There is nothing more exciting for many families than bringing home a new pet – especially if it is a kitten. Taking care of a fur baby can not only provide great joy to the pet’s owner but can also require a great deal of responsibility to ensure they remain healthy. Ideally, a kitten should be checked for any infectious diseases as soon as possible within 48 hours, even if they seem like they are healthy. During this period, they should also be quarantined away from other cats within the household until they are cleared for socialization from a veterinarian.
Comprehensive Care for Kittens
If a kitten shows any sign of illness, like failure to eat, sneezing or difficulty breathing, it could signify a much more severe problem. If any of these symptoms are occurring, a veterinarian should see the kitten immediately to help limit the chances of more serious side effects or fatal consequences from occurring. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced cat owner, Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital is here to help ensure you have the resources and support needed to succeed and create a lifelong relationship with your new kitten.
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Vaccinations
Kittens often need a range of vaccines to achieve optimal health long term. Some kittens may have difficulty tolerating some vaccines, and each will be evaluated for the proper protocol before any are administered. Since these vaccine schedules are so unique, it is essential to work with a veterinarian to find the appropriate plan for your kitten.
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Parasite Treatment and Prevention
Kittens are often subject to various parasites that could negatively impact their overall health. Roundworms are extremely common in kittens and are often passed down through the mother, eating infected food or coming into contact with infected feces. For this reason, a dewormer may be necessary for a new kitten.
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Nutrition Planning
To grow up strong and healthy, a kitten will often need a specialized nutrition plan that ensures they have the nutrients and dietary support required to develop appropriately. Consulting with a veterinarian to determine the best food options this early can help simplify this process and eliminate potential diet-related health concerns.
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Wellness Exams
Even the most petite kitten can have unknown health problems when a new parent takes them home. For this reason, investing in a wellness exam as soon as possible can help pinpoint issues and eliminate them before they become worse. After an initial exam, an annual or semi-annual exam may be necessary.
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Spay or Neuter
If a kitten has not been spayed or neutered before adoption, it will be the responsibility of the new pet owner to ensure that it is completed. In most cases, these procedures are scheduled at around five or six months of age, but the time frame may change. This is a great thing to discuss with your veterinarian during an initial wellness exam.
There is nothing cuter than newborn kittens exploring a new environment; however, it is vital to ensure that you are giving these fragile, small felines the care and attention they need to remain healthy. A new kitten will depend on you the same way that they depend on their biological parents. Make sure you are giving them the support they need by keeping regular veterinarian care a priority.