If you are choosing your kitten from a litter, a few simple tips can help you pick well.
Take your time and ask lots of questions. Have the kittens seen the vet, had health screening, been vaccinated and wormed?
What sort of environment is the litter being kept in? Be wary of choosing a kitten who has had little human contact, for example, a kitten who has been raised in a shed or pen far from the house.
Cats have a very short socialisation phase between 4 to 16 weeks of age. Ideally, a kitten should therefore get used to being handled by people very early on, preferably several people so they don't just learn to accept a single carer. A kitten who doesn't become used to the sights, sounds and smells of normal life may have problems later on.
Tasty Tips
However heart rending the sight may be, be careful about choosing a kitten that seems particularly nervous. This can be a sign of poor early socialisation. Equally don't be tempted to take the smallest, weakest looking kitten out of pity. This could be a very expensive mistake.
You should not take a kitten from their mother or litter-mates too early. They need to be at least six or seven weeks of age.
Related products
Mature Adult Wet Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Wet Cat Food Premium Chunks in Sauce with Chicken is a complete pet food for mature adult cats 7+ years old
Light Adult Wet Cat Food Chicken
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for cats, with L-carnitine and fewer calories for ideal weight management. Packed with high-quality protein, omega-6s, and vitamin E for shiny fur and healthy skin.
Adult Wet Cat Food with Chicken
Tender chunks in gravy for cats, with high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle. With vitamin E and omega-3s & -6s for healthy skin and balanced minerals to support healthy vital organs.
Adult Wet Cat Food with Chicken
Tender chunks in gravy for cats, with high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle. With vitamin E and omega-3s & -6s for healthy skin and balanced minerals to support healthy vital organs.
Related articles
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
From essential vitamins & minerals to different types of meat, learn what to look for when choosing the best cat food for your feline.
Food Allergies, Intolerance & Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach
Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.
Kitten to Senior Cat Food: Cat Nutrition by Lifestage
Explore a comprehensive feeding guide for cats, from kittenhood to their senior years. Learn how the nutritional needs of cats develops with Hill's Pet UK.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.