The cost of kitten vaccinations varies from clinic to clinic, so it’s best to get in touch with your local clinic to find out how much they charge. Remember, annual core vaccinations are covered under our Wellness Plans so you can keep your pets protected for one low monthly fee.

Kittens need a series of core vaccinations to protect them from many common, highly contagious diseases like feline parvovirus, feline herpes (feline viral rhinotracheitis) and feline calicivirus. Your vet may also recommend certain vaccines based on where you live and whether your cat will be an indoor or outdoor pet. These vaccinations are generally given in the first few months of a kitten’s life, followed by regular boosters to keep their immunity strong.

Kittens are bundles of energy, full of curiosity and playfulness as they explore their world. During this rapid growth phase, your kitten’s diet should be rich in protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to support their development.

Look for kitten-specific foods that provide higher levels of protein and essential nutrients tailored to their needs. Our Best for Pet Vets recommend ‘super premium’ food like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin, which is typically found in pet stores and vet clinics. If you have a Best for Pet Wellness Plan membership, you can get 10% off pet food sold at your clinic.

Feeding frequency for kittens is more often than for adult cats, typically requiring three to four small meals a day to meet their energy needs. As they grow into adolescence their metabolism will begin to slow down – along with their rate of growth – and the number of meals can gradually decrease to twice per day.

Worm infestations are common in cats and dogs, and can cause several health problems, ranging from mild discomfort to serious illness. These are the signs of intestinal worms to look out for:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Bloated stomach (pot belly)
• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss
• Pale gums
• Itchy bottom

Sometimes, worms or worm segments might be visible in your kitten’s faeces. However, not all worms are visible to the naked eye, so if you don’t see them, it doesn’t rule out an infestation.

Kittens are also at greater risk of developing feline lungworm. As the name suggests, lungworms reside in a cat’s lungs and can cause serious respiratory diseases. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties, which is why it’s often mistaken for feline asthma or chronic bronchitis.

If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment to see your vet so they can assess your kitten, carry out necessary diagnostic tests and make a diagnosis.

Start by choosing a shallow, kitten-sized litter box and an unscented, fine-textured litter (use the same type that the breeder used if possible). Place the box in a quiet, easily-accessible spot – away from food and heavy traffic. After meals, naps or play sessions, gently place your kitten in the box so they learn what it’s for.

Reward every success with praise or a small treat and never scold accidents – just clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner. Remember, kittens learn all new skills at different speeds, so be patient.

Catnip is a herb from the mint family that is believed to mimic a natural feline pheromone, sending some cats into a frenzy of excitement and others into a state of total zen. It’s completely safe and non-toxic for cats of any age, however you might not get much of a reaction from kittens under six months – their brains simply aren’t developed enough to respond to it.

As your kitten gets a little older, introduce catnip in moderation as too much exposure can overstimulate their developing brains. And remember, studies suggest one in three cats don’t react to catnip at all so don’t be surprised if they’re just not that into it.