Just brought home a fluffy little bundle of joy? 🐾 In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Scott Miller shares his top 5 essential tips for caring for your new kitten—from preparing your home to choosing the right food, and making sure their first vet visits go smoothly.
With over 25 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Scott has helped thousands of kittens grow into happy, healthy cats—and now he’s here to help yours too!
✅ Learn about:
Kitten-proofing your home Managing the first night Early vet visits & vaccines Safe diet for young kittens Socializing and healthy play Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or just brushing up on the basics, this quick guide will help give your kitten the best start in life.
Dr. Scott, a veterinarian with over 25 years of experience, provides five essential tips for new kitten owners to ensure their pets stay healthy, safe, and happy. The guide covers everything from home preparation and initial transport to veterinary care, nutrition, and behavioral development.
Oh my gosh, you're so cute.
And if you've got a little ball of fluff
just like this one at your place,
and you wanna know my five top tips,
well, stay tuned here on Ask the Vet.
If you find this video useful,
then please do drop us a like or subscribe
on this channel, The Amazing Rescue Vet.
So you've just got a new kitten, you lucky thing,
and wanted some quick fire tips to help care for them.
Well, you've come to the right place.
I'm Dr. Scott, and I've been a vet for over 25 years
It's incredibly exciting to bring a kitten home.
These are my five top tips for keeping them healthy,
happy, and safe in the weeks and months ahead.
Number one, kitten-proof your home.
Consider all the things that an energetic furball
might want to play with, hide in, or injure themselves on,
and sort them out before your kitten arrives home.
Dangling electrical wires, plants, food, decorations,
gaps in the floorboard, or underneath the cupboards
should all be located and put out of harm's way.
A great way to find any potential kitten dangers
is crawling around on your hands and knees
in the room that your new kitten will first investigate,
mimicking their view and picking up on things
that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Number two, collecting your kitten and the first night.
Well, kitten may still be with mom and siblings
or at a rescue center,
so there'll be lots of changes for them and for you.
Bring a small, secure box to transport them home
with a soft blanket and possibly a toy
to keep them entertained.
Allow them to venture out of the crate slowly
once you get home, keeping them inside
and away from other animals to avoid illness,
injury, or a fright.
Only allow them access to the kitten-proof room first,
and perhaps another safe or secure place for them to sleep,
such as a crate or a bathroom,
providing a litter tray, food, and water, of course.
Number three, visiting the vet.
Search for a vet practice that's local to you
and check them out before your cat gets home
to understand the costs involved
and to see if it feels like a friendly
and professional fit for your new feline friend.
Vaccinations, worming, and flea control
should all be considered early on in their life
with conversations about microchipping,
neutering, and pet insurance not far behind.
Number four, choosing a diet.
Keep food simple when they're young,
choosing a complete, balanced diet
of just one protein or meat source,
such as chicken or fish,
for their immature guts to begin with.
Dry food softened with some water
can be a great choice for early life,
with some cat parents preferring moist food,
which does eventually hasten dental disease in later life.
Water should be available in multiple places
around the house and change daily
to keep it clean and fresh.
Number five, socialising and play.
It's what having a kitten's all about, right?
Socialising with your children
and family members comes first,
then other animals in the house,
which needs to be carefully approached
with oodles of patience for all involved.
Play is a vital part of their development,
encouraging flexibility, developing strength,
and allowing for an outlet for their youthful energy.
Balls and fishing rod toys are also great fun,
and try not to use your hands too much though,
as that can lead to your excitable kitten
thinking fingers are toys too.
I really do hope that you enjoy
your little ball of fluff now,
and for the many years of healthy
and unconditional love ahead.
If you have any questions about your kitten,
their health, their wellbeing,
or any pet health related questions really,
then why not leave a comment below?
Hit the subscribe button,
and I hope to answer them here on Ask the Vet
with me, Dr. Scott.
Bye for now.