Kitten Care
Congratulations on adopting your new family member! Having a new furry friend running around the house can be so much fun, but there is also a lot of responsibility that goes along with it. Here are some things you need to know when welcoming this new family member into your home.
1
Vaccinations
Similarly to when bringing home a new baby, kittens need a series of vaccines before they are fully protected. These vaccinations start at 8 weeks of age and need to be boostered every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16-20 weeks old.
3
Microchipping
It's always a frightening thought to lose a cat, especially when they have no identification. Cats are known for slipping out of collars, and there is always a risk of the collar getting stuck and causing harm; however, a microchip can be implanted to track down the cat's owner when found.
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The process of implanting a microchip is uncomplicated and does not require sedation for your cat; however, it is advisable to have it done during spaying/neutering if feasible. The microchip is enclosed in a syringe and inserted under the skin, like administering a shot.
5
Spaying/Neutering
This is one of the most important decisions you will make with your cat’s care. We recommend spaying/neutering at 6 months of age, allowing them time to grow before doing the surgery.
Spaying/Neutering an animal is overall the healthiest option as it greatly reduces the risk of certain cancers (mammary cancer, prostate cancer), can eliminate the risk of certain cancers (ovarian cancer, testicular cancer) and eliminates the possibility of pyometra (infection of the uterus that can be fatal) in female cats. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies and helps to curb behavioral problems that unaltered cats tend to begin showing after this time.
2
Parasite Prevention and Treatment
Whenever taking a new cat into your home, it’s a good idea to get them started on flea prevention and get them checked for intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites are extremely common in kittens and can cause diarrhea and vomiting in some cases. They are often passed from mother to baby in the womb. Running a fecal test is the best way to determine what type of parasites your kitty has, and the best medication to treat it.
It’s also a good idea to get them started on flea prevention early in life. Even if you do not see fleas on your cat, it is still possible that they have them and are just very good groomers ingesting them before you can see them. If you notice a flea infestation of any kind on your kitten, it is imperative that they get treated immediately, as they are prone to becoming anemic from fleas.
4
FIV/FeLV Testing
FIV and Feline Leukemia are two very contagious viruses that we see frequently in feral cat communities. In most cases, a kitten will be tested before adopting them out to families; however, this is not a universal practice.
It is important to know early on if your new kitten has either of these viruses, as they can lead to major health issues as they grow older. It is also important to know this information so that we can prevent the spread of it to other cats. We recommend having them tested at their first visit if it has not been done previously.
6
Diet and Nutrition
During the first year of a kitten’s life, it is important that they get the right nutrition based on how fast they are growing. As cats grow rapidly in the first 6-8 months of their lives, they need to be on a food that accounts for that and has a higher caloric intake. Getting food specifically formulated for kittens is the best option.
We recommend a combination of dry and canned food for cats. Canned food is VERY important as it has a higher water content and is lower in calories helping to prevent urinary issues as well as obesity.
Reach out to us today for your kitten's needs.