Health

Vaccinations

It is important for your kitten’s health and well being that they are vaccinated. Usually, first vaccinations are usually at 8 -9 weeks with a second at 12 weeks. You should discuss your kitten’s vaccination programme with your vet.

Dental

Good oral health is essential to your kitten’s overall health and wellbeing. Buy a toothbrush and paste specially formulated for animals. Do not use human toothpaste as the white froth created when brushing can cause kittens to panic and may also irritate their stomach if swallowed. Not all kittens will allow their owners to brush their teeth. If it causes you or your kitten distress there are other alternatives to keep your kitten’s teeth in tip top condition. Feeding a nutritional dry food such as those recommended in our Nutrition Centre, helps to keep teeth clean, gums firm and breath fresh. There are also a variety of dental treats that can aid the elimination of tartar build up and bad breath.

Bathing

Bathing kittens is not necessary but if your kitten is very dirty it will do no harm. Do not bathe too frequently as it destroys the natural oils in the fur and causes dry flaking skin. If you do choose to bathe your kitten chose a mild shampoo that has been specially formulated for kittens.

Bathing wipes are favoured by many cat owners as the cleaning process is much quicker, simpler and less stressful for both you and your pet.

Click here for cat cleaning products

Worming

There are several types of worms that can live in your kitten’s stomach and intestine but the roundworm is the biggest threat. Most worming treatments recommend that you treat your kitten for worms every 2 weeks from 3 -12 weeks of age and then every 4 weeks from 12 weeks – 6 months.

The easiest way to treat your kitten for worms is to mix the treatment in with their food. Syrups and granules are both great for this.

Click here for cat worming products

Fleas

Fleas bite and feed on a kitten’s blood causing itching and irritation that can lead to medical problems. There are a number of ways you can effectively treat your kitten for fleas without resorting to the vets:-

• Flea drops are the most effective preventative treatment. A small amount of liquid dropped onto your kitten’s neck will kill all fleas on contact, breaking the lifecycle. Drops are suitable for kittens from 12 weeks of age.
• Flea tablets are an oral treatment that kill all fleas when they bite after just 15 minutes of administering. They are suitable for kittens over 4 weeks of age.
• Powders are effective if used frequently and worked through the coat thoroughly. They can be used on kittens from 12 weeks of age.
• Sprays are effective for killing fleas but don’t target ticks. Sprays are suitable for kittens over 12 weeks.

Tip - Don’t forget to treat your kitten’s bedding for fleas too. Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) sprays are the most effective as they kill fleas before they hatch.

Click here for cat flea products

Responsible Ownership

Queens come into season at around 6 months of age. They may start to call and you will notice a change in behaviour. These seasons last 4 – 5 days and will be repeated every 3 weeks from April to September if the cat or kitten is not mated. If your kitten disappears for several days, there is a very good chance it will be pregnant on its return. Unless you want to breed from them, it is better to have kittens spayed at about 6 months. Toms reach puberty at around 6 months and will begin to spray around the house and garden. Again it will be better to have them neutered at the first opportunity, usually around 6 months. Ask your vet for advice.