Kitten

Kittens run on different numbers. The ASPCA notes that a kitten needs about two to three times the energy of an adult cat, with roughly 30% of that energy coming from protein, and that kitten-formula food should continue until maturity at around a year old. Small and frequent beats large and rare: International Cat Care suggests four to six small meals a day for a young kitten, which also keeps stomach upsets down.

Two timelines are worth putting on the fridge. Weaning normally starts around four weeks and is usually complete by eight to ten weeks — never rush it, and never use cow's milk, which the ASPCA flags as a cause of diarrhoea. And the vaccination course has to finish before a kitten goes outside: International Cat Care advises waiting at least a week after the primary course ends, at around 13-14 weeks, and neutering around four months before free outdoor access.

Then read kitten care basics for the first year, the new owner checklist and the kitten care category.

Sources: ASPCA — Cat Nutrition Tips, International Cat Care — Helping your new cat or kitten settle in.