Kitten Care Basics

Simple Steps to Care for Your New Kitten

You’ve welcomed a new kitten into your life; now what? As a responsible pet owner, you’ll need to take some basic steps to ensure your kitten grows up to be a healthy, happy cat.

Consider Pet Insurance

Curious kittens can easily find trouble and are more likely to have an unexpected trip to the veterinary hospital than an adult cat. Insuring your kitty while young and healthy can eliminate issues about pre-existing conditions and allow your kitten to be fully insured for any problems that might come his way. Click here to get a quote for your kitten.

Establish a Healthy Diet

Proper kitten nutrition is crucial during the first stage of your kitten’s life. Your new feline friend needs a quality food developed for kittens that provides extra protein, calcium and other nutrients needed for her development and well-being. There are a number of foods on the market that target the first stages of a kitten’s life; ask your veterinarian for a recommendation based on your kitten’s specific needs.

Keep Kitty Fit

Regular exercise is an important part of your new feline friend’s development. Kittens are naturally energetic and like to play often. Scheduling regular play sessions with your kitten throughout the day serves as a positive outlet for pent-up kitten vigor and helps to socialize her. In fact, frequent handling and petting can make kitty more responsive to you and less fearful of being handled by others.

Groom Often

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your new kitten. : Not only does it allow you to bond with kitty and keep her looking her best, but it can also help reduce hairballs and loose fur around the house. Additionally, it can help you to identify any lumps, bumps or bruises that may need to be checked out by a veterinarian. Grooming helps Fluffy get accustomed to being handled, which can help when it comes time to make the first visit to the veterinarian.

Visit a Veterinarian

It’s never too early to establish a relationship between a veterinarian and your new bundle of fur. Kittens, like all animals, need vaccinations to protect them from potentially fatal diseases even when they are indoor cats. In fact, veterinarians usually recommend giving kittens a series of vaccinations starting when they are approximately six weeks old. Along with vaccinations, you’ll need a wellness exam and will need to schedule your kitten’s spay/neuter.

Visiting a veterinarian plays a role in preventative care, helping to ensure your kitten is as healthy as she can possible be, and lays the groundwork for a healthy life for your pet. Click here to get a quote for your kitten.