kitten care...

i have a few questions and since there isn't a FAQ i thought i asked them here.

1) how old is old enough for kittens to take the first bath?
2) how old is old enough for babies to stop the bottle and feed on hard food?
3) how old is old enough for kittens to have their nails cut?
4) how old is old enough for kittens to be dewormed?


thnx, and enough with the "how old is enough" lol

thnx in advance

1) After they are weaned. (on hard food) I believe it would be okay ^^ But I'd suggest only to do it iff really needed. Kittens and cats have essential oils in their fur they need to be healthy. It and may even create dermatitis problems. Once every few months may be sufficient.
2) seven to eight weeks in usually ideal
3) I'd assume you can cut them after they are weaned. Just be sur eyou know how to do it!!! and only start with a few nails at a time, and reward kitty just afterwards so he will grow to equate it with food and a being a good thing. That way he will be easier to nailclip throughout his life.
4) 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age, then every 3 months. You might wanna worm the mother too as the roundworm come sfrom her milk. You should have them weighed properly at a vet first though, to be sure they are heavy enough to handle the deworming meds.

Hope that helps at all!

thnx...it really does

i have no mother...they are by themselfes..

1) how old is old enough for kittens to take the first bath?
I try not to give kittens baths until they are at least 6 weeks old, but will give them one sooner if absolutely necessary. But be sure to dry them quickly and keep them warm.

2) how old is old enough for babies to stop the bottle and feed on hard food?
Every kitten is different... I've had 4 week old babies try the food on their own, but most are not fully weaned until around 8 weeks old or so.

3) how old is old enough for kittens to have their nails cut?
I start when they are 2-3 weeks old, I use human nail clippers instead of regular cat clippers to start out with. Starting them early makes it easier for them to get used to it.

4) how old is old enough for kittens to be dewormed?
Talk with your vet about it, but I usually do the first worming at 6 weeks old.

1) how old is old enough for kittens to take the first bath?

Depends on the breed - I've bathed Persians and Exotics as early as 2 weeks. But for SH I usually start 1 week after their 1st Vaccination.

2) how old is old enough for babies to stop the bottle and feed on hard food?

Depends on the kitten... I feed Royal Canin BabyCat and most of the Aby babies start kibble at 3 weeks. However, complete weaning is around 8 weeks.

3) how old is old enough for kittens to have their nails cut?

I start at 3 weeks.

4) how old is old enough for kittens to be dewormed?

6 weeks

thnx, i guess all this depends on the experience you have with cats.
but over all, you seem reasonable.


the cats are doing great besides the one with the ongoing infection, i'll have that checked on the weekend...

i'm planning on keeping them and from experience it is easier with two than with one!

thnx