Health Checklist for Your New Kitten

Are you thinking of adding a new kitten to your home in the near future? Perhaps a lovable ball of fur wandered into your yard and you’re planning on adopting it. If you’re about to be the owner of a kitten companion, read on to find out about the key steps you’ll need to take to ensure your new addition’s health and happiness.

Kitty’s First Check-Up

Whether your kitten has come from a shelter or off of the street, it’s important to schedule their very first veterinary examination. With a physical exam, your veterinarian can find problems like skin infection, dental trouble, and much more, and quickly set about correcting them before kitty gets any worse. He or she can also run a variety of tests to make sure your kitten isn’t suffering from internal illness, parasites, or respiratory issues.

Vaccines

With the proper vaccines, your cat can fend off dangerous illnesses throughout life and avoid serious conditions before they strike. Although the exact vaccinations your kitten will require depend on factors like geographical location, exposure risk, your cat’s age, and more, your feline friend will probably receive vaccines to protect against feline panleukopenia, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline herpes virus, and rabies. Talk to your vet to learn about all of the vaccines your kitten will require.

Parasite Control

Even kittens who stay indoors are at risk for contracting illnesses or infestation from fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasitic pests. Make sure you visit your veterinarian to have your kitten set up with the proper preventative medicines.

Spay or Neuter

It’s highly recommended that your kitten is spayed or neutered early on in life. It’s a great way to prevent various cancers, and the procedure even lessens the likelihood of common issues like urinary tract infections. Plus, your kitten will be a bit better behaved after they’ve had the surgery performed. Healthy kittens can usually be spayed or neutered at as young as eight weeks of age—ask your vet for more information.

Great Diet

By feeding your kitten a high-quality diet and then transitioning them into a premium adult food when they get older, you’re providing all the essential nutrients for a healthy, happy life. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a great diet choice that fits your kitten’s nutritional needs. Need help getting your kitten started off on the right paw? Call us today to schedule an appointment!