VACCINATIONS
You should bring in your kitten as soon as you are able for an overall health exam. At this time, your veterinarian will help develop a vaccine program specific to your kitten's needs. In general, kittens need two shots three weeks apart to increase immunity against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and Chlamydia psittaci. These vaccinations can begin at 9 weeks of age. They must be boostered yearly to maintain effectiveness.
Rabies vaccine should be given if your cat ever goes outdoors. Rabies vaccine can be given at 16 weeks of age and must be given by a veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations should be boostered yearly or every 3 years, depending on the type of vaccine that you and your veterinarian choose.
You may also consider vaccinating your kitten for feline leukemia virus or other contagious diseases. Discuss these options with your veterinarian.

PARASITES
Kittens are especially prone to contracting intestinal parasites, which they can get during gestation or from the environment into which they are born. Kittens should be dewormed at least twice, which usually coincides with their first two vaccinations. Do not be concerned if you see worms in your kitten's feces after this treatment - this just means that its working!
We strongly encourage flea and tick preventative on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, especially if your cat ever goes outdoors. Talk to your veterinarian about a plan for your unique situation.
Kittens and cats are also prone to contracting mites in the ears. If you notice black or brown discharge in the ears, or your cat itching at his ears often, bring him in for an exam. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a treatment to take home.

BEHAVIOR
Training your kitten begins as soon as you bring him home. To make veterinary visits a less scary experience for the pet's entire life, you should train him by putting your fingers in your pet's mouth, ears, and nose often. You should also rub the kitten's paws and toenails often, and lay the kitten on his back and rub his belly.
Litter training is often a big challenge for new kittens and their owners. You should have one more litterbox than cats in your home, and they should be located in quiet, out-of-the way places. Be sure your kitten knows where the litterbox is and what goes in it.

PROTECT YOURSELF!
Kitten and cats can carry some diseases that humans can get, too. Risks include various bacterial, parasitic, or fungal diseases. These problems can be spread through contact with or ingestion of urine and feces, contamination of the environment, and especially cat bites, scratches, or even "licks". You or your family may suffer from local or systemic infection, gastrointestinal upset, parasitic infection or abnormal migration of parasites, pneumonia, ringworm, or mange, amongst other problems. Immunocompromised (very young, very old, pregnant, or unhealthy) owners are at especially high risk. If you believe you may be suffering from a zoonotic (animal to human transmission) disease, contact your physician immediately.