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.
Vaccinations
Similarly to when bringing home a new baby, kittens need a series of vaccines before they are full protected. These vaccinations start at 6 weeks of age and need to be boostered every 2-3 weeks. The Rabies vaccination will be the last in the series can be given once the kitten reaches 12 weeks old.
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6 weeks: FVRCP
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8 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV
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10 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV
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12 weeks: Rabies
Microchipping
It's always a frightening thought to lose a pet, 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 pet's owner when found.
The process of implanting a microchip is uncomplicated and does not require sedation for the pet. 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, similar to administering a shot.
Neutering
Deciding whether or not you are going to get your pet neutered is one of the most important decisions you will make with your pet’s care. We recommend neutering at 6 months of age, allowing them time to grow before doing the surgery. Neutering an animal is overall the healthiest option as it greatly reduces the risk of certain cancers and pyometra in female cats. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies and helps to curb behavioral problems that unaltered cats tend to begin showing after this time.
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Click here for more information about Spaying and Neutering at the Cat Clinic of Louisville.
Parasite Prevention and Treatment
Whenever taking in 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. Now a days, with our winters staying warmer for long periods, fleas are an all-year-round issue. Even if you are not seeing fleas on your cat, it is still possible that they have them and are licking them off themselves. 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.
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.
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.