🍼 Cat · Care

Kitten care: the first 3 months

The first weeks with a new kitten are exciting and full of questions. Here is everything you need for the first 3 months, from feeding to a safe home.

✍️ CanlıDostum Editorial Team📅 October 22, 2026⏱️ 3 min read

⚡ In short

  • Kittens usually join a new home at 8–12 weeks.
  • Feed kitten food in 4–5 small meals a day; no cow's milk.
  • The core vaccine series starts at 8–9 weeks; the final dose is at 16 weeks or older.
  • Cables, string and especially lilies are dangerous for kittens.

Feeding

AgeMealsNote
8–12 weeks4–5 small mealsMix wet and dry
3–6 months3–4 mealsFast growth
6–12 months2–3 mealsSwitch to adult food gradually around 1 year
  • Always use kitten food.
  • No cow's milk — most cats can't digest lactose.
  • Fresh water always available.

Litter training

  1. Place the kitten in the litter box after waking and 10–15 minutes after meals.
  2. Keep the box away from food and water, in a quiet spot.
  3. Scoop daily and change the litter weekly.
  4. Don't punish accidents; clean with an enzyme cleaner.
Keep your pet's health records in one placeVaccines, medications, vet visits and weight in CanlıDostum.
Get the app

Vaccines, parasites and the first vet visit

  • First vet visit: within the first week.
  • Deworming before vaccines; your vet sets the schedule.
  • Core vaccines: start at 8–9 weeks, repeat every 2–4 weeks, final dose at 16 weeks or older, revaccination at 26 weeks.
  • Rabies: per local law. FeLV: recommended for kittens under 1 year.
  • Spay/neuter: usually at 4–6 months — see our spay & neuter guide.
💉Full schedule on the vaccine tracker page.

Kitten-proof your home

  • Tidy away cables; remove string, hair ties and small swallowable items.
  • Lilies are extremely toxic to cats — even pollen can cause kidney failure.
  • Check the washing machine and dryer before closing.
  • Fit nets on windows and balconies.
  • Keep medicines, cleaning products and chocolate out of reach.

Kittens sleep 16–20 hours a day — that's normal.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a kitten eat?

8–12-week-old kittens eat 4–5 small meals a day; 3–4 meals at 3–6 months and 2–3 at 6–12 months.

Can kittens drink milk?

Not cow's milk — most cats can't digest lactose. Very young kittens can have kitten milk replacer.

When does a kitten get its first vaccine?

Usually at 8–9 weeks, with the final dose at 16 weeks or older.

⚠️This article is for general information and does not replace an examination or advice from a veterinarian. If you suspect a health problem, contact your vet.

Keep your pet healthy with CanlıDostum

Vaccines, medications, meals, walks, calories and weight for your cat or dog in one app. Free to download, Premium free for 1 month.

Get it on Google Play
CanlıDostumFree · Google Play
Get