How to Look After a Kitten: A Guide From the Streets to Safety
Bringing a kitten into your life is a special kind of joy. Tiny paws, sleepy eyes, squeaky meows — they melt your heart in seconds. But at FellowKitty, we know it’s more than cuteness. It’s a responsibility. A commitment. A promise to protect a life that depends entirely on you.
Many of the kittens we rescue across Sri Lanka come from heartbreaking conditions — abandoned in markets, trapped under vehicles, starving on construction sites. With the right care, love, and attention, these fragile lives can grow into healthy, confident, loving companions.
Here’s how you can give your kitten the very best start.
The First Few Weeks: What New Kittens Need Most
If your kitten is under 8 weeks old, they are especially vulnerable. During this time, warmth, safety, and nutrition are your top priorities.
Keep Them Warm
Kittens can’t regulate their body temperature well. Use soft blankets, a covered box, or a heating pad (on low, always wrapped in fabric). Make sure there’s space for them to move away if it gets too warm.
Feed Appropriately
Newborns need milk every 2–3 hours. If the mother is not present, use kitten formula (never cow’s milk but goat milk is acceptable). After 4–5 weeks, slowly introduce soft wet food mixed with formula.
FellowKitty Tip: Always consult a vet or a shelter for feeding advice. Incorrect feeding is one of the top causes of illness in rescued kittens.
Hygiene and Litter Training
Kittens are naturally clean, but they still need help in the early days.
Use non-clumping litter in a shallow box. Gently place them in after meals.
If they have accidents, don’t punish — just clean with an enzyme cleaner and try again.
Wipe their eyes and nose gently with a damp cloth if needed.
Remember, many rescued kittens may have never used a litter tray before. Be patient. You’re teaching safety, not rules.
Health Checks & Vaccinations
At FellowKitty, we ensure every kitten is seen by a vet as soon as possible. You should too.
Key checks include:
Deworming and flea treatment
FIV/FeLV screening (especially for strays)
Vaccinations at 6–8 weeks
Spaying/neutering at around 5–6 months
These aren’t just formalities — they’re life-saving steps. One illness can spread quickly among kittens, especially in shared environments or foster homes.
Enrichment and Socializing
Healthy kittens love to play! It builds muscle, confidence, and emotional connection.
Use toys like balls, feather wands, or even rolled-up socks.
Give them time to explore new spaces slowly.
Handle them gently — frequent petting and talking builds trust.
Let them rest! Kittens need 16–20 hours of sleep a day.
FellowKitty Tip: If your kitten was rescued from trauma or abandonment, introduce changes gradually. Slow love is lasting love.
Building a Bond That Heals You Both
When you care for a kitten especially one who’s been through hardship — you’re not just helping them heal. You’re healing a little part of yourself too. That’s the beautiful magic we witness every day at FellowKitty.
Our rescues are proof that even the tiniest paws can walk through fire… and still learn to purr again.
How You Can Help More Kittens
Every week, new kittens arrive at FellowKitty Safe House — sick, scared, and alone. You can help them grow up safe, loved, and happy:
Sponsor a rescued kitten and follow their recovery journey
Donate to provide milk, medicine, and vaccinations
Volunteer as a foster (especially during kitten season!)
Share this blog so others can learn, love, and support
Because at the end of the day, kittens don’t need perfect homes.
They need safe ones.
They need kind ones.
They need you.
🐾 Visit www.fellowkitty.com to learn more, donate, or get involved.
FellowKitty – Because especially the tiny ones matters.