Socialising your kitten

 Because the socialisation period for kittens happens so early at around 4 to 9 weeks you really need to put in some time with them to lay the foundations of good behaviour straight away. Here are some of things you should be doing.

Handling and cuddling

Now is the time to get your kitten used to people, other pets and being picked up and cuddled. It is during this time that your kitten will get used to interacting with people and if you want your kitten to be a lap snugger, now is the time to get it used to this. Make sure you touch and rub them all over, touch their paws, simulate giving them a tablet and play with them to get them used to being handled when they are older.

Kittens have a tendency to latch onto you with their claws. They need to learn how to retract their claws and you can teach them by simply holding them onto your body. If they dig their claws in just hold them away from your body for a short time and then bring them back onto your body. If you do this several times a day they soon learn not to dig their claws into you or your clothes.

Getting them used to a cat carrier

Ever noticed that when you pull the cat carrier out the cat seems to disappear! The cat carrier usually only comes out when a visit to the vet is required which with the added car trip can be stressful for your cat. No wonder you can't find your cat and even when captured after a chase around the house, placement into the carrier can require all sorts of contortions.

Getting your kitten used to the cat carrier during this critical period is the key. You can do this by playing with the kitten around and inside the carrier by throwing toys inside and around the carrier. You can even try feeding the kitten inside the carrier or place it's favourite sleeping blanket inside the carrier.

Driving them around

Although cats don't usually go on road trips, getting your kitten used to the driving experience will make for far more pleasant trips to the vet and it will be much less stressful for your kitten. Once used to the cat carrier try some short trips around the block and once that is going well progress onto some longer trips.

Vaccinating your kitten

The vaccination protocol for your kitten will vary depending on whether you plan to keep them as an inside cat, or an indoor and outdoor cat. If your cat will be going outside it can be at risk of contracting Feline AIDS, an immunodeficiency disorder caused by infection with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). This infection is mostly spread when your cat is bitten by an infected unvaccinated cat. 

Vaccination protocols are:

Indoor cats

• 6-8 weeks Feline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus & Calicivirus
• 10-12 weeks Feline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus & Calicivirus
• 14-16 weeks Feline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus & Calicivirus
• ADULTS: Annual boosters for life.

Outdoor cats

• 6-8 weeks Feline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus & Calicivirus
• 10-12 weeks Feline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus & Calicivirus & Feline AIDS
• 2 weeks after 2nd Vaccination Feline AIDS booster
• 14-16 weeksFeline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus & Calicivirus & Feline AIDS
• ADULTS: Annual boosters for life.

Parasite Control

Worming

Intestinal worms are common in both kittens and cats, so worming should be be a regular part of health care for your new kitten. Many worms are not visible to the naked eye and worms can be transmitted to humans, so worming tablets should given regardless of whether worms are seen in the faeces.

Worms such as roundworm can be transmitted from cats to humans and they are a significant hazard to human health and can cause loss of eyesight in children. Ask us about an all wormer suitable for your new kitten.

Flea Control

No-one wants a flea infestation and a new kitten may be the source of fleas or flea eggs that will then lead to a flea problem on your property. Fleas are almost impossible to see on a pet. It is recommended to use a regular topical flea treatment to control and ultimately break the flea life cycle. This will ensure that your property remains flea free. Remember that all pets in the household need to be treated and simple effective monthly treatments are now available.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted between cats by mosquitoes. Treatment for the disease is very expensive and not always successful. Prevention is a much better course of action and is not expensive. Monthly topical applications just behind the neck provide protection and most products also protect against fleas as well.

Desexing your kitten

We recommend that all pets other than those intended for breeding are desexed as adolescents and before they develop mating behaviours. Desexed kittens are far less likely to roam and fight or develop undesirable behaviours such as spraying. Geraldton has a large population of feral cats that harbour diseases which can be transmitted by fighting. Desexing also greatly reduces the incidence of illnesses such as mammary tumours. There is no medical or social advantage in letting a cat have kittens before being desexed.

The best age for desexing your new kitten is between 6 to 12 months of age, ideally before first heat.

Feeding your kitten

Kittens grow so fast in the first 12 months so you need to give them the very best nutritional start to ensure healthy development. Our nurses can give you specific advice on feeding your new kitten and we also supply age based quality foods that ensure all your kitten's nutritional needs are met. A good diet is the foundation to a long and healthy life for your pet.

Checklist for your kitten

Here is a quick list of essential items you will need for your new kitten.