Your New Kitten

Their health needs:

Make an appointment with your local vets for a check-up as soon as possible.
Consider a Veterinary Care Plan which will cover you for regular and unexpected medical expenses.
Arrange for your kitten to have vaccinations at the earliest opportunity, your local vet will advise you on when that should be.

Vaccinations are a very important part of your kitten's early life.

Kittens should be wormed at 4-6 weeks old and frequently throughout their life (more information here). Fleas and ear mites are also potential problems and your local vet can advise you on products to prevent and treat those problems.
Both male and female cats should ideally be neutered at around 5-6 months old, your local vet can give you advice on when will be the best time.

What Vaccinations does my kitten/cat need?

Kittens require a vaccination against potentially fatal diseases. This consists of 2 vaccinations done 3 - 4 weeks apart. Your kitten will then need a booster vaccination each year.

Do not let your kitten come into contact with any other cats until a week after their second vaccination. Carry your kitten in a secure pet carrier when visiting the vet.

Worming

The most effective type of wormer can be bought from your vet and will kill all types of worms. Some of these worms can be harmful to people so it is important to worm them regularly throughout their lives.

When should I worm?

Kittens & Junior cats (under 6 months of age) - every month until the age of 6 months.

Adult cats – every 3 months

(all the above is dependant on the worming product used, please check with a member of staff)

Fleas

Fleas are commonly found on both dogs and cats. It is important to use flea prevention all year. The only effective way of preventing fleas is to use a product that actually kills fleas. These can only be purchased from your vet. Flea shampoos, collars etc can not offer very effective protection.

There are different types of products and some last for 1 month and others for 2 months. Check with your vet how often you will need to apply the product you purchase. It is very important that all animals in the house are treated on a regular basis. If fleas are found on the animal then the house must be treated as well as 95% of the fleas will be in the house not on the animals.

Their environment:

Moving to a new home can be stressful, give them reassurance and time to adjust to their new surroundings before you introduce new people or other animals.
Prepare your home before they arrive; make sure they have somewhere to sleep, food and water bowls and plenty of toys.
Place their litter tray in a quiet environment, away from their food and drink, show them where it is and if they look like they are about to go to the toilet elsewhere guide them to the tray.
Keep the litter tray clean and empty it regularly, using only hot water and a gentle detergent to clean it.
You should not allow your kitten outside for at least a week after finishing their vaccinations and do not allow your kitten outside alone until they have been neutered.

Their diet:

Feed them the diet they are used to, introduce new food gradually and remember that kittens have small stomachs and should only be fed little and often.
Always make sure that fresh water is available, never give them milk.

Their security:

Fit a collar with some kind of identification and make sure it is a quick release collar.
Microchipping your kitten is advisable and can be carried out by your local vet.
Kittens like small, dark and quiet spaces so if they go missing check cupboards, sheds etc. and keep washing machine and tumble dryer doors closed.
Call your local Island Veterinary practice for more information on vaccinations for your kitten/cat and for any other health care advice for your cat.