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My new kitten is 3 weeks old. What do I need to do right now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

hello! i just got a kitten as my graduation present. As of the age, i have been reading online and im getting information making her seem as if she is 3weeks old. Can i bathe her ? or should i use cat wipes ? also, i had cat milk down and water for her which it doesnt seem like shes drinking should i get a bottle and nurse her? how much is the shots that she may need now? i just need a lot of inormation to make sure she is happy and safe!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 16th, 2017

Congrats on your graduation and your new kitten! First thing to do is have this kitten seen by a vet right away to confirm her age. Three weeks old is too young for her to be separated from her mother, and she won't be ready to be away from her mother until she is at least six to eight weeks of age. If possible, I would see if you can return her to her mother until she is old enough to be fully weaned. If you cannot take her back to her mother, then the vet can give you advice on how to bottle feed a kitten this young. Please be prepared that she will have to be bottle fed every two to three hours all day long. I will also put a link below to a website with advice on raising a kitten this young. She will not need shots just yet, she will not be old enough for them until she is at least six to eight weeks old. She likely doesn't need a bath, but you can use cat wipes if they are listed as safe for kittens. Otherwise you can bathe her in warm water and Dawn dish soap. I would take her into a vet today.

http://www.2ndchance.info/orphankitten.htm

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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