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New Kitten Advice

Here's what you need to know to look after your new kitten

A new kitten is very exciting, although to a first time owner it can be a very anxious time, so we have introduced Kitten Consultations with our Veterinary Nurses. The nurses will help you make the best choices for your gorgeous new addition; they will answer your questions and give you useful tips and advice. Just contact reception and they will arrange a free kitten nurse consult. An appointment with the Veterinary Surgeon will always be required for vaccinations and medical concerns.

We have also produced this very useful Kitten Regime guide for you to refer to.

Vaccinations

Course of two vaccinations:

  • First vaccination from 9 weeks
  • Second vaccination from 12 weeks
  • The interval between vaccinations needs to be 3-4 weeks

We recommend vaccinating against Feline Leukaemia Virus as well as Flu and Enteritis. If your Kitten has been vaccinated elsewhere please get us to check whether your kitten is fully covered against Leukaemia.

Worming

  • If younger than 6 months: Worm once a month
  • If older than 6 months: Worm every 3-6 months

Feeding

Kittens have small stomachs and need feeding little and often. Make any changes to your kitten’s diet gradually.

  • Younger than 12 weeks old: Feed up to 4 times a day
  • Between 12 weeks and 6 months: Feed up to 3 times a day
  • Older than 6 months: Feed twice daily

You may want to leave some dry food out during the day. Watch your Kitten doesn’t over feed as this can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea.

Ear Mites

Many Kittens have ear mites. If your Kitten's ears appear dirty, full of dark wax or itchy check with the vet. They are easily treated.

Neutering

Male Kittens from 4-5 month old

Neutering your male Kitten will reduce spraying indoors, roaming, exposure to infectious disease, fighting and unwanted litters of Kittens.

Female Kittens from 4-5 month old

Neutering your female Kitten will prevent unwanted litters of Kittens and the stress of calling for a mate. You may wish to consider getting your Kitten an identichip at the same time.

Going Outside

  • Your Kitten shouldn’t go outside until at least a week after the second vaccination.
  • Choose a quiet time to accompany your Kitten outside, allowing it to explore the new environment.
  • Continue to accompany your Kitten until it is used to your garden and can find its way back to the house without difficulty.
  • You may want to get your Kitten used to a call or bowl tap with a reward so you can get them in easily.
  • A good tip is to start letting your Cat out first thing in the morning before you feed it.
  • Identichipping your Cat is really useful. Kittens and Cats can lose a lot of collars!

Litter Trays

  • It is better to use a small amount of cat litter and change the tray frequently.
  • Kittens and Cats prefer clean fresh trays and use them much better.
  • Place the tray in a quiet accessible corner where your Kitten will be undisturbed.
  • Position the litter tray away from where you feed your Kitten.
  • As a rule you should have one more litter tray than cats.

If you have any questions relating to anything above or have any questions about your kitten in general please contact us at the surgery.

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