Oriental Shorthair
cattery OriSiaByViolett

After your kitten arrives

Ask the breeder what your kitten eats, how often and in what portions. Have that food ready before arrival. If you decide to change it, introduce the new food gradually and watch for changes in appetite or stools.

Commercial kitten food

Look for a complete food formulated for growing kittens. This matters more than marketing terms or price. Wet and dry kitten foods are both options. Follow the portion instructions and discuss changes with your vet as your kitten grows.

Home-prepared diets

If you want to prepare food at home, ask a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a balanced diet for growth. Meat alone or an improvised mixture of meat, grains and vegetables cannot reliably meet a kitten’s needs. Keep fresh water available and wash the bowl regularly. Contact your vet if your kitten develops vomiting, diarrhea or refuses food after a diet change.

Further reading

Brushing

Start with short sessions while your kitten is relaxed. Let them sniff a soft brush, make a few strokes in the direction of hair growth and finish while they are still comfortable. Brushing a short coat removes loose hair and gives you a chance to spot skin irritation.

Check longer coats more often, particularly where friction causes tangles. If a mat sits close to the skin, ask a groomer or vet for help.

Bathing and claws

Bathe only when needed, such as when dirt cannot be wiped off with a damp cloth. Use a product made for cats, rinse well and towel-dry in a warm room. Put a sturdy scratching post near your kitten’s resting spot. Get them used to having their paws touched and ask a vet or groomer to show you how to trim the clear tip safely.

Discussing the timing

If you do not plan to breed your kitten, discuss spaying or neutering at an early vet visit. The vet can recommend a time based on age, development and health. Check any terms in your agreement with the breeder.

Surgery prevents unplanned litters. Some behaviors associated with mating may decrease, but results vary. Tell your vet about any spraying, restlessness or attempts to escape.

Preparation and recovery

Ask the clinic about pre-operative checks and follow its instructions about food and water before anesthesia. Prepare a quiet recovery area. Ask how to protect the incision, when play can resume and whether a follow-up is needed. Contact the clinic if your kitten seems unwell or you notice a problem with the incision.

Further reading

The first appointment

Bring your kitten’s vaccination, parasite treatment and medical records. Tell the vet about food, appetite and behavior since the move, as well as any other pets at home or planned travel.

Vaccines and parasite prevention

Ask for a schedule that takes your kitten’s age, previous vaccines and exposure into account. Discuss preventive care even for an indoor kitten. Record each treatment and confirm when the next visit is due.

What to watch for at home

Notice changes in appetite, activity, breathing or litter box use. Call the clinic if your kitten refuses food, becomes unusually lethargic or has repeated vomiting or diarrhea. Difficulty breathing or straining to urinate without producing urine requires urgent veterinary care.

Further reading

What to prepare

• A carrier with a nonslip liner.
• A litter box and the litter your kitten already uses.
• Familiar food and separate bowls for food and water.
• A bed or hiding spot, a sturdy scratching post and toys.
• A soft brush and any other grooming supplies recommended by the breeder.

The first days

Bring your kitten home when you have time to stay with them. Set up a quiet room with water, a hiding spot and a litter box away from the bowls. Open the carrier and let the kitten come out on their own. Keep the routine calm and introduce other rooms gradually, with easy access to the litter box.

Play and safety

Use a wand toy or ball and redirect play if your kitten grabs your hands. Provide a secure perch. Fit sturdy window screens and restrict access to tilt-open windows and balconies. Put away cords, string, small items, household chemicals and toxic plants. Keep bins closed, watch hot surfaces and check the washing machine before starting it. Give your kitten a quiet room during repairs or furniture moves.