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Your Complete Guide to Kitten Health: Health, Bonding, and Happiness

Bringing a kitten home as a pet is wonderful, no doubt. But it also comes with added responsibility as kitten care is one vital aspect that you cannot ignore.

The ways of taking care of a kitten vary depending on the age of your furry friend. Along with proper kitten health care, ensure that your furry friend gets timely check-ups and proper vaccinations.

Looking after a kitten would become easy as and when the kitten will start understanding you and develop a special bond with you. However, if you are still not confident about how to take care of a kitten, do visit a veterinarian for guidance.

Kitten Check Up

One of the primary things about taking care of a newborn cat is the timely kitten check-up. Make sure that you have a thorough conversation with your veterinarian about health check-ups, microchipping, worm and flea protection, vaccinations, neutering, and so on. 

If you feel that your kitten is uncomfortable or showing signs of distress or some kind of abnormal behaviour, seek consultation from the veterinarian at the earliest. Your vet will let you know if your furry friend is allergic or has any underlying health conditions. In such a case, you need to ensure that they receive proper treatment.

You should also ascertain that your fur baby is comfortable while undergoing vet checkups.

Kitten Health Care

While taking care of a kitten, check the following:

Kitten eyes

Check your kitten’s eyes for any kind of discharge. There should be no redness in the white part of the eyes. To examine your kitten’s eyes, you can pull down the lower eyelid. If your kitten’s eyes are red in colour or have unusual discharge, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

Kitten ears

Kitten ears are extremely cute. But both the kitten ears should be clean without any dirt or odour. Check the kitten ears closely for dark wax specifically as this might be an indication of ear infection or mites.

Kitten mouth & nose

Make sure that you check the nose of your kitty for any discharge or congestion. Also, check the gums to see if they are healthy and look out for ulcers or cavities. 

Kitten claws

In the first 4 weeks, non-retractable kitten claws are normal. Check for ringworms between the toes and the kitten claws. Trim the kitten claws from the 4th week. 

Kitten Vaccinations

Kitten vaccinations are an integral part of kitten care. With timely kitten vaccinations, your feline friend will be healthy and have complete protection. The following vaccines are vital for optimum kitten health:

  1. Kittens 6-8 weeks old need Feline Enteritis and Cat Flu + FIV
  2. Kittens 10-12 weeks old need Feline Enteritis and Cat Flu + FIV & Leukaemia
  3. Kittens 14-16 weeks old need Feline Enteritis and Cat Flu + FIV & Leukaemia

If you are extra protective about how to take care of a kitten, talk to your vet to see if your little friend needs any other vaccines. Adult cats need annual boosters of certain vaccines for maintenance. 

Consult Your Vet

If you are confused as to how to take care of a kitten in the initial days or looking for proper kitten care solutions, the best option is to consult your vet. As a professional, the vet is the best person to guide you in looking after a kitten and taking care of a kitten in every stage of its life. The vet will also guide on kitten health care and vaccinations.  

Another important aspect of kitten care that you must follow is to seek medical attention as soon as there is any problem with your furry friend. 

FAQs

How do you take care of a kitten for the first time?

First, keep the kitten as warm as possible. Provide adequate hydration and nutrition as per the vet’s recommendation. Make sure that the kitten is clean. It is best to consult a vet and take the necessary steps to take care of your kitty for the first time. 

Are kittens easy to take care of?

Kittens need a good amount of attention and care at least in the initial stage of their life. Visit a vet to know what exactly you need to do to have a healthy kitten. Get the vaccinations on time. 

What not to do with kittens?

You must never yell at your kitty or threaten it for any activity. Make sure that you don’t give any physical punishment as this would scare your fur baby. Instead, try training your kitty in a friendly manner. 

Should I cuddle a kitten?

Your fluffy baby is the happiest when you cuddle it regularly. This helps you in forming a strong bond with it. Moreover, the little munchkin feels loved and protected in your warm cuddle. 

Do kittens cry their first night?

It is normal for the fur babies to cry on their first night or a few more nights. It is because they are in a new environment. Warm up a blanket to make them feel warm and cosy and slowly they will start feeling comfortable and relaxed. 

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