Learning More About Kitten Care
Dr. Glennie Ferniany
Village Veterinary Clinic- Contact Us
What is the most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten?
The most crucial aspect of raising a healthy kitten is to closely supervise them and control their environment to ensure they stay healthy and happy. If anything appears unusual, immediately contact your veterinarian.
What are the right and wrong ways to pick up my kitten?
With kittens, it's crucial to support their underside. If they climb to a high position, like your shoulder, always keep a hand on them to prevent them from jumping off and risking injury.
How can I tell if my kitten is happy and healthy?
A kitten's health can be gauged by their eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating habits. They should also be active, curious, and interested in exploration.
How should I feed my kitten?
The feeding method depends on the kitten's age. Neonatal kittens require bottle feeding. Introduce solid food at around three to four weeks. If you're adopting a kitten from a shelter, feed them high-quality kitten food.
What are some products I might need for my kitten?
You will need toys, a litter box, safe hiding and playing areas, and vertical spaces for them to climb as they get older.
How soon should I bring my new kitten to the veterinarian?
Veterinarians can see kittens at any age. They should be checked for parasites if they're under six weeks old, and the vaccine series should start at around six weeks, continuing through 16 weeks. Kittens should be about five pounds or five months old before being spayed or neutered.
How can I get the most out of my first vet visit with my new kitten?
Prepare a list of questions before your visit. Village Veterinary Clinic offers a kitten plan that includes a packet of information about caring for a kitten.
What will my veterinarian look for during an initial kitten care visit?
The vet will check for parasites, listen to the kitten's heart and lungs, check their mouth for signs of a cleft palate, feel their bellies, and examine their genital area to ensure everything is developing properly.
What are some early signs and symptoms of health issues in your kitten?
Indicators of health problems include a lack of appetite, poor weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen or painful abdomen, lethargy, difficulty breathing or wheezing, and signs of congestion like crusty eyes.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing possible kitten health problems?
Many health issues can have similar symptoms but different causes, some of which can have long-term health effects. It's important to consult a vet if you're ever concerned about your cat's health.
When should my kitten get vaccinations?
Vaccines begin around six weeks of age and continue through 16 weeks. Rabies and the FCRVP vaccines are considered core. If you have an outdoor cat, the FELV vaccine is added to ensure they're negative for FELV and FIV, two common cat diseases prevalent in the outdoor population.
What do you need to know about kitten behavior?
Kittens are naturally curious and can get into trouble. Keep an eye out for toxic plants or substances in your house that kittens might be attracted to. Also, beware of small, hazardous spaces where kittens may get stuck.
If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (256) 216-4780. You can also email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we are able. Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram