: you pay a monthly premium, and if your pet gets sick or injured, the insurance company reimburses you for a portion of the cost. Most plans let you visit any licensed veterinarian, including our team at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital.

Why Some Pet Parents Choose Insurance:

• Peace of mind when unexpected medical needs arise
• Helps budget for large or unplanned expenses
• Some plans also cover wellness visits, vaccines, or dental cleanings
• Can prevent financial strain when making medical decisions

Things to Consider:

• Most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, so enrolling early – while your pet is young and healthy – can be beneficial
• Compare providers to find the best fit for your pet’s breed, lifestyle, and your budget
• Common providers include Trupanion, Nationwide, Healthy Paws, ASPCA, and Embrace

Need help navigating your options? Our team is happy to offer guidance based on what we’ve seen work well for other families.