Extra Furry Bodies in the Home
acceptance process. Regular cleaning of a litter box can also encourage repeated and responsible use.
out with your fur baby. Take the animal for car rides inside a cage to places other than the vet’s office. Play music. Vacuum. Clean and perform your normal household activities and carry the kitten with you. Supervise young children’s interaction with the small fur ball so everyone is safe. Get the established animal residents to spend some controlled time with the kitten, too. In short, try to expose this young feline to everything you can so he/she is well adjusted, loving, and secure as an adult. All too quickly, a playful kitten will transition from zipping through the house at breakneck speed to a more quiet, comfortable adulthood existence curled up in a recliner or on a lap. Take advantage of a kitten’s youth when you can. Savor the moment! https://www.lambertvetsupply.com/ blog/post/wellpetpost-kittens-make- lifelong-companions-with-some- responsible-care
Speaking of adult cats and dogs, introducing a new kitten to the established household animals can be tricky, depending on each animal’s temperament. The best advice is to keep the tiny feline separate for a while and slowly allow the pets to mingle under close supervision. Initial encounters should be brief. These can be expanded as the animals get to know each other. Hissing and spitting might happen from any of the feline members. Kittens may need to posture some aggression for a large family dog, no matter how friendly or laidback the canine is. Likewise, older cats may feel a need to let the new kid on the block know who runs the place. With some patience, reassurance, and extra hands-on attention for all parties involved, most animals can establish their own loving places in the home.
Doctor’s Orders
Line up your kitten’s first vet visit as soon as you can. A veterinarian can check for potential problems and pre-existing conditions that could jeopardize the pet’s future health. On the vet’s to-do list should be checks for ear mites, fleas, and worms. Other possible procedures during the visit are medication to remove external parasites (such as fleas), a fecal exam, and discussion with you about heartworm prevention. The vet will run a blood test for feline leukemia early in the visits but probably will not vaccinate for it until 12 weeks. However, many vaccinations should begin at about eight weeks for rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia, and chlamydia with boosters scheduled for 12 and 16 weeks. For kittens that did not test positive feline leukemia, the first vaccination should be provided, followed by a booster later. Depending on the geographical region a cat resides in, the vet may also suggest vaccinations for distemper and possible other. Another consideration for most pet parents is spaying or neutering at about six months for kittens. This helps control the domestic cat population and makes for more content, mature animals in the long run.
Let the Good Times Roll
Cats of all ages require social attention, interaction, and affection. That is great for pet parents, who should lots of time daily holding, petting, playing, and engaging these young animals. Kittens need to be exposed to all sorts of situations early on so they grow up to be well-adapted adults. Accomplishing this means showing kittens all kinds of situations and people. Bring cat-friendly human buddies over to hang
Kitten Chow Time
Kittens need three times as many calories and nutrients as adult cats. Find a high- quality, brand name food designed especially for kitten nutrition and development. The best bet is to check the package for a food analysis from the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on its label. Your vet may be able to suggest a proven feed during your first visit. Pet parents should set up a feeding schedule, too. Kitten food should still be supplied up to a year old. Feline babies still need more energy to grow. If the young cat shares the home with other adult cats, feed he/she separately so grown felines and dogs don’t polish off this high calorie meal.
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 43
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