Early kitten welfare including socialisation, nutrition, and veterinary care determines long-term behavioural and physical health outcomes for domestic cats.
Kittens from kitten mill conditions show elevated fear, aggression, and health problems as adults. Inadequate maternal socialisation during the critical period creates lifelong welfare deficits that are difficult to remediate through training. Early veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and positive human handling during the socialisation window are essential welfare interventions.