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Having a kitten
is a rewarding experience. The joys of owning are many; just
gently stroking a cat can reduce your blood pressure and decrease
stress. Having a kitten also entails responsibilities to ensure
the kitten’s health, your sanity and your leather lounge remain in
one piece.
•
Vaccinations
are for respiratory disease (‘flu’), enteritis and
Feline Leukaemia Virus. Paddington Cat Hospital
recommends vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age (flu and enteritis,
only) and then at 12 weeks and 15 weeks old; vaccination
boosters are then needed every year for his or her life. We
also take into account the special needs for vaccinating
purebred and aged cats.
•
Worming
is mainly for the worms that affect the intestines. These worms
are roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm - infection can
cause diarrhoea, poor growth and even death if severe. As a
kitten, worming with paste or tablets is recommended every 2
weeks until 12 weeks of age, then every 3-6 months. If your cat
is having one of the spot-on flea formulas which treats
intestinal worms (roundworm and hookworm) as well (eg Revolution
or Advocate), then they generally only require a tablet for
tapeworms. This can be given once a year or more often if
advised. It is important to make sure you know your cat’s
correct weight, and give the appropriate dose of intestinal
wormer.
•
Heartworm
can occasionally cause disease in cats. Dogs are the main
species affected and the disease is spread by mosquitos. It is
very difficult to detect and treat in cats and although there is
a low incidence, the first sign may be sudden death.
Fortunately, prevention is possible with either a monthly
spot-on which covers Heartworm, or a chewable monthly Heartworm
tablet.
•
We recommend using some sort of
flea treatment
especially for kittens who are going to be allowed outdoors
sometimes. There are many products that can be used to kill
fleas, however, the most effective and safest flea treatments
tend to be the monthly spot on formulas. Some of these
(Revolution and Advocate) have the added advantage of treating
the kitten for intestinal worms (except tapeworm), heartworm,
and ear mites.
• Your
kitten’s diet
should be complete and balanced - this means all the nutrients
(including vitamins and minerals) are provided in the correct
amounts and proportions. If not, nutritional problems can develop
over a period of time. Of the complete and balanced diets, the
premium diets (such as Science Diet, Iams or Royal Canin) provide
a better source of protein, they have less preservatives and
are better absorbed so there is less smell in the litter tray.
Supermarket varieties are next best but always check the label for
the words “Complete and Balanced”, as some more expensive brands
are not such a healthy alternative for your cat. Kitten versions
of all these diets are important since they provide higher energy
and protein levels for a growing body. It is a good idea for your
kitten to get used to a combination of dry and tinned food from an
early age.
One thing not provided by these foods is exercise for the teeth.
Giving raw chicken wings or necks, or strips of raw, red meat (NB
see hand out on ‘pet meats’!) twice weekly (under supervision)
helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy. It is best to introduce
these to the diet when a kitten is young so they look forward to
them.
When you first bring your kitten home, it will take them a little
time to settle in. It is a good idea to have a place ready for
them with a bed, food bowls and a litter tray. Kittens are very
quick learners and generally know instinctively how to use their
kitty litter, though occasionally they may need encouragement!
They should be kept inside completely until at least a week after
they have had their last kitten vaccination. If you would like
your kitten to have time outdoors, then let them out a little at a
time, initially under supervision. It is a good idea to let your
kitten or cat out before mealtime, so they have a good incentive
to come them inside again! Kittens should always be supervised
outdoors until they are adults. All cats should be kept in at
night - both for the sake of the local wildlife and for their own
safety. Cats are much more likely to roam at night and therefore
are much more prone to fighting and having accidents at this
time.
Provide your kitten with things to do - even a peg, a sock or a
scrunched up piece of paper can be a toy! Scratching is natural
behaviour for cats, but they need to be able to express this in an
acceptable way (to protect your furniture!) - scratching posts or
something similar provide their claws with good exercise.
Taking good care of your new kitten will set the foundations for a
happy lifelong relationship!
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Paddington Cat Hospital
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