What Does Kitten Care Look Like?

After bringing your new kitten home, it’s important to consider how best to care for your newest furry family member. The benefits of good and consistently-applied kitten care in Alexandria, VA extend far into your cat’s lifespan, helping them live a longer and happier life.

There are a few things you can do now to set your cat up for a long and healthy life. This includes both physical and mental kitten care.

Prepare for your kitten before adoption

Kittens need to be around their parents until they are around 10 to 12 weeks in age. Even at this young age, you will be able to identify your cat’s unique personality and choose the right kitten for you and your family. If you have other animals, introduce them carefully to the kitten at this stage so you can avoid any potential clashes or bad matches.

Before you bring your new kitten home, make sure your spaces are kitten-proof and safe. Check that windows have screens and are secure, in the event your kitten is to be an indoor cat. Keep breakables stored away, as well as any choking hazards like small toys or Legos.

Also, ensure you have all the required equipment to care for your new kitten, both physically and mentally, once they are brought home. It is important to do this before your kitten enters the home, so you aren’t flustering them by moving large items in and out of new spaces. This can be scary and overwhelming for the new kitten.

Must-have items include water and food bowls, nutritious kitten food, litter box and litter, travel carrier, collar with ID tags and rabies tag, grooming brush and nail clipper and lots of toys. You may also consider purchasing a scratching post and cat bed, unless you want your couch to turn into both.

A healthy kitten is a happy kitten

When you bring your new kitten home, introduce them to their space and each family member carefully. Let your kitten explore their new digs. Then, consider taking them in for their first vet appointment.

Every new kitten will have a schedule of wellness checks and vaccinations. Some vaccinations have to be applied multiple times as boosters. The vaccination schedule usually occurs at six, nine, 12 and 15 weeks of age.

Spaying or neutering your kitten is the next step, which occurs at five or six months of age. This kitten is important in that it extends their lifespan and prevents cancer as well as overpopulation. It also keeps your kitten from developing harmful behaviors like aggression and dominance.

Don’t forget your kitten’s mental care! Leave lots of time open for play and exploration. Let your kitten have fun and build relationships with their new family members.

For expert care, contact your local veterinarian

When you are ready to take your new kitten in to establish care, contact Kingstowne Cat Clinic in Alexandria, VA. Our trusted experts will explain the many benefits of kitten care and provide you with all the resources necessary to ensure your new pet enjoys a long and healthy life.

Categorised in: Kitten Care

This post was written by Writer