My bf's housemate came home with a kitten the oher night. A complete whim, for which my bf was not best pleased (having not even been notified about the new arrival) but he could not be mad for long once he saw the little cutie! She is gorgeous! A little tabby and white moggy who is ridiculously cute. Having had cats myself, I know how to look after adults but a kitten was new territory for me and the men had no idea at all.

They have bought her a litter tray which she used straight away and has continued to with no trouble which I think is brilliant. They're feeding her wet food especially for kittens (I corrected them after they bought her food for senior cats!) and they are feeding her Whisker's cat milk. I informed them that I thought water would be better but apparently she has got so attached to the milk now she will only drink water if it's mixed in with the cat milk.

She's running around and is very energetic and playful. She uses the toilet frequently and after two days of her poo being quite runny it is now becoming firmer and more healthier looking. She seems to be fine within herself and very happy in new home.

The men, whilst knowing little about kittens, absoultely adore her and she has them wrapped around her little paw already! She won't be short on love or attention but I just wanted to seek advice - is there anything they should be doing? Is there anything from what I have described that they might be doing wrong? My bf's housemate didn't ask the exact age of the kitten, the owner apparently mentioned 'afew weeks' but she is very small (fits in palm of hand) and still has her blue eyes (i read somewhere this means they are still very young). Was she seperated from mother too young and is there any detrimental affects of this?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I help them do the best by little kitty. Photos attached - they're thinking of calling her Dora, after kids character 'Dora the Explorer', because she's into everything at the moment! Everything is a new thing to be explored (and attacked!)

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What a cute little kitten!
Is there anyway your BF's house mate can ask the previous owners how old she is?
I think maybe a trip to the vets to have her checked and then the vet perhaps can put an age to her if you haven't found out. she will need some vaccinations to keep her from getting any thing nasty.
Also they will need to make sure that the house is a safe place.
Keeping all doors to washing machines, tumble dryers, oven etc are shut.
Also i would mention to takes shoes off in the house as kittens can get trodden on if not careful.
I am sure you will all cope between you. You can always pop on here.
We would love to here any updates
Good luck and hope she sleeps well tonight x

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Hi,

Lots of thing to cover so won't go into detail but things to look into

Flea & worming - best off at vets if age isn't known

Food - some great some not so great many crap. What's he on?

Jabs, health check etc - again vets

Other things to consider is insurance, microchipping, toys and treats, scratching posts loads of bits like that

I'm no cat expert but it seems a reasonable size in pics wouldn't have thought it was too young but someone may be able to correct me or give you a idea of age.

Good luck

She is a little sweetie and I can see why your bf was smitten
She will need vaccinations at around 9 and 12 weeks, worming and checking for fleas too. If you register with a vet you usually get a free health check and they'll be able to give you a good idea of her age but probably around 6/7 weeks if her eye colour is just changing.
She will probably go through a stage of biting and attacking anything that moves Kittens that are brought up with mum and siblings til around 12 weeks have usually been taught how far they can go with that behaviour so your bf and flatmate may have a little trouble with her there. Encourage play with something like da Bird or a laser pen and invest in a scratching post to save furniture and carpets.

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How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven. - Robert A. Heinlein
http://www.lambchopsiamese.webs.com

Blue eyes usually means 6 weeks or under which is much too young, but she looks a fair size in the pics.

She/he needs to be neutered at 6 months of before, and if they are planning on allowing the cat out this needs to really wait up until 10-12 months (or at least until they are neutered)

As it has been mentioned it will needs vaccinations at 9/12 weeks and fleaing and worming at vets.

Adult cat food is fine if it is high quality You only need to feed kitten food if feeding a rubbishy food like whiskas/felix etc. You can look at the food threads by Hobbs in the Health and Nutrition section for further help, but as a guideline, the more meat it has, the better. Wet food is hugely better than dry.

Cat milk is also a treat so I would allow her to drink it mixed in for a little while longer with less and less mixed in each time, then get rid of it. If she is eating a wet diet water is less important for drinking as she will get plenty of moisture from the food.

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Thank you for your reply. Yes, he is booking vets appointment asap to discuss jabs - will mention to him to ask about the age, that's a good idea.

As for kitten-proofing the house, they keep her in the spare bedroom at the moment which is clutter free and has her tray, food, toys and bed in. Kitty seems very happy in there, always playing or sleeping. When she is taken downstairs, she is allowed to roam and explore but is strictly supervised - she seems to have taken a shine to their tv/xbox wires though so it's quite a chore keeping her away from harm but it's great to see her so full of curiosity and fun She's not technically mine but i think im falling in love hehe

Thank you all for your replies. I will make sure that all information is passed on to my bf and his housemate. So much to take in! But I will see to it that Kitty gets everything she needs. I'm round their house every night now, bf may regret getting her as he won't be able to get rid of me! hehe. Will keep you posted.

Beautiful kitten
Great advice given to you by everyone, the only thing i can add if she is a little young....lots and lots and lots of cuddles !!!!!!
A secure kitten is a happy and contented one
She sounds like she is doing great...vet visit asap to avoid any upsets would be advisable.

More piccies pls

Kelly x

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Very proud Mummy of Ella my Gorgeous 5yr old daugher
and my beloved fur babies :
Honey born 23/08/10 &
Indy born 08/01/11