Your New Kitten

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Your New Kitten

Behavior Problems
Heartworm Disease
Scratching Problems
Spay & Neuter
Vaccines & Parasites

Frequently Asked Questions 
about Your New Kitten

"We humans are indeed fortunate if we 
happen to be chosen to be owned by a cat."

Getting ready for your kitten

The preparation you take before you bring home your kitten will help your pet adapt to the new environment. You should be ready with food, a litter box, toys, grooming aids and bedding.

You may be able to teach your kitten to sleep in one place, although cats generally enjoy sleeping just about anywhere—on beds, couches, window sills, sunny spots on the carpet and other cozy corners Putting soft bedding materials such as towels or blankets in secluded areas will encourage your kitten to use them.

Toys

The toys should be too large to be swallowed and sturdy enough to withstand chewing and tearing. Deadly toys include string, thread and balls of yarn that can become lodged in the intestinal tract.

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."
Leonardo Da Vinci

Basic nutrition

Your kitten is going through its fastest growth period now until it’s about 12 months old. That’s why proper nutrition is essential. Feed a high quality, life stage pet food like Hill’s Science Diet Feline Growth.

You should feed your kitten enough of the proper food to meet its energy needs. Use a feeding guide, usually printed on the label, as a starting point. Many kittens can have food available at all times, but be careful—obesity is a common problem in cats. You may have to feed measured individual meals instead.

Routine exams

Your kitten should receive a complete health examination as soon as possible. We will start your kitten on a vaccination schedule and advise you when boosters are necessary. A stool specimen will be examined for intestinal parasites. We will discuss heartworm disease, a deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes that is a danger even to cats that even never get outdoors. If indicated, flea control for your kitten will also be discussed.

Litter box training

The sides of the box should be low enough that your kitten can easily climb in and out. Place the box in a quiet area with minimal traffic. Clumping, un-scented litter is usually the best choice. If you already have cats at home, provide an additional box for each cat.

To ensure that your kitten uses his box every time, keep him within eyesight at all times. If he stops playing and begins sniffing around, carry him to the litter box. Praise any sniffing or scratching and give him loads of praise or a small food treat for eliminating. Whenever you are unable to watch your kitten, restrict him to a cat-proofed room with his litter box. Continue this for at least the first two weeks, until your kitten is using his box regularly.

You must keep the box clean. Scoop the box at least once daily and more often if you have the time. Completely clean the entire box every 2-3 weeks if you are using clumping litter, every week with regular litter.

When mistakes occur

If your kitten eliminates outside his box, it won’t take long for him to develop a habit of using this undesirable area. It is essential that you correct the problem right away. Our hospital has a more detailed handout on elimination problems in cats.

"A kitten is in the animal world
what a rosebud is in the garden."
Robert Southey

Nail trimming. . .an ounce of prevention

It’s in your kitten’s nature to sharpen his claws, but you don’t want him to scratch your furniture or drapes. Instead, you should give your kitten a board or carpeted pole to use as a scratching post.

Since young kittens tend to use their paws in play, it’s a good idea to keep those nails trimmed to prevent them from snagging sensitive skin. We can show you how to clip the nails and recommend a nail trimmer designed for cats.

It’s important to condition your cat to accept nail trimming—you must have patience and pick the right time. The very worst time to attempt nail trimming is when the pet is alert and active. (It may seem this is always the case, but all kittens occasionally nap.) Handle the paw very gently, use a sharp pair of trimmers, and quickly take off the tip of one nail. If the pet continues to snooze, take the tip off another nail or two. If your cat stirs, pet him gently and give a small treat. Never force your cat to hold still for a nail trim, and always cease before he squirms.

You will likely be visiting us several times during your kitten’s 
first few months so we would like you to feel comfortable about 
asking questions. Just remember—that’s why we’re here!

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