How to Care for 7-8 Week Old Cats

At the age of seven or eight weeks, a cat is weaned and eats solid food. Proper care increases a cat's chances for a long and healthy life. Becoming a pet owner is a huge responsibility and needs to be taken seriously. Cats as young as seven or eight weeks depend on humans for their care.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat food -- dry and/or canned
  • Brush or comb
  • Bed
  • Blanket or towel
  • Litter box
  • Litter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Feed the kitten four times a day. There are a few options for how to feed the cat. Leave dry food out at all times so the kitten can eat when it wants. Another option is to feed it canned food four times a day. Or you can feed the kitten one to three times a day with canned food and leave dry food out. Whatever method you use, feed a high-quality brand name food formulated for kittens.

    • 2

      Give the kitten a bowl of fresh water every day. Tap water is fine, but keep it at room temperature.

    • 3

      Give the kitten its own bed. A box or a basket lined with a soft blanket or towel is fine. There are also cat beds on the market. Clean the bedding often so the kitten has a clean place to sleep.

    • 4

      Groom the kitten about once a week. You need to brush or comb long-haired cats on a daily basis. Brushing gets rid of tangles and loose hair. This reduces the chances of the kitten getting fur balls, which occur when the kitten grooms itself and ingests loose hair. Over time, the hair accumulates and forms a fur ball, which the kitten vomits. This in not harmful to the cat or a cause for concern.

    • 5

      Clean out the litter box on a regular basis. Once a month or so, thoroughly clean the litter box with soap and water after throwing out all the old litter.

    • 6

      Keep the kitten indoors. This prevents it from getting lost, hurt or killed by a car. Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats.

    • 7

      See a vet on a regular basis. Vets differ in how often a kitten needs a checkup. But in the first year of life, vaccinations are recommended for such diseases as feline leukemia. Ask your vet what vaccinations your kitten needs and when it needs to have them.