What is the most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten?
The most important thing to understand is that kittens are very territorial. You'll have the most success with them if you adopt a philosophy of their letting you live in their home.
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
What are the right and wrong ways to pick up my kitten?
If you can, pick up your kitten gently. You can put your hand under his chest and pick him up, being secure about it. You can also pick him up by the nape of the neck, as that's how his mother carried him around.
How can I tell if my kitten is happy and healthy?
If your kitten eats well, uses the litter box, is bright and alert, responsive, and active in your environment, then your kitten is healthy.
How should I feed my kitten?
Most people feed, cats dry cat food, but we encourage them to feed both, canned and cat food and definitely kitten formulas, and super premium pet foods.
What are some products I might need for my kitten?
If it's strictly a house cat, all you need is a nice food bowl, fresh daily water, and regular feeding. More information on improving your kitten's environment can be found on the website Fear Free Happy Homes.
How soon should I bring my new kitten to see a veterinarian?
Pretty much within a few days of receiving your kitten! You should go in and have your doctor test for parasites. So if you take a poop sample with you, that will make it a lot easier for your kitten, and just get your veterinarian's advice. They are the ones who know the most about your area.
How can I get the most out of my first vet visit with my new kitten?
Arrive on time with a stool sample for the veterinarian to test for internal parasites. Put your kitten in a carrier and just arrive.
What will a veterinarian look for during an initial kitten care visit?
Your veterinarian is go going to do a complete physical exam, every time they see your kitten. It may not look like much to you, but, a veterinarian is well versed in, what's normal and, as well as what's abnormal. Your kitty will get a physical exam from tooth to toenail on your kitten every time they see you.
What are some early signs and symptoms of health issues in your kitten?
Kittens are very much creatures of habit. And so, when their habits change, their eating habits, their litter box habits, their activity habits, places that they like to hang out-- when those things change, you should keep your eye on it and make note of when it happened. And, if it continues, then consult your veterinarian because he's the one who knows your kitten.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing possible kitten health problems?
We see regular issues with clients who use "doctor Google" to diagnose their pet's problems. And, it's totally fine to find information about your pets on the internet, but, it is no substitute for your veterinarian! They are able to think about what's going on with you and your kitten, so they know both of you.
When should my kitten get vaccinations?
Vaccinations need to start between usually around seven or eight weeks of age.
What do I need to know about kitten behavior?
There is a lot to know about kitten behavior. I commonly refer clients to the website Fear-Free Happy Homes for information on kitten behavior. This information has been vetted by animal behavioralists and veterinarians who know what they're talking about.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, 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
Dr. Larry Nieman
Neighborhood Vets Mobile Care
What should I ask my veterinarian at my kitten's first appointment?
The first thing you want to ask, which your veterinarian will probably answer before you ask, is about the best diet for your kitten, the best way to house them, how to use a litter box, and ensuring you understand essential feline behaviors like using the box and scratching posts. Most veterinarians will initially go over these things with you.
How often does my kitten need to go to the veterinarian?
Your kitten needs to visit the veterinarian every three to four weeks for initial examinations and booster vaccines until they are at least 14 to 16 weeks of age.
What vaccinations does my kitten need?
Your kitten needs to have a combination distemper vaccine for upper respiratory viruses, as well as rabies and feline leukemia vaccines. Your veterinarian will go over these with you. The vaccines are required every three to four weeks until at least 14 weeks of age.
Does my kitten need vaccinations even if I keep them inside?
Absolutely, yes. I've seen many kittens succumb to upper respiratory and distemper disease in the years before these vaccines were available. You don't want to ignore that possibility.
What kind of preventive care does my kitten need?
Your kitten needs yearly exams and vaccinations and should be tested for parasites at least once, depending on the type of test your veterinarian uses. Most kittens are routinely dewormed because they often inherit parasites from their mother.
When should I get my kitten spayed or neutered?
The best time for spaying or neutering your kitten is around six months of age. If it's spring, you'll want to avoid your kitten going into the estrous cycle. Your veterinarian will recommend what's optimum for you.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (913) 912-2319, 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