Kitten FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Kittens

Kitten season is here! From spring through to early autumn, shelters and rescue centres across the UK see a huge rise in the number of kittens being born. Whether you’re thinking about adopting a kitten or have recently welcomed one into your home, we bet you’ve got lots of questions about their care, health, and behaviour.

At Applaws, we love helping new kitten owners give their furry friends the best start in life. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about kittens, answered!

1. How old should a kitten be before leaving its mother?

Kittens should stay with their mother and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. This is crucial for:

• Proper socialisation – Learning from their mother and siblings helps them develop normal behaviour.
• Nutritional needs – They need their mother’s milk for essential nutrients.
• Immune system support – They receive antibodies from their mother’s milk.

Tip: If you’re adopting a kitten, 12 weeks is even better, as they’ll be more emotionally developed and ready for their new home.

2. What should I feed my kitten?

Kittens have lots of energy and need a nutrient-rich diet to support their rapid growth and brain development.

Feeding guide:

• 0-4 weeks – Mother’s milk or a kitten-specific milk replacer.
• 4-8 weeks – Introduce soft kitten food (wet or moistened dry food).
• 8+ weeks – High-quality kitten food (rich in protein & essential nutrients).

Tip: Avoid feeding your cat cow’s milk, it can upset their stomach! Always give them fresh water instead.

3. How often should I feed my kitten?

Kittens need to eat small, frequent meals to support their fast metabolism.

Kitten feeding schedule:

• Up to 8 weeks: 4-6 meals a day
• 8-12 weeks: 4 meals a day
• 3-6 months: 3 meals a day
• 6+ months: 2 meals a day

4. When should I take my kitten to the vet?

Your kitten should have their first vet visit as soon as possible after their adoption. This will ensure they are healthy, vaccinated, and free from parasites.

Kitten vet care schedule:

• 8-9 weeks – First vaccinations & health check
• 12 weeks – Second round of vaccinations
• 4-6 months – Neutering/spaying (recommended before 6 months)
• Ongoing – Flea & worm treatments, regular vet check-ups

Tip: Microchipping is now mandatory for pet cats in England, your kitten should be microchipped by 20 weeks old.

5. How do I litter train my kitten?

Luckily, kittens have a natural instinct to use a litter tray! You just need to give them the right setup.

Litter training tips:

• Place the litter tray in a quiet, accessible spot.
• Use unscented, fine-grain, non-clumping litter, kittens may dislike strong smells.
• Gently place your kitten in the tray after meals and naps to encourage them to use it.
• Keep the tray clean – scoop daily and change litter regularly.

6. When should I get my kitten neutered or spayed?

Vets recommend neutering/spaying at 4-6 months old, before kittens reach sexual maturity.

Benefits of neutering/spaying:

• Prevents unwanted litters – Helping reduce the number of stray kittens.
• Reduces spraying & marking – Especially in male cats.
• Lowers health risks – Reduces the risk of certain cancers & infections.
• Makes cats calmer & happier – Less risk of aggressive or territorial behaviour.

7. How can I socialise my kitten?

Early socialisation helps kittens grow into confident, friendly cats. The best time for socialisation is between 2-7 weeks old, but you can still help an older kitten adjust to new experiences.

How to socialise your kitten:

• Handle them gently & often – Encourage positive human interaction.
• Introduce them to different sounds & experiences – TV, household noises, new people.
• Provide plenty of playtime – Use toys to build confidence & trust.
• Expose them to other friendly pets (gradually & under supervision).

Tip: Kittens learn from positive reinforcement, reward calm behaviour with Applaws treats and/or gentle praise!

8. How much do kittens sleep?

Kittens sleep up to 20 hours a day! Sleep is essential for their growth and brain development.

Encouraging good sleeping habits:

• Provide a cosy, quiet bed in a safe area.
• Keep playtime active so they burn energy before bedtime.
• Stick to a consistent feeding & bedtime routine.

We hope this helps you to give your kitten the best start in life!