Bringing a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience! Who doesn't love a cute and cuddle ball of fur? Along with the snuggles and purrs, it's important to remember that your new kitten also requires a lot of care and attention to help them grow into a healthy, happy adult cat. As a pet owner, you must know how to properly care for your kitten and when to take them to the vet. At Bridge Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to give you the information you need and help you give your new feline friend a great life. In this article, we’ll cover important topics like how to pick up your kitten, how to tell if your kitten is happy and healthy, and more.
What is the most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten?
Baby kittens should stay with their mothers until they are at least seven or eight weeks old. When it's time for your new kitty to come home, starting them off on the right paw in life with parasite control and kitten vaccinations is crucial. They may also need to be tested for certain diseases if they came from an outdoor situation or arrived at your home as a stray.
We recommend scheduling a veterinarian visit as soon as possible to ensure that your new kitten gets a healthy start. We are here to provide recommendations on food, litter boxes and litter, and preventative care so you can give your new best friend a wonderful life.
What are the right and wrong ways to pick up my kitten?
When picking up your kitten, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported is crucial. We generally recommend scooping them up into your arms from underneath. Hold them close to your body, and don't let their paws dangle. Picking a kitten up by the scruff without supporting their body isn't recommended. Keep in mind, though, that every cat has their own personality. Experiment with different techniques to determine the most comfortable for your feline friend.
How can I tell if my kitten is happy and healthy?
There are several signs to look out for to determine if your kitten is happy and healthy. Happy kittens purr, meow, eat regularly, groom, knead, use their litter box, and engage in playtime with toys or people. Many also snuggle up with their owners, but some felines are less affectionate than others. If your kitten is displaying these behaviors, it’s a good sign that they are healthy and content. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any sudden changes in your kitten’s behavior or think there might be something wrong.
How should I feed my kitten?
Kittens and adult cats have different dietary needs, so it’s important to select a high-quality kitten food with a large proportion of animal-based protein, calcium, and phosphorus. This is because kittens need proper nutrition to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. Wet food is higher in moisture which can help with hydration, urinary tract health, and kidney function. Dry food is easier to feed in multi-cat households and can help with oral hygiene. However, some cats may overeat dry food and gain excessive weight leading to various health problems.
Kittens have higher energy needs than adult cats, making it difficult for them to get enough calories in one meal. We recommend feeding kittens three to four meals a day. Pay attention to your kitten’s specific nutritional needs, including protein, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins for healthy growth and development. When in doubt about what food best suits your cat’s needs, talk to your veterinarian.
What are some products I might need for my kitten?
We recommend doing some shopping before bringing your new kitten home.
You'll need the following supplies:
- Dry and canned kitten food
- Dishes for food and water
- Kitty litter
- Litter box with low sides
- Kitten toys
- A soft, comfy bed
- Horizontal and vertical scratching posts
How soon should I bring my new kitten to see a veterinarian?
The sooner, the better! We recommend scheduling a checkup within a few days of bringing your new pet home so we can get them started on their kitten vaccinations and set them up on a preventative plan. Your new friend may also need to be dewormed and tested for feline leukemia and AIDS. We will also get them started on safe and effective parasite preventatives to protect them from fleas and ticks.
How can I get the most out of my first veterinarian visit with my new kittens?
Write down any questions you have before your kitten's first appointment. Make a note of any concerns you have regarding their behavior, too. During your cat's first veterinarian visit, our goal is to help you better understand your furry friend's needs so you can give them the best life possible. No question is ever too silly, and we will provide the helpful information you need.
Be prepared to discuss several topics, including vaccinations, parasite prevention, and spaying and neutering. We'll also review your cat's anticipated lifestyle, such as whether they'll go outside or remain indoors. We encourage you to answer questions honestly and thoroughly. The more information you provide, the better we can help you care for your new kitten.
What will a veterinarian look for during my initial kitten care visit?
During your initial kitten care visit, we'll look for several things. We will perform a full physical exam to assess your kitten's overall condition. Certain health problems are common in kittens, so we will look for signs of those issues.
During your kitten's first visit, we will:
- Check their eyes, ears, and nose
- Look for signs of respiratory viruses
- Listen to their heart and lungs
- Examine their teeth and gums
- Make sure the roof of their mouth has properly formed
- Check for hernias
- Palpate the abdomen to feel the organs
We may also ask you to bring in a fecal sample so we can check for intestinal parasites. We'll look your kitty over for fleas and ticks, too.
What are some early signs and symptoms of health issues in your kitten?
Sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy noses are common signs of upper respiratory infections, which are common in kittens.
Other signs of health issues in kittens include:
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased energy levels
- Diarrhea
- Not using the litter box
- Fever
- Dehydration
Because kittens are so tiny, it's vital to contact us immediately when something is out of the ordinary. Even when the symptoms are mild, it's always worth giving us a call at (567) 361-3407 to schedule an appointment.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing possible kitten health problems?
Self-diagnosing potential kitten health problems is risky for pet owners because it can lead to incorrect or delayed treatment and worsening of the condition. Veterinary professionals are specifically trained to identify and treat various health issues in animals and have access to specialized diagnostic tools and treatments that pet owners do not. Regular veterinary visits are essential for detecting emerging health problems, managing existing conditions, and providing guidance on how to maintain your kitten’s overall health. By trusting your kitten’s health to the experts, you can help them enjoy many healthy, happy years by your side.
When should my kitten get vaccinations?
We typically start kittens on a vaccine schedule at around eight weeks of age. Your kitten will need to return at 12 and 16 weeks and at one year to complete their vaccinations. After that, you will need to bring them in annually for boosters.
All kittens need core vaccines, including FVRCP, feline leukemia (FeLV), and rabies. We may also recommend certain non-core vaccines depending on lifestyle factors, like whether your feline friend goes outside or spends time around other animals.
What do I need to know about kitten behavior?
Like people, kittens are individuals and have their own personalities. Kittens are pretty rambunctious and often rowdy at night when their owners are trying to sleep. Engage them in play shortly before bedtime to tire them out and alleviate this issue.
Nipping and swatting are normal kitten behaviors, but they should be discouraged. Redirect them to appropriate toys when these behaviors occur.
Conclusion
Raising a kitten is a rewarding experience that will bring you joy and companionship for years to come. However, you must understand their needs to ensure a healthy, happy life. [Practice:name] is here to provide you with everything your kitten needs to enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life. If you are located in or near Point Pleasant, NJ, call (567) 361-3407 today to learn more about our services or set an appointment for your new furry friend.