Trusted share a helpful Trusted Tip on the REGINA DIRECTORY about caring for your New Kitten and Kitten Proofing your home!!!

Congratulations on your new kitten!

 
Your kitten will require a series of vaccines that will provide immunity against disease for about one year. Annual boosters are needed to keep this level of immunity high enough to protect your kitten from illness. If your pet is vaccinated at Lakewood Animal Hospital, you will receive reminders in the mail each year when your kitten is due for its annual vaccinations. 
 
Your kitten should be fed a kitten food until he or she is about 6 to 12 months old. Then switch gradually to an adult food by mixing the old and the new foods together for about two weeks. This helps avoid intestinal upset from changing foods. Your pet will have a longer healthier life on a good quality diet such as Medi-cal or Orijen. Too many treats and snacks lead to fussy eating habits, obesity and digestive upsets. Give your pet praise and affection for rewards, not food! He'll love you just as much.
 
Spay or neuter your kitten. Altered pets live longer, are healthier in old age, have fewer behavioral problems and don't contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. We recommend spaying or neutering your kitten between 6-8 months of age. 
 
Your kitten will soon have a full set of adult teeth. Good dental care is essential to your pet's well being. Regular brushing will slow plaque and tartar build-up as your kitten gets older. By the time they are two to five years old, however, they might have enough tartar build-up to begin needing annual dental cleanings here at the veterinary clinic. A cat that gets good dental care throughout its life will live an average of 15-20% longer than one that does not. Your pet will have fresher breath, less pain from periodontal disease and be healthier and more energetic.
 
Enjoy! Your kitten's boundless joy, love and energy are a precious thing to have. 
 

• String, ribbon, yarn, sewing supplies and other small household items

• Paper clips, erasers, staples, rubber bands, plastic bags and twist ties

• Coins, small board game pieces, fragile keepsakes and ornaments

• Medication, vitamins, pill bottles, dental floss, razors and cotton balls

• Household and automotive chemicals ("pet-safe" antifreeze is available)

• Toxic houseplants, including philodendron, mistletoe and poinsettia Toxic garden plants, including lily, azalea, daffodil, tomato and hydrangea

• Provide kitten-safe toys to keep your kitten occupied

• Use covered trashcans in your house and garage

• Keep kitchen countertops clean and clear of food items to reduce temptation

• Store household chemicals and poisons in a locked cabinet

• Keep toilet lids down so your kitten can't fall in or drink from the bowl

• Keep electrical cords and wires out of sight or secured to walls

• Secure dangling blind and curtain cords out of reach

• In winter, rinse your cat's paws with warm water and towel dry after outings to rinse off snow and melting chemicals that irritate the footpads and mouth

• Keep your cat indoors and safe from extreme weather conditions year round

• Consider planting Timothy grass or fresh catnip in a stable pot indoors to entice your kitten and safeguard ornamental plants

We hope that your new kitten is well on its way to a long and happy life as a member of your family. To keep your kitten healthy for a lifetime will require on-going care. This list should help you to understand what health care needs your pet will have in the years to come. 

Please call us with any questions or problems with your kitten. Most medical problems are less costly to your pet's well being and to your pocketbook if they are dealt with early. The same is true of behavioral problems. The earlier you contact us or your trainer regarding a problem behavior, the sooner you can solve it. Behaviors such as inappropriate urination, digging, running away, chewing, and aggression can almost always be changed if you ask for help. 

Kitten Proofing Your Home

Playful and intelligent kittens investigate objects by touching, chewing and tasting them. Growing kittens love to explore, but need protection from household items that are dangerous if swallowed.

Dangerous Items to Keep Away From Your Kitten: 

More Ways to Keep Your Kitten Safe:

Check out the Vets and Pets category on THE REGINA DIRECTORY directory of experts.