Kitten's First Year: Vaccines, Care and Milestones

Bringing Your Kitten Home

Before They Arrive

Set up a quiet, enclosed space for your kitten before they arrive. A single room with a litter box, food and water bowls, a bed, and some toys gives your kitten a safe base from which to explore on their own terms. Kitten-proof the space by securing loose cords, removing small objects that could be swallowed, and checking for any gaps behind appliances or under furniture where a curious kitten could get stuck. Place the litter box well away from food and water bowls. Have a carrier ready so your kitten has somewhere familiar and comfortable to retreat to.

The First Week

Give your kitten time to adjust before introducing them to the whole household. Allow them to explore from their base room at their own pace. Sit quietly in the room and let them approach you rather than pursuing them. Use gentle handling and calm voices. Offer small amounts of the food they were eating before you brought them home, as an abrupt food change can cause digestive upset on top of the stress of a new environment.

Book your kitten’s first wellness visit at Newport Village Animal Hospital within 72 hours of bringing them home. This early visit allows us to assess their overall health, discuss vaccination history, check for parasites, and begin their preventive care plan. We recommend not waiting, as some health concerns in very young kittens can escalate quickly. Call us at (604) 492-3900 to book. 

At-a-Glance Vaccine Schedule

The following schedule reflects standard CVBC recommendations for kittens in British Columbia. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule based on your kitten’s age at first visit and individual health status.

Bring any vaccination records from the breeder, rescue, or previous veterinarian to your first appointment. Our team will review what has been given and advise on what is still needed. Call (604) 492-3900 with any questions before your visit. 

Important Note on Lifestyle Vaccines

Indoor vs outdoor risk: Cats kept exclusively indoors have a lower risk of infectious disease exposure than cats with outdoor access. However, even indoor cats are not risk-free. Respiratory viruses can be transmitted on clothing and shoes, and household circumstances can change. For this reason, core vaccines are recommended for all kittens regardless of lifestyle.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): FeLV is transmitted through prolonged close contact with infected cats, including mutual grooming, shared food and water bowls, and biting. It is recommended for all kittens, since lifestyle can change and outdoor access sometimes occurs unexpectedly. For kittens who will have any outdoor access in the Port Moody and Coquitlam area, where stray and free-roaming cats are present, FeLV vaccination is particularly important. FeLV testing before vaccination is also recommended to confirm your kitten is not already infected.

Talk to our team about your kitten’s intended lifestyle so we can tailor their vaccine plan accordingly. 

Spay and Neuter

Spaying your female kitten and neutering your male kitten is one of the most important health decisions you will make in their first year. Most cats are spayed or neutered around 5 to 6 months of age. Some shelters and rescues perform the procedure earlier, often at 8 to 12 weeks.

For female kittens: Spaying eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection, and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours. Unspayed females who have not been isolated from intact males can become pregnant as early as 4 to 5 months of age, before the typical spay appointment is scheduled. If your female kitten has any chance of contact with an intact male, speak with our team about timing.

For male kittens: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular disease, reduces the likelihood of spraying behaviour, and decreases roaming and fighting, which in turn reduces the risk of bite wound abscesses and infectious disease transmission.

Newport Village Animal Hospital performs spay and neuter procedures with full anaesthesia monitoring and attentive recovery care. Book a consultation at any of your wellness visits to discuss the right timing for your kitten. 

Nutrition for Your Kitten’s First Year

Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, they cannot synthesise certain nutrients and must obtain them from animal-based protein in their diet. Taurine is a critical example. Taurine deficiency causes serious heart and eye problems in cats. Ensure your kitten’s food is formulated specifically for cats, as dog food does not meet feline nutritional requirements.

Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirming the food is complete and balanced for growth or all life stages. Kitten foods are higher in protein, fat, and calories to support the rapid growth of the first year. Transition your kitten to adult food around 12 months of age.

Wet vs dry food: Both wet and dry food can be appropriate for kittens. Wet food has a higher moisture content and can support urinary tract health, which becomes increasingly important as cats age. A combination of wet and dry is a reasonable approach for many kittens. Speak with our team about what works for your kitten’s health and your household routine.

Feeding schedule by age:

• 8 to 12 weeks: free feeding or three to four small meals per day
• 3 to 6 months: three meals per day
• 6 to 12 months: two meals per day

Foods toxic to cats:

• Onions, garlic, chives (toxic to red blood cells)
• Grapes and raisins (kidney toxicity suspected in cats)
• Xylitol (found in some sugar-free products)
• Alcohol
• Chocolate and caffeine
• Raw yeast dough

If you have questions about your kitten’s food, bring the product label to your next appointment. Our team is happy to review it and offer guidance. 

Parasites: What to Know

Deworming: Kittens are commonly born with or acquire intestinal parasites through their mother’s milk. Deworming should begin at two weeks of age and be repeated every two weeks until twelve weeks old, then monthly until six months. A stool sample at your first visit confirms what parasites are present and guides the plan.

Fleas: Fleas are a year-round concern in BC’s mild climate. A flea infestation can cause significant discomfort, skin reactions, and in young or small kittens, anaemia from blood loss. Use a flea prevention product appropriate for your kitten’s age and weight. Not all products safe for dogs are safe for cats. Never apply dog flea products to kittens.

Ear mites: Ear mites are common in kittens, particularly those from shelters or multi-cat environments. Signs include dark, crumbly discharge in the ears and persistent head shaking or scratching at the ears. Our team checks for ear mites at every wellness visit. 

Giardia: Giardia is a common intestinal parasite in kittens and can be transmitted through contaminated water or contact with infected animals. It causes intermittent soft stools or diarrhoea. A stool sample is the most reliable way to diagnose it.

FIV and FeLV testing: We recommend testing all new kittens for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) at their first visit, particularly if their background is unknown or they may have had contact with other cats before coming to you. Early knowledge of status allows for better care planning and prevents transmission to other cats in the household.

Litter Box Success

Most kittens take to the litter box quickly if the setup is right. The general guideline is one litter box per cat plus one extra. For a single kitten, this means two litter boxes. Place them in different locations so your kitten always has easy access without having to travel far.

Choose a litter box large enough for your kitten to turn around comfortably. Many cats prefer unscented litter. Scoop daily and fully clean the box every one to two weeks. Cats are fastidious and may refuse to use a dirty box.

If your kitten stops using the litter box, do not assume it is a behaviour problem. A sudden change in litter box habits is often the first sign of a medical concern, including a urinary tract infection, bladder inflammation, constipation, or stress. Call Newport Village Animal Hospital at (604) 492-3900 if your kitten is avoiding the litter box, straining to urinate, or passing small amounts of urine frequently. Male cats in particular can develop a complete urinary blockage, which is a medical emergency. 

Socialisation and Cooperative Care

The sensitive period for kitten socialisation runs from approximately two to nine weeks of age. Kittens who receive gentle, regular handling from a variety of people during this window tend to be more adaptable, confident, and easier to handle as adults. If your kitten missed early socialisation, that does not mean all is lost. Consistent, patient handling at any age can build trust over time.

Daily handling of your kitten’s paws, ears, mouth, and coat from an early age pays significant dividends. A kitten who is comfortable being examined is easier and less stressful to care for at home and at the clinic. Introduce each type of handling gradually, pair it with something pleasant, and keep sessions short.

Carrier training from day one: Many cats find the carrier stressful because it only appears before a veterinary visit. Leave the carrier out at home as a permanent piece of furniture. Place bedding, toys, and occasional treats inside so your kitten chooses to spend time in it voluntarily. A cat who regards the carrier as a comfortable space travels and visits the clinic with far less stress.

Play, Enrichment, and Safety

Play is essential for your kitten’s physical development, mental stimulation, and the formation of your bond. Kittens have bursts of intense energy followed by long naps. Aim for several short play sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.

Types of play your kitten will enjoy:

• Wand toys with feathers or ribbon that mimic prey movement
• Small stuffed toys they can wrestle and kick
• Puzzle feeders that make mealtime stimulating
• Paper bags (with handles removed) and cardboard boxes for exploring

Toys to avoid: Never allow your kitten to play unsupervised with string, ribbon, tinsel, elastic bands, or anything linear. Cats have a strong instinct to swallow string-like objects, and a linear foreign body in the digestive tract is a surgical emergency. Also avoid toys with small parts that can be detached and swallowed.

Window safety: Kittens who have access to open windows or balconies are at risk of high-rise syndrome. Even short falls can cause serious injury. Use window screens and ensure balcony railings do not allow a small kitten to slip through. Consider a catio (enclosed outdoor enclosure) as a safe way to give your kitten fresh air and outdoor stimulation.

Harness training: Some cats adapt well to harness and leash walking if introduced gradually from kittenhood. Always use a cat-specific harness, not a collar, for leash walking. Never leave a harness on an unsupervised cat.

Children and Other Pets

Children

Kittens and young children can be wonderful companions, but early interactions should always be supervised. Teach children to handle the kitten gently and allow them to come and go freely rather than being held against their will. Young children should learn that a kitten who retreats to a high perch or under furniture is asking for space. A kitten who is pushed past their comfort level may scratch or bite, which can create a lasting negative association on both sides. Consistent supervision and clear expectations for both the child and the kitten make these relationships safe and positive.

Other Cats

Introducing a new kitten to a resident cat requires patience. Allow them to smell each other’s bedding before a face-to-face meeting. Let the kitten explore the house with the resident cat safely behind a closed door first. When you do allow supervised interaction, keep sessions brief and end them before tension builds. Provide separate food bowls, water stations, and litter boxes for each cat. Hissing and growling are normal during the adjustment period. Most cats reach a functional co-existence within a few weeks.

Dogs

Many cats and dogs learn to coexist comfortably, but the introduction needs to be managed carefully. Keep your dog on a leash for all initial meetings and allow the kitten to set the pace. Give the kitten escape routes and elevated areas where the dog cannot follow. Never allow the dog to chase the kitten. Unsupervised interaction should wait until you are confident both animals are relaxed in each other’s presence.

Foreign-Body Ingestion Hazards

Other foreign body hazards for kittens include small toy parts, buttons, hair clips, and foil. Keep floors and surfaces clear of small objects. Signs of foreign body ingestion include repeated vomiting, retching, loss of appetite, lethargy, and signs of abdominal pain. These signs warrant an immediate call to our team.

Holiday and Household Hazards

Toxic plants for cats:

Other plants toxic to cats include:

• Tulips and daffodils (especially bulbs)
• Azaleas and rhododendrons
• Sago palm (extremely toxic)
• Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
• Pothos and philodendron
• Aloe vera
• Autumn crocus

Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) grow in the Lower Mainland including the Port Moody and Coquitlam area. While cats are less likely than dogs to eat mushrooms, any suspected ingestion warrants an immediate call to our team or to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Essential oils and diffusers: Many essential oils are toxic to cats, who lack the liver enzyme needed to process certain compounds. Tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon oils are among those associated with toxicity in cats. Avoid using concentrated essential oil diffusers in small, enclosed spaces where your kitten spends time.

Cleaning products: Store all cleaning products securely. Phenol-based cleaners (found in some pine-scented products) and products containing benzalkonium chloride can be toxic to cats. Rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning and allow them to dry before allowing your kitten access.

Grooming Basics

Coat care by coat type: Short-haired cats generally groom themselves effectively and benefit from weekly brushing to remove loose hair and reduce hairballs. Long-haired breeds require daily or every-other-day brushing to prevent matting. If your kitten’s coat becomes severely matted and cannot safely be addressed at home, Newport Village Animal Hospital provides medical grooming services including dematting and sedated grooming for cats who cannot tolerate handling while awake. 

Nail care: Trim your kitten’s nails every two to three weeks. Start handling their paws and gently pressing on the toe pads to extend the nail from the earliest weeks. Regular trimming keeps nails from snagging on fabric and reduces the impact of scratching on furniture. Provide appropriate scratching posts to meet your cat’s natural scratching instinct.

Ear cleaning: Check your kitten’s ears weekly for dark or waxy discharge, redness, or odour. Clean as needed using a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Our team can show you how to clean your kitten’s ears safely at your next visit.

Toothbrushing: Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns in adult cats and begins developing in kittenhood. Introduce toothbrushing with a pet-safe toothpaste as early as possible. Even thirty seconds of brushing a few times a week is beneficial and much easier to achieve if the habit is established while your kitten is young. 

Local Health Notes: Port Moody and the Tri-Cities Area

Most of the significant local health risks in the Port Moody and Coquitlam area are more relevant to cats with outdoor access. If your cat is strictly indoors, their exposure to these concerns is minimal. However, it is worth being aware of the following.

Indoor vs outdoor safety: The Port Moody area has documented wildlife activity including coyotes, raccoons, and bears in and around residential neighbourhoods and parks. Outdoor cats face meaningful risks from wildlife encounters, as well as from vehicle traffic, exposure to infectious disease from other cats, and the health hazards described below. Our team can discuss the relative risks of indoor and outdoor access and options such as catios or harness walking that allow outdoor enrichment more safely.

FeLV and FIV: Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are both present in the stray and free-roaming cat population in the Lower Mainland. Cats who fight with or have prolonged contact with unfamiliar cats are at elevated risk. FeLV vaccination and FIV testing are important for any cat with outdoor access or contact with cats of unknown status.

Fleas and ticks: Fleas are common in BC year-round and can be brought indoors on clothing or on other pets. The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is found in forested areas around Port Moody. Cats who spend time outdoors should be on year-round flea and tick prevention using a product safe for cats.

Toxic plants in the local environment: The Lower Mainland has a mild, wet climate ideal for a wide variety of garden plants. Lilies are commonly grown as ornamentals and are extremely toxic to cats. If your cat has any outdoor access, be aware of what is planted in your garden and in neighbouring yards.

Death cap mushrooms: Amanita phalloides grow in the forested areas and parks in and around Port Moody. Any suspected mushroom ingestion by your cat warrants an immediate call to our team.

Slug bait: Metaldehyde-based slug and snail pellets used in BC gardens are toxic to cats. If your cat has access to outdoor areas, ensure no slug bait has been applied in areas they can reach.

Low-Stress Veterinary Visits

Cats are particularly sensitive to unfamiliar environments and can find the sights, smells, and sounds of a veterinary clinic stressful. With the right preparation, most cats can learn to tolerate, and even become comfortable with, veterinary visits.

Carrier Training

As described in Section 10, the most effective way to reduce carrier stress is to make the carrier a familiar, comfortable part of your cat’s everyday environment. Leave it out at all times with soft bedding inside and place occasional treats in it so your kitten visits it voluntarily. A cat who chooses to rest in their carrier regularly is far less stressed on travel days.

Before the Visit

Spray the inside of the carrier with a synthetic feline pheromone product (available from our clinic or pet supply stores) at least 30 minutes before travel. Feed your cat a light meal a few hours before the visit so they are not overly full, but not so hungry that they are irritable. Cover the carrier with a light blanket or towel to reduce visual stimulation during travel.

In the Clinic

Newport Village Animal Hospital handles all cats with a calm, low-stress approach. We give cats time to settle and use gentle handling techniques that respect each patient’s comfort level. If your cat is particularly anxious, let our team know when booking and we can offer specific preparation suggestions, which sometimes include a calming product given at home before the visit.

When to Contact Us

Newport Village Animal Hospital is open seven days a week and available to help. Call us at (604) 492-3900 and our team will help you assess whether your kitten needs to be seen right away or can be scheduled for the next available routine appointment.

Contact Us Same Day For

• Straining to urinate or passing no urine at all (especially in male cats. This can be a life-threatening emergency)
• Blood in the urine
• Any suspected ingestion of a lily plant
• Vomiting multiple times in a day or vomiting blood
• Sudden lethargy or inability to stand or walk normally
• Breathing difficulties or open-mouth breathing
• Eye injuries or sudden cloudiness in the eyes
• Signs of pain such as hunching, vocalising, or reluctance to be touched
• String, ribbon, or linear object seen entering or exiting the body
• Suspected ingestion of a toxic substance

Schedule a Routine Appointment For

• Scheduled wellness visits and vaccines
• Parasite prevention check or refill
• Spay or neuter consultation
• Dental assessment
• Nutrition questions or weight concerns
• Soft or loose stools persisting for more than 48 hours in an otherwise well kitten
• Minor skin or coat concerns
• Behaviour questions

For after-hours emergencies when our clinic is closed, please contact Boundary Bay Veterinary Hospital in Surrey at (604) 514-8383. We recommend saving this number before you need it.

Pet Insurance

Enrolling in pet insurance while your kitten is young and healthy gives you the broadest coverage options. Once a condition is identified and treated, it may be excluded from coverage as a pre-existing condition. The earlier you enrol, the less likely you are to encounter these restrictions.

The following Canadian providers offer kitten and cat coverage (this list is provided as a general reference and is not an endorsement of any specific provider):

• Trupanion
• Pets Plus Us
• Petsecure
• 24PetWatch
• PC Pet Insurance
• Costco Pet Insurance (available to Costco members)
• Furkin Pet Insurance

Compare policies for annual and lifetime limits, deductible structure, waiting periods, and what is excluded. Newport Village Animal Hospital accepts most major pet insurance plans, including Trupanion with direct billing. Ask our team about insurance at your first appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When does my kitten need their first vaccines, and what happens if I do not know their history?

Core vaccines for kittens ideally begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age. If your kitten’s history is unknown, bring any available records and our team will assess what has been given and what is still needed. In some cases, starting a fresh series is the safest approach. Call Newport Village Animal Hospital at (604) 492-3900 to book your first visit within 72 hours of bringing your kitten home.

When should I have my kitten spayed or neutered, and is there any urgency?

Most kittens are spayed or neutered at 5 to 6 months of age. However, female kittens can become pregnant as early as 4 to 5 months. If your female kitten has any chance of contact with an intact male cat, please call us at (604) 492-3900 as soon as possible to discuss timing. Early spaying also significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumours later in life. 

Should I get my kitten tested for FIV and FeLV?

Yes. We recommend FIV and FeLV testing for all new kittens, particularly those from unknown backgrounds or with any history of contact with other cats. Early testing gives you important information about your kitten’s health status, allows you to protect other cats in your household, and informs your vaccination and care plan. The test is a simple blood sample that can be run during your first visit.

My kitten has stopped using the litter box. What does this mean?

A sudden change in litter box habits in a kitten is almost always a signal that something is wrong medically, not a behaviour problem. Common causes include urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, constipation, and pain. Male cats can develop urinary blockages that are life-threatening. If your kitten is avoiding the box, straining, or passing only small amounts of urine, call us at (604) 492-3900 immediately. Do not wait to see if it resolves on its own.

Is it safe to let my kitten go outside in Port Moody?

Port Moody has meaningful outdoor risks for cats, including coyotes, vehicle traffic, stray cats who may carry FIV or FeLV, and toxic plants and substances. Fully indoor cats generally live longer and healthier lives. If you would like to give your kitten outdoor enrichment, options such as a catio or harness walking allow fresh air and stimulation while significantly reducing risk. Our team is happy to discuss what makes sense for your specific kitten and living situation.

What should I do if my kitten eats a lily or any other plant from the garden?

Call Newport Village Animal Hospital immediately at (604) 492-3900, even if your kitten shows no signs yet. Lily toxicity in cats can cause rapid, irreversible kidney failure, and early intervention gives the best chance of a good outcome. For after-hours emergencies, contact Boundary Bay Veterinary Hospital in Surrey at (604) 514-8383. You can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

How can I keep my kitten from becoming a picky eater?

Exposing your kitten to a variety of textures and flavours, including both wet and dry food, early in life reduces the risk of developing strong food preferences that can be difficult to change later. Avoid offering so many treat options that they begin to refuse their regular food. If your kitten does develop very selective eating habits or begins losing interest in food, a wellness check is a good idea to rule out underlying health concerns. Our team can also offer guidance on nutrition-related preferences. 

Contact Newport Village Animal Hospital