Feline Wellness

NEW KITTEN CARE

A cat cannot (and should not) be compared with any other domestic pet, because of its many unique qualities. Cats combine a strong sense of independence with a deep affection for its owner. It is self-reliant, but can be trained in obedience and tricks. It is easy to housebreak, adapts well to apartment living, does not require you to walk or exercise it, and naturally keeps itself clean and neat.

General Health Care Suggestions:

Have your new kitten examined by a veterinarian immediately after obtaining it.

Vaccinations:

  1. Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calici virus, and Chlamydia
  2. Rabies
  3. Feline Leukemia

We routinely DEWORM for the major internal parasites at the same time as immunizations are given. Over-the-counter medications are usually not effective, and may even cause illness.

Watch the stools for small white segments that look similar to rice. These are tapeworms and require a special type medication.

Daily brushing decreases shedding, improves coat, and prevents hairballs. A bath is recommended every 2 weeks to remove chemicals which may accumulate on the kitten's hair coat from furniture, etc. These potential poisons are thought to be the cause of liver disease in older cats.

Hairballs:

Long-haired cats may need Felaxin twice a week to prevent hairballs. Brushing daily is the most important hairball prevention.

Neutering:

Do at 5-7 months of age--both male and female. Note: Female cats are not like the female dog! They continue to come in heat every 3 -4 weeks until they are bred. Signs of heat include restlessness, nervousness, rolling on the floor, more affectionate, voice changes, etc.

General Health Care Suggestions

Litter Box Training:

Usually no problem -- done by instinct. Keep litter box clean! Odor neutralizers or baking soda will decrease litter box odor. Change at least twice a week. Remove droppings DAILY. Oil dry material or alfalfa pellets make good cat litter. Plastic garbage bags can be used for litter box liners. Premium diets will decrease stool volume and odor tremendously.

Nutrition:

  1. Feed only HIGH QUALITY FOOD.
  2. Feed DRY FOOD, FREE-CHOICE. Moisten until the kitten is 3 months.
  3. Fresh water should be available at all times. Change the water. Do not feed milk, unless diluted at least 1/2 with water. It is best not to give any at all since it often causes diarrhea.
  4. Don't use cheap or generic foods. These cannot be digested properly. Don't use dog food. The protein amount is NOT high enough for cats.

Recommended treats:

Miscellaneous Considerations

Signs of illness

Diarrhea, refusal to eat, vomiting, gagging, coughing, sneezing, sluggish, watery eyes, and any other abnormality.

Commode Training For Cats:

  1. Start by putting the litter on the toilet seat so the cat becomes accustomed to jumping up when it needs to use the litter box.
  2. After a week or so, cut a little hole in the center of the litter box. Every 4 - 5 days, increase the size of the hole, so the cat learns to balance itself over the hole. At the same time, reduce the amount of litter placed in the box.
  3. In the end, of course, there should be NO litter in the box, and the size of the hole should approximate that of the toilet seat.
  4. Be careful not to rush the training. If your cat feels uncomfortable at any point, it will choose another location for its toilet.

Please feel free to call our office for advice or suggestions on proper care of your kitten. We want to help you insure a life-long happy relationship with your new pet.