Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Hill’s) has launched its first “World of the Kitten Report”, which provides expert insights into kitten growth, nutrition, socialization, and veterinary care.

Written by Hill’s feline specialist Lisa Restine, DVM, DABVP (feline), with contributions from International Cat Care (iCatCare) and the Hill’s Cat Advisory Team (C.A.T.)—a global group of feline specialists, behaviourists, and nutritionists—the report outlines best practices in kitten care. It provides practical guidance for pet parents, veterinary professionals, caregivers, and animal welfare organizations working to support lifelong feline health.

By recognizing the full first 12 months as a critical pediatric period, Hill’s is encouraging care that goes beyond initial vaccinations to address kittens’ physical and emotional development, in line with guidelines from iCatCare, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA).

Key highlights include:

• Emphasis on balanced nutrition for kittens, including protein, essential fatty acids such as DHA, and optimized mineral ratios.
• Introduction of Hill’s ActivBiome+ technology to support gut health and immune development.
• Updated vaccination recommendations for a 26-week booster instead of the traditional one-year booster.
• The “fix by five” initiative advocates for spaying or neutering by five months to reduce health risks and address shelter overpopulation.
• The importance of strong foster programs to improve neonatal survival rates during “kitten season.”

The full World of the Kitten Report 2026 is available online. Veterinary professionals can also access related RACE-approved feline training through the Hill’s Veterinary Academy.