What is the most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten?
The most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten is that cats are very subtle creatures. Everything that they do, their behavior, their eating, their love, their affection, it's all very subtle. So those really small changes in a cat can mean all the difference. Being a diligent owner can be the difference between night and day with these guys.
What are the right and wrong ways to pick up my kitten?
When it comes to kittens, the right way is to always provide full support for their body. A lot of people say to scruff the kittens. I don't necessarily agree with that, but if you can pick up underneath their chest and underneath their belly and just lift them up straight, that's one of the best ways to pick them up.
How can I tell if my kitten is happy and healthy?
Happy and healthy cats are going to be playing, eating, and using the litter box regularly for both urination and defecation. If they seem to be slinking off to the side or sleeping more than usual, that can be a concern. Also, check their weight. We want to make sure that kittens continue to gain weight, not exponentially, but steadily. If you notice they are losing weight or aren't as active as other cats or as active as you think they should be, that's why a veterinarian is here to help you out.
How should I feed my kitten?
When it comes to feeding a kitten, my favorite way is to give them high-quality name-brand dry food and leave it out. If they're responsible eaters and don't binge on the entire bowl, grazing all day is preferable for them.
What are some products I might need for my kitten?
You will need a good litter box and a quality litter. I prefer those that are low in dust or even wood pellets. Also, some good chew toys are essential, like little toys they can bat around. Avoid anything too hard or small that they could swallow, but those crinkle toys are perfect for them.
How soon should I bring my new kitten to see a veterinarian?
Typically, kittens are around six weeks old when you get them, and the first vaccine is between six and eight weeks of age. I recommend planning the first visit around this time as long as your kitten is otherwise fine. If you see any concerning signs like unusual urination, defecation, or discharge from the eyes, or if they're coughing or sneezing, then get them checked out sooner to be safe.
How can I get the most out of my first vet visit with my new kitten?
To get the most out of your first vet visit, plan ahead. Write down any questions you have to discuss them in the exam room. Bring up any concerns, as no one knows your kitten better than you do. If there are subtle changes in behavior that don't show in the exam room, make sure to mention them so they can be addressed.
What will a veterinarian look for during an initial kitten care visit?
An initial kitten care visit involves a comprehensive exam, looking at everything from the front to the back, including the eyes, ears, mouth, and chest. We'll check for problems like hernias and recommend a fecal check to ensure there are no internal parasites. Based on the kitten's age and the exam findings, we'll likely discuss vaccines as well.
What are some early signs and symptoms of health issues in your kitten?
Subtle changes can mean a lot in kittens. Obvious signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive coughing. However, subtle signs like increased sleep, weight loss despite eating the same amount, or increased water intake can also be significant. Bringing these up early with your veterinarian helps address potential issues sooner.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing possible kitten health problems?
It's difficult to self-diagnose accurately, which is why we recommend visiting your veterinarian to ensure nothing is overlooked. There are specific things we measure, like weight and dental hygiene, that can be hard to assess at home, especially if you're unsure what to look for.
When should my kitten get vaccines?
Vaccines depend on the kitten's age. The first vaccine is typically between six to eight weeks of age, followed by doses spaced every three to four weeks until they're 14 to 16 weeks old. Usually, there are three different kitten shots. For older adopted cats, vaccine protocols are similar but may vary slightly.
What do you need to know about kitten behavior?
Kitten behavior is all about the subtle things. I want them playing, running around, having fun, eating, drinking, pooping, and peeing. If you have any concerns otherwise, definitely let us know.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (480) 233-7276, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Kitten Care - FAQs 1
What should I expect on my kitten's first veterinary visit?
On your kitten's first veterinary visit, you can expect a comprehensive physical exam. We'll examine everything from front to back, including the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, and lungs. We'll also check the belly to ensure everything is in place. Additionally, we'll look for signs of infection, such as coughing or discharge from the nose or eyes. If you notice any of these signs at home, make sure to mention them to your veterinarian, even if they're not visible during the clinic visit.
What should I ask my veterinarian at my kitten's first appointment?
Always ask your veterinarian any questions you have. Open communication is crucial to ensure all your questions are answered. You can ask about what you're feeding your kitten, any behaviors you notice at home, or any other concerns you might have.
How often does my kitten need to go to the veterinarian?
Initially, during the first visits at six to eight weeks, you'll visit the vet every three to four weeks for booster vaccines. If there are any concerning signs at home, such as signs of infection, you'll need to see the vet sooner. After completing the kitten shots around 16 weeks of age, we recommend an exam every six months. Cats are good at hiding problems, so regular exams help catch any issues early, improving the chances of resolving them.
What vaccinations does my kitten need?
There are three main vaccines for cats, and their necessity depends on their lifestyle. We recommend the feline combination vaccine, FBRCP, for cats of any lifestyle and age. The other two vaccines, the feline rabies and the feline leukemia virus vaccine, depend on the cat's interaction with other cats or if they're in communal situations like boarding facilities or groomers.
Does my kitten need vaccinations, even if I keep them inside?
Absolutely. We recommend vaccines for all kittens. While the vaccine protocol may change depending on their interaction with other cats, the feline combination vaccine, FBRCP, is recommended regardless of lifestyle.
What kind of preventative care does my kitten need?
We recommend flea and tick prevention and vaccinations as part of preventative care. If anything else is needed, we can discuss it further, but for most kittens, flea and tick prevention and vaccines are the most important aspects of preventative care.
When should I get my kitten spayed or neutered?
We recommend spaying or neutering kittens at around six months of age. If necessary, this can be extended to seven to nine months, but preferably around six months is ideal.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (480) 233-7276, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram