Kitten timeline. What to expect when caring for your brand new kitten

Companion Baby Kittens

6 weeks

Parasite Control

Young kittens are vulnerable to parasites esp roundworms, hookworms and fleas. A topical treatment applied to the back of the head can be started from 6 weeks of age which will do fleas, worming and heartworm prevention as well.

Baby Kitten Vaccines

Vaccinations against panleukopenia (parvovirus) and cat flu should start as soon as possible from 6 weeks of age and are given monthly

Kitten Kindy

Start kitten kindy as soon as you have your kitty so you have the skills to help settle your kitten into your new home and help them to grow into an amazing family member

12 weeks

Permanent ID (microchip)

Kittens should be microchipped before you get them but often they aren't. If your kitten isn't microchipped it needs to be chipped asap in case they get lost

Companion Kittens

12 weeks

Vaccinations start or continue

Vaccinations against panleukopenia (parvovirus) and cat flu should start as soon as possible from 6 weeks of age and are given monthly. If your kitten hasn't started on their vaccines it's not too late to start, the sooner you start the sooner they will be protected

Desexing

Cats should desexed as early as possible to prevent them breeding. They can be safely desexed as soon as they are at least 1kg in body weight.

FIV Vaccination course

FIV is a common and deadly disease in our local cat population. It is spread through cat bites. Vaccination for all kittens is started at 12 weeks. The initial vaccination course is 3 vaccines 2-4 weeks apart and a yearly booster is needed.

6 months

Parasite Control

Cat need protection against:

• intestinal worms
• fleas
• ticks
• heartworm

These can all be prevented using a spot-on treatment applied every 2 months

Companion Teen Kittens

6 months

Booster vaccine

A booster vaccine will now protect against parvovirus for 3 years and the cat flu viruses for 12 months.

Parasite Control

Cat need protection for life against:

• intestinal worms
• fleas
• ticks
• heartworm

These can all be prevented using a spot-on treatment applied every 2 months. If you haven't already started, it's time to start now

14 months

1st Yearly health check and vaccines

A yearly physical exam by the vet can allow early detection of disease such as dental disease and help keep your cat happy and healthy. At 14 months your cat will be due for vaccination against FIV and cat flu.