Start Your Kitten Off on the Right Paw

Just like human babies, kittens need regular checkups to monitor their growth and development. These visits allow us to detect potential health problems early on, when they're often easier and less expensive to treat.  Kittens also require a series of vaccines during their first few months of life to protect them from serious diseases.  Regular vet visits ensure your kitten stays on track with their vaccinations and receives any necessary boosters!

Vaccinations:  Kittens need a series of vaccines starting around 6 weeks of age. They'll get boosters every few weeks until they're at least 16 weeks old. Recommended vaccinations: 

• Rabies (required by law)
• FVRCP (3+ boosters)
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV) (2 boosters)

Fecal Testing: Intestinal parasites, tiny organisms that can live in your kitten's gut, can be passed on from their mother. A simple test analyzing your kitten's stool can detect these. Please bring a fresh stool sample (within 24 hours) to your kitten's first visit!

Microchipping:  This tiny chip helps reunite you with your kitten if they get lost. Implantation is free during spay or neuter.

Spaying/Neutering:  Spaying or neutering around 6 months offers many health benefits for your pet, like reduced cancer risk and calmer behavior. 

Remember: This serves as a general guideline.  During your kitten's first visit, the veterinarian will work with you to create a personalized wellness plan tailored to your cat's specific needs. 

Choose a litter box location that's quiet, private, and away from their food and water bowls. Cats prefer to eliminate in peace and don't want their bathroom near their dining area! 

Pick a litter box your kitten feels comfortable using. Some kittens prefer open boxes, while others might appreciate a covered option for extra privacy. 

Scoop daily  to keep the litter box clean. Cats are very particular creatures and a dirty box may deter them from using it. 

After playtime or meals, gently place your kitten in the litter box a few times a day. This helps them associate the box with elimination. 

Accidents happen, so be patient and consistent with positive reinforcement! Clean up with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering odors that might attract them back to the spot. 

To protect your furniture, consider using scratching deterrents like double-sided tape or furniture covers on tempting surfaces until your kitten learns to use the scratching posts.

Keep your home free of clutter and electrical cords to prevent your curious kitten from accidental ingestion or chewing.  Secure loose wires with cord concealers and tuck away any dangling objects (blinds, curtains, etc.) that could tempt tiny paws. 

Sudden bursts of energy are common in kittens, so be mindful of open doors and screen doors.  A playful dash could lead to an unexpected escape outdoors.

Secure cabinets and drawers with childproof locks to prevent trapped paws or access to cleaning supplies, pesticides and medications.

Many common houseplants are toxic to cats, so be aware of your botanical companions.  Lilies, tulips, azaleas, and sago palms are just a few examples.  If you're unsure about a plant's safety, it's best to err on the side of caution and find it a new home outside the kitten's reach.

Click here for more information on toxic plants.