New Kitten Guide
Hello kitty!
Congratulations! We are so excited to meet your new kitten. Our goal is to help keep your kitten on track to a healthy, happy, long life! We want you to know we are here to help with any questions or concerns.
Insurance
As pet parents we want to give the best care we can to our furry family. Injuries and illness can come unexpectedly and expenses can add up quickly. Pet insurance works as a reimbursement for submitted claims.
Diet
What to feed your new kitten?
Picking a food can be difficult with many different options on the shelf. It is important that your new kitten be on a kitten-specific diet. Kitten formulas are developed to help provide proper nutrition as they grow. We recommend feeding a combination of canned and dry diets, ideally with a variety of flavors and textures.
Please do not hesitate to ask us if what you are feeding is a good option!
Litter Boxes
The bigger the better, the more the merrier!
1 cat = 2 litter boxes, 2 cats = 3 litter boxes, and so on…
Our feline friends enjoy their privacy.
Finding their bathroom should be easy.
Help your kitty by placing it in an easily accessible spot. Pick a spot and stick to it.
Keep it clean!
Once-a-day scooping will keep your kitty happy and maintenance low. Cats can prefer one type of litter over another. Trying multiple types can help identify the right fit for your feline.
Toys
Do Cats Need Toys? Absolutely!
Toys provide an outlet for excess energy and mental stimulation. Keeping your kitty occupied helps prevent unwanted behaviors. Cats have different preferences in their toys. Offer a variety and change the toys over time so kitty doesn’t become bored. Some ideas are:
- Wand toys
- Laser pointers
- Tunnels
- Catnip
- Boxes and paper bags
- Toy mice
- Balls
Cats LOVE heights. Perches or window seats provide appropriate areas for our kitty friends. Don’t forget our feline friends can learn commands (come, sit, etc.) with positive reinforcement.
Use caution with hair ties and toys with string or feathers. Some cats may ingest them and become ill. Be careful with toys as other household pets may want to play with them and could swallow them.
Microchipping
Microchips help reunite you with your pet if they become lost. They provide permanent, lifelong identification for your pet. They are small and easy to implant. If your pet is microchipped, please make sure the chip is correctly registered to you so you can be contacted if your pet is lost!
What to Know About Your Kitten’s Health
NSVH looks forward to partnering with you to to help your kitty live a long, healthy, happy life!
Vaccinations
FVRCP Vaccine: Given every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
Rabies Vaccine: Given between 12 and 16 weeks of age and required by law, even for indoor cats!
Leukemia Vaccine: Following the guidelines of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, we recommend all kittens be vaccinated for FeLV, to avoid viral infection that can cause leukemia. A series of two vaccines 4 weeks apart with a booster one year later. This vaccine is recommended annually for indoor/outdoor cats.
Rhinotrachetis: Very contagious, mouth ulcers, eye and nose discharge.
Calcivirus: Very contagious, sneezing, severe eye infection.
Panleukopenia (distemper): Most prevalent in unvaccinated kittens. No specific cure, treatment includes hospitalization and empiric care.
FIV / FeLV Testing
Recommended for all kittens and newly adopted cats. Both are retroviruses, similar to human HIV, but only found in cats. Causes immune suppression making positive cats more susceptible to infections.
Cats positive for FeLV/FIV should be kept indoors only so they do not transmit disease to other cats.
Claws and Paws
We recommend offering several scratchers to prevent inappropriate scratching. Scratchers come in a variety of textures (cardboard, sisal, carpet, etc.) and shapes (mats, posts, beds, boxes, etc.). You should have at least one vertical and one horizontal type. Trimming their nails frequently can also help prevent unwanted scratching. Nail caps can be applied to prevent damage from scratching.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Flea and tick preventives should be given year round to indoor/outdoor cats and seasonally to indoor only cats.
NEVER USE DOG PREVENTATIVES ON CATS!
Heartworm & Intestinal Parasite Prevention
Heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention should be given year round to indoor/outdoor cats. Heartworm is a mosquito-borne parasite that lives in the heart and bloodstream. Intestinal parasites are transmitted by fecal oral contact and hunting. Annual fecal examination is recommended at time of annual wellness exams.
Spay & Neuter
It is recommended that all kittens be spayed and neutered at the age of five months. Prior to scheduling, we will perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork to help minimize any complications. Please contact us with any additional questions!
Dental Care
Dental disease is the most common disease diagnosed in cats. Brushing your cat’s teeth frequently is the most effective way to prevent problems. The earlier you acclimate your cat to tooth brushing, the more cooperative they will be. Using dental treats can help if used often. The more home care you provide, the less often your cat will need professional dental cleanings!
Parent to a new puppy?
Check Out Our New Puppy Guide
