Some Helpful Advice to Consider for your New Arrival

When thinking of giving a home to a new kitten there is a lot to be taken into consideration.

Diet

• Most kittens should be fully weaned from their mother by 7 weeks and can then be collected.
• Kittens should be fed on kitten food and ideally this should be a complete dried food.
• Your vet can give you advice on the dietary needs of your kitten. 
  
• Fresh water should always be available and contrary to belief; milk/cream should be avoided as it both can cause diarrhoea in some animals.
• Find out more about diet at the Hill's Pet Nutrition website here.
  

Vaccinations

• Kittens can be vaccinated at 9 and 12 weeks.
• There are three viruses which kittens can be vaccinated against – flu, enteritis and leukaemia.
• Most reputable catteries will not accept a cat if it has not been vaccinated for flu and enteritis.
• The leukaemia virus is mainly spread by fighting.  It is caused by a virus that attacks cells in the cat’s body leading to varying problems such as immune system defects and cancer.
• It is advisable not to let your kitten out for a week after the second vaccination injection. 

Insurance

• Insuring your kitten is advisable.
• Cats are often more prone to accidents and injuries than dogs due to their “free spirit” nature.
• A road traffic accident resulting in a fractured pelvis – a common injury - can be less stressful financially if the cat is insured.

Microchipping

• Microchipping is also highly advised.
• Again, as cats wander more freely than dogs it is very important that a lost cat is easily identified.
• A stray cat brought into a vets, the local authority etc can be scanned and if a microchip is found, can be reunited with its owner very quickly as opposed to being sent to the local rescue centre.

Worming and Flea Treatment

• Worming should be done monthly until the kitten is 6 months old.
• It is also important to speak to your vet about flea treatment for your kitten.
• Not only do fleas cause skin problems, they are also a source of tapeworm. 

Neutering

• Unless you seriously want to breed from your kitten, kittens should be neutered at 6 months old.
• Male cats will start to spray indoors if not castrated by 6 months and they can also wander further afield to look for a mate.
• Female cats should be spayed to avoid unwanted litters of kittens and the unwanted attentions of the local tomcat!

Can you see me now?

Why not join our Healthy Pets Club? You could save £££s on your kitten's health care. You can find our more here!