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calder vets kitten care

You've anticipated the new arrival by 'kitten proofing' your home and had lots of fun choosing the carrier, bed, blanket, toys and other supplies they will need.

This adorable little bundle of fluff is sure to bring you much joy. In return, you can make a major contribution to your pet's happiness and quality of life by providing them with good nutrition, loving attention in a safe, clean environment and regular health checks. 

What does a kitten health check consist of?

Your new kitten should visit a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. The first visit will include;

  • A thorough physical examination to determine their state of health
  • Check for parasites (fleas, ticks, lice, ear mites, worms)
  • Initial vaccination and/or a discussion of the types of vaccinations your kitten needs and when they should be scheduled
  • Discussion about when your kitten will need to be neutered

The first health check will give your veterinary surgeon the information they need to advise you on your kitten's immediate diet and care. Plus, it will create a 'knowledge base' from which, on subsequent check-ups throughout your cat’s life, they can better evaluate, monitor and manage your pet's health.

Neutering

Many veterinary surgeons believe that neutering not only helps solve the serious problem of a growing population of unwanted cats, but also makes for friendlier, easier to live with pets. Spayed female cats are more relaxed, playful and affectionate, whilst castrated males are calmer and less likely to 'spray' or urine-mark their territory or wander away from home or fight.

Spaying

Removes the uterus and ovaries of a female cat, usually around the age of five to six months.  This surgical procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Complications are rare and recovery is normally complete within ten days.

Castration

Also carried out under general anaesthetic, this procedure removes the testicles of a male cat. There are small wounds which usually heal within a week. This is less complicated than spaying and is often performed when a cat is 5-6 months old.

Make your new kitten feel at home

With sensitive handling and friendly contact for at least an hour a day, your new kitten should soon be very comfortable with you and their new home. If there are young children in the home, make sure that they are taught that a kitten is not a toy but a living creature that must be treated with gentleness and respect. Also provide your pets with lots of opportunities for interesting, challenging play that will satisfy natural instincts. Toys that they can pretend to 'hunt' and capture and special posts that can be scratched (instead of your carpets and furniture) will help make your kitten a joy to live with. Pet Health for Life - Join our Pet Health for Life to spread the cost of your cats preventative healthcare, as well as having access to preferential rates and discounts here at Calder Vets.