Cats
Home Care For Kittens
The arrival of a new kitten is enjoyable and exciting. Some planning and having the correct information can make the experience go smoothly. When your new kitten is introduced to your home, make it a gradual introduction, and always supervised. It probably is a good idea to confine the kitten to one large room with easy access to a litter pan, along with kitten food and water. This will give the kitten an opportunity to become acquainted with you and it's new surroundings. Always spend a lot of time holding the kitten, and especially spend a lot of time playing with it. There is an abundance of kitten and adult cat toys available from your local pet stores. You should take the time to introduce the kitten to it's new litter pan. The majority of the time, all that is necessary is to place the cat in the litter pan, and nature takes it's course. Don't forget to save a stool sample for that all important first vet visit.
After several days, you can gradually introduce the kitten to other areas of the house. Again, please make sure that the kitten is supervised, especially if there are any children, other cats or dogs in the house. We have occasionally seen some emergency situations in which the kitten was attacked by the dog or accidentally stepped on by a child. Most kittens are curious about their new surroundings and will explore any new areas open to them. Some kittens will take the first opportunity and hide under the sofa, bed, etc. Be patient, reassure the kitten that everything will be fine. You should also take this opportunity to "kitten-proof" the house, meaning that you should prevent the kitten access to anything that could potentially harm it. As stated previously, kittens are naturally curious animals, and if given the opportunity, will investigate and get into things that they shouldn't. An example of this is the kitten chewing on an electrical cord. This occasionally happens around the holidays (the kitten being allowed near the Christmas tree) - but this can happen at any time of the year. So, 'kitten-proof" your house.
Veterinary Care For Kittens
Most kittens first visit the veterinarian when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. A stool sample should be collected and brought with you so the doctor can examine it for the presence of parasites. If parasites or "worms" are found to be present when the doctor examines your kitten's stool sample, an oral deworming medication will be administered. For some types of parasites treatment must be repeated in 2 - 3 weeks. The doctor will also give your kitten a complete physical examination. This includes examining the eyes for any redness or discharge, the nose for any discharge, the mouth, the ears for any signs of infection or ear mites, and the skin for any hair loss, infection or the presence of parasites such as fleas. The exam also includes listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and feeling the abdomen or "belly" for anything abnormal. The doctor will also recommend a blood test for feline leukemia and immune deficiency viruses. These viruses, also known as retroviruses, can eventually become fatal to your cat, so it is very important to know if they are present or not.
At the end of the examination, the doctor will give your kitten it's first immunizations. If your kitten is between 7 and 8 weeks of age it will receive a vaccination for feline panleukopenia (also commonly known as feline ''distemper"), rhinotracheitis, and calici viruses. All these viruses are combined into one vaccination, known as a "3 -in-one" or "4-in-one" vaccination. Feline panleukopenia is an especially serious and potentially deadly virus. Your kitten will receive booster vaccinations for these viruses every 3 - 4 weeks until reaching the age of approximately 16 weeks. The kitten will also be vaccinated for rabies when it reaches the age of 12 weeks or older.
There is a vaccination to protect your cat against leukemia virus. This vaccine can be administered after 9 weeks of age and as a booster vaccine given 3 - 4 weeks later. We strongly recommend immunizing your cat against feline leukemia, particularly if your cat will be living part of it's life outdoors.
Each and every time your kitten is vaccinated, a complete physical examination will be given to ensure that your new companion will receive the full benefit of each vaccination, and that no new problems have arisen.
It is strongly recommended that all animals be spayed or neutered at about six months of age. In females this prevents the heat or estrus cycles, reduces frustration, eliminates the chance of an unwanted pregnancy, and lowers the incidence of breast tumors and infected uteruses. In males marking behavior and the strong smell of the urine is reduced as well as the urge to roam.
The Rutherford Animal Hospital also encourages microchipping of all pets. A small electronic transducer is injected under the skin. It feels just like a vaccination! The implant causes no discomfort or side effects and the animal is then permanently registered. It can be identified if lost or stolen.
The addition of a new kitten can bring great joy. There also is the responsibility to provide a healthy safe environment. Please call our office or leave a message electronically if you have any questions or comments
