Kitten Instructions
Feeding:
Your kitten should eat a variety
of flavored foods. Adult cats can be very picky, and should the need arise to
have them switched to a different diet (kidney failure, weight management, etc)
a cat that is used to flavor variety will be more easily switched. Canned foods
like Friskies and 9-Lives have great flavor variety. Depending on your kitten's
weight and nutritional needs, we can help you find a feeding schedule that will
best suit you both. Usually, new kittens should eat 3-4 small meals daily. A nutritional
vitamin can be added to help balance your kitten's diet, and some people food
is okay too!
Litter Training:
For every cat in your house, you
should have a litter box...plus one. Place them in different locations around
your house...do NOT set them up in a row. A kitten might not be able to make it
all the way downstairs and around the corner to use the litter box... Most kittens
litter train themselves by going potty on a preferred surface...There are many
different kinds of litter available, but the kind YOU like, might not be the kind
your kitten likes. Scoopable litters tend to be a
good surface and more easily cleaned than standard clay. Try to refrain from deodorized
litters, as the smell is deceiving. Litter boxes should be cleaned AT LEAST twice
a day...just think of your kitten's litter box like a toilet...how many times
a day do YOU flush? Many cats will refuse to use a dirty litter box; and not only
does it smell, but it is a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites...some of
which ARE transmittable to humans. Keeping the litter box clean and available
helps stop unwanted accidents and helps your kitten maintain good health.
Exercise:
Your kitten is very playful;
We don't need to tell you this. Provide toys that are
safe for your kitten; avoid toys that have small parts (the small parts could
become an intestinal blockage, and cost you $1500 or more to remove) and contrary
to popular belief, balls of yarn ARE hazardous! A "dead" sock makes a great chase
toy and so does a feather on a stick. There are even kitty
kongs now available. And cats can also be Clicker
Trained, just like dogs! Your new kitten will enjoy the 5-minute session just
getting treats for cute behavior! Ask about our 15 Tips to Clicker Training information
sheet! Have leftover chicken meat? Give small tidbits to you cat AFTER you're
done eating! Make it into a game! If your kitten touches your hand with its paw,
Click and reward!
Vet Care:
Your kitten will need the FVRCP
vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis,
Calicivirus, Panleukopenia,
Pneumonitis) about every three weeks, starting between
8-9 weeks of age until 16 weeks of age, then annually.
The Feline Leukemia vaccine is
recommended and can be done at 11 and 14 weeks of age, then annually.
The Rabies vaccine is due at 16
weeks of age, then annually.
Register your kitten with City
Hall (treasurer's Office) by 6 months of age. Neutered and spayed animals cost
less to license.
Neuters and Spays are done anytime
after 16 weeks, unless you plan on de-clawing. If so, the
de-claw and spay/neuter can be done at the same time (and costs less) anytime
after 10 weeks of age. Pain and recovery time diminish when de-clawing at a younger
age.
Intestinal Parasite Screens are
performed annually.
Heartworm prevention (even for
"indoor" cats) is recommended year-round. We recommend and dispense a product
called Revolution that actually helps prevent Heartworm Disease, Fleas, Ticks,
Ear Mites, and even a few Intestinal Parasites.
We at Angelcare
focus on educating you, the owner. If you ever have any questions regarding the
care of your new kitten, please do not hesitate to ask. Call and schedule your
New Kitten Exam today!
The best
defense is prevention.
Good Luck
~ and
~
Love Your Kitten!
262-886-3337 or
262-886-8728