Welcoming a new kitten into your home is one of the most wonderful things you'll experience as a pet parent. As you celebrate and fuss over the newest addition to the family, you might suddenly find there's a lot to consider, as well as some important steps you need to take to get your little kitty ready for the big wide world.
Vaccinations
Just like us humans, it's important for cats to get vaccinated to protect them from certain diseases.
Their vaccination schedule starts from just 6 weeks old and it's important to keep up with the recommended schedule for kittens, as this will help ensure they're properly protected from diseases such as feline distemper (panleukopenia), feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1), and calicivirus.
A typical vaccination schedule starts when your kitten is 6−8 weeks old; their second injection is at 10−12 weeks and their third and final 'booster' is at 14−16 weeks. This can vary depending on your location and the type of vaccine your vet uses. One thing to be aware of is that vaccinations can take up to two weeks to have their full effect, so unless your vet has advised otherwise, avoid taking your kitten out and about, particularly to parks, beaches and other pet hotspots until 2 weeks after they have had their final vaccination.
Bringing your new kitten in for their vaccinations is a great way to get them acquainted with the vet. We'll be here to make the experience as positive as possible, with lots of treats, toys and cuddles!
Microchipping and name tags
Microchipping
It is a legal requirement in most states and territories in Australia to have your kitten microchipped. This tiny chip is placed under the skin of the neck, between your kitten's shoulder blades. If your kitten is found and taken to a vet or animal shelter, staff will use a special scanner to retrieve the unique identifying code on your pet's microchip, which is stored in nationwide registry databases. Therefore, it's imperative that you keep these details up to date. If you're unsure of your kitten's microchip status, we can use our clinic scanner to check this. It only takes a few minutes and does not require an appointment.
Name tags
We recommend getting your kitten's name engraved on one side, and one or more phone numbers engraved on the other. This gives you peace of mind knowing that if your kitty runs off, most likely someone will find them and give you a call.
Protecting kittens from parasites
There are various nasty parasites you need to protect your new kitten from, including heartworms, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks. Whilst some treatments cover all of these parasites, it's best to talk to your vet about the treatment that's right for your cat and location.
Whether it’s oral chews or spot-on products it’s important to get on top of parasite treatments as soon as you bring your kitten home, as introducing them to new environments can increase their exposure to disease.
Fleas and ticks
Fleas
Fleas are one of the most problematic parasites for pets, with the ability to cause skin disease and allergic reactions. In addition, they can be challenging to diagnose, as a kitten with flea allergy dermatitis may never actually be seen with fleas!
That is why flea treatments should be used every month of the year to prevent and control flea infestations effectively. Please consult our veterinary team for the best advice on flea prevention for your kitten.
Ticks
There are several types of ticks in Australia, some of which are a nuisance, such as the bush tick, right through to the deadly paralysis tick. Paralysis ticks are a common parasite for those living near the eastern seaboard of Australia. They can result in symptoms such as breathing difficulty, weakness or paralysis of the legs and vomiting.
- Paralysis tick
- Cattle tick
- Bush tick
- Brown dog tick
Tick prevention products include:
- Oral chews
- Spot-on products
- Tick collars
- Sprays
- Rinses
Our team are happy to advise the best preventative for your kitten. Importantly, even when a prevention product has been applied, you should check your kitten for ticks during tick season. Simply run your fingertips over the skin, checking for lumps. Most ticks reside on the head, neck, and ears, but you must check the entire body.
Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the intestines and feed on the nutrients that the kitten consumes. The most common intestinal worms in Australia are roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm. If left untreated, these parasites can cause a wide range of health problems, from malnutrition to anaemia and even death. The most common way for kittens to become infected is by ingesting the eggs of the parasites, which can be found in contaminated soil, faeces, and other sources. To protect your kitten regular worming treatments should be provided.
Following the below worming protocol will keep your kitten free from intestinal worms:
- every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age
- then once a month until 6 months of age,
- And every 3−6 months for life.
Nutrition and weight
Kitten nutrition
Proper nutrition is another part of helping your kitten get the best start in life. Kittens need a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients for growth and development. Proper nutrition is vital for kittens because it helps them to grow strong bones and muscles and provides the energy necessary for play and learning.
There are many premium-grade commercial foods that meet the exact nutritional requirements of growing kittens. Although brands vary in quality, premium brands generally provide higher-quality ingredients. Therefore, we recommend you feed your kitten premium-grade kitten food.
Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight for your kitten is extremely important for their overall health and well-being. Keeping your kitten at their ideal weight helps to keep their bones, joints, and muscles strong and healthy. In addition, keeping your pet at their ideal weight can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as urinary problems, diabetes, heart disease, and types of cancer.
Monitor your kitten's weight regularly and work with your veterinary healthcare team to make adjustments to ensure they stay at their ideal weight. By doing so, you can help your pet stay healthy and happy.
Dental health
It's a good idea to start caring for your kitten's teeth from a young age. Proper dental care can help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay in later years.
And don't be alarmed when your kitten starts losing their baby teeth – this is a normal process as their adult teeth start to push through. You'll most likely see wonky teeth that are about to fall out or bleeding gums from teeth that have just fallen out.
As they're teething, they'll most likely look for anything to chew on. Offer them a kitten-friendly chew toy that they can sink their teeth into and be prepared to water down their food if they're finding it hard to crunch.
If you have any concerns regarding your kitten's dental health, book an appointment with us today.
Teaching through toys
Cats, especially when they are still kittens, are naturally playful and energetic. Being a new cat owner, you will want to make sure you have plenty of toys for them to play with. Toys are a great thing to have for your kitten for a multitude of reasons. Not only do toys help your cat get physical exercise, but they also provide them with enough mental stimulation for training good habits. But best of all, toys can be an outlet for you and your fur baby to develop closer bonds with one another.
From cat trees to chasable toys, there is a wide range of toys to choose from that are all over the market. It's best to experiment with these different toys to see which ones your kitten clicks with the most. Once you have a greater understanding of your kitten's personality and preferences, then you'll know which toys are perfect for them.
We're here to help
If you have any questions about anything regarding your kitten, get in touch with us today, or bring them in for a check-up (we love meeting new kitties!)