Congrats on your new addition! Caring for a new pet is a full time job, as it can be overwhelming. Between vaccinations, surgery and much more, there is a lot to consider. Lexington Animal Hospital wants to ensure that you are prepared for this next chapter of your life, and wants to be a guide for you and your loved one.
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Make the decision of your kitten being an indoor or outdoor pet
Indoor kittens are safer (as they can be protected from being prey, are prevented from getting into fights with unvaccinated animals, etc.) but they require enrichment in alternative ways.
Outdoor kittens will have needs that also would have to be met (such as having a resting place) and they will be exposed to many dangers.
Litter box
All cats have different litterbox preferences in material, size and location. Its all about finding what your cat/kitten likes best.
Its important to stay on top of cleaning the litter box to avoid inappropriate urination and defecation.
Scratching post
Scratching is a normal behavior for kittens/cats. It is important to provide them with a space to do so.
Nail Trims/Grooming
Clipping nails is very important to avoid their nails from growing into their paw pad which can be very painful.
Especially when it comes to long haired cats, cats/kittens might need some assistance with grooming. Even though cats/kittens are usually pretty clean animals, sometimes taking a brush and combing them can be very beneficial.
Fecal Samples
It is important to test a fecal sample of your kitten to check for any intestinal parasites. These parasites can be harmful to your pet and require specific medical attention.
Toxins
Some items to keep in mind that are toxic to kittens/cats include flowers, Tylenol, mosquito repellent, chocolate, etc. If you ever think your cat ingested something toxic immediately call us at 732-381-3700 and the Pet Poison Hotline at 800-213-6680
Vaccines
Vaccines
Vaccinations can be given to supplement the immune to ensure protection against specific diseases. Most vaccines require to be updated yearly or every 3 years. The vaccines options at our hospital include FVCRP(feline distemper), FeLV(feline leukemia) and RABIES. Rabies is required by law, while FVCRP is highly recommended by our DVMs.
Dental Care
Dental Care
Neglecting your cat`s/kitten`s oral hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems. It is best to incorporate a pet safe tooth paste in your kitten`s routine. During a routine physical exam, a DVM might recommend having a dental done. In a dental the teeth are scaled/polished and any teeth may be removed if they are causing an issue.
FELV/FIV
FELV/FIV
Testing for FIV/FeLV is very important as any kitten/cat who is discovered to have any of these diseases will have to take extra caution when it comes to interacting with other cats, and with any future illnesses. To test for FIV/FeLV, a veterinary technician simply draws a few drops of blood to be sent out to the lab.
Spaying Your Kitten
Spaying Your Kitten
Spaying your kitten can prevent mammary cancer, pyometra (infection of the uterus), urine marking around the house, unwanted kittens and noisy heat cycles. Spays are a same day surgery as the kitten will only be with us for a few hours and does not require an overnight stay. Our DVMs recommend all kittens to be spayed at around 6 months of age.
Neutering Your Kitten
Neutering Your Kitten
Neutering your kitten can prevent the development of any unwanted behaviors. These include urine marking and fighting. Neuters are a same day surgery as the kitten will only be with us for a few hours and does not require an overnight stay. Our DVMs recommend all kittens to be neutered at around 6 months of age.
Fleas Know Your Enemy
Fleas Know Your Enemy
Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they can kill. A flea infestation can lead to anemia as they suck the blood of those they inhabit. Besides causing skin issues, some animals may be allergic to flea bites which can cause a reaction. Indoor and outdoor kittens/cats can contract fleas. It is best to have your kitten/cat on flea preventative medication.
Why Microchip?
Why Microchip?
A microchip ID is a small transmitter the size of a grain of rice that get implanted beneath the skin of a pet . When a scanner passes over the area of the microchip it will read the microchip ID number which is unique to every owner. If your cat/kitten is every lost and is found with a microchip, the proper registry will be contacted. The registry then has the owner`s contact information, and can reunite a lost pet with their proper owner.
Please note:
Once microchips are placed, Lexington Animal Hospital will register the patient. The first year of enrollment will be paid for. Subscriptions are required to be renewed yearly by the client.
All of the above information has been approved by Lexington Animal Hospital and is sourced from Veterinary Partner VIN
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