Your Kitten’s General Wellbeing

You can start grooming your kitten's fur to keep it shiny from its first few weeks. You can use a soft brush or a brush with soft metal bristles and a rubber base. For long-haired kittens, groom them daily, and for short-haired kittens, groom them two or three times a week. Your kitten will enjoy the grooming and show its appreciation by purring.

Similar to humans, cats require dental care to maintain good oral hygiene. It is common for cats to experience dental problems, even at a young age. It can be challenging to prevent dental issues since most cats do not enjoy having their teeth brushed. However, some diets have been created to reduce the risk of dental disease. It is essential to start getting your kitten used to being handled and having their mouth checked from an early age. Additionally, it is recommended to have your veterinarian examine your cat's teeth annually.

To trim your kitten's claws, you can use special nail clippers designed for this purpose. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on which type of clipper is appropriate and how much of the claw to cut. It is important to be mindful of the surfaces your kitten walks on, as anything too hot for you to touch will also be too hot for your kitten's sensitive paws. This is especially important to keep in mind on hot days.

Regularly check your kitten's ears for any signs of black wax. If you notice any, it's important to consult your vet as it may be a sign of ear mites.

Cats can sometimes develop chronic conditions that last for a long time, such as osteoarthritis, epilepsy, kidney disease, or hypertension. Luckily, there are now very effective medications available through modern animal pharmacology that can help alleviate the pain and symptoms of these conditions. Your vet will be able to diagnose any issues during regular check-ups or if you notice anything unusual and bring your cat in for examination.

Typically, vaccinations for kittens begin when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. They will need to complete an initial course of vaccinations, which is usually finished by the time they are around 16 weeks old. After that, they will require booster vaccinations on a regular basis to maintain their immunity.

Administering NexGard^® COMBO on a monthly basis can help to control fleas, ticks, lice, and worms, including tape and lungworm. If your kitten is less than 8 weeks old, FRONTLINE^® Spray may be a suitable alternative for managing fleas as it can be used from just 2 days old. Remember, it is easier to prevent flea and worm infestations than it is to treat them, so be sure to stay on top of preventative treatments.

It's important to adjust your kitten's feeding program as they grow to prevent health issues like obesity, joint problems, and diabetes in the future. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the appropriate types of food for each life stage.

Microchipping is usually done when the kitten is still young, and it is possible that your kitten is already microchipped when you adopt it. It is important to update the information on the microchip with any changes, such as new owner details or a change of address. You can discuss microchipping with your veterinarian at your kitten's first check-up for more information.

A cat that is usually calm can become very anxious during transportation. It is recommended to use a cat carrier that is both secure and well-ventilated. The ideal carrier should have an opening at the top and at one end to make it easier to remove a frightened cat.