Pocket VetKitten care guide (0–12 months)
Kittens grow fast and need the right start. Here's what to cover in the first year — health, feeding, litter habits, and warning signs.
Health basics
- ✓FVRCP vaccine series until ~16 weeks + FeLV for kittens (see our kitten vaccine schedule)
- ✓FeLV/FIV test, deworming, and flea prevention
- ✓First vet visit soon after adoption
- ✓Plan spay/neuter — usually around 5–6 months
Feeding
- ✓Feed complete kitten food (higher calories/protein for growth)
- ✓Small frequent meals; fresh water always available
- ✓Most kittens lose the ability to digest milk — skip cow's milk
- ✓Transition foods gradually to avoid tummy upset
Litter & environment
- ✓One litter box per cat plus one extra, in quiet spots
- ✓Most kittens litter-train naturally — keep boxes clean and accessible
- ✓Provide scratching posts and vertical space
- ✓Kitten-proof: secure cords, toxic plants (lilies!), and small swallowable objects
Noticed something off with your cat?
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Check my cat nowSigns that need a vet
- ●Not eating, lethargy, or hiding more than usual
- ●Diarrhea or vomiting (kittens dehydrate quickly)
- ●Straining in the litter box or no urine
- ●Sneezing with eye/nasal discharge that worsens
Frequently asked
What should I feed my kitten?
A complete, balanced kitten (growth) food, fed as small frequent meals. Avoid cow's milk — most kittens can't digest it well. Keep fresh water available at all times.
Are lilies really dangerous to kittens?
Yes — true lilies are extremely toxic to cats; even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. Keep all lilies out of the home entirely.
Other life stages
Pocket Vet editorial team
Written and maintained by the Pocket Vet editorial team using authoritative veterinary sources. Reviewed June 10, 2026. This guide is informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care — see our editorial & safety policy. When in doubt, contact your vet; in a true emergency, go to an emergency clinic immediately.
Sources