Kitten Veterinary Care

Congratulations on your new kitten! 

We just can’t wait to meet the cutest new furry member of your family!

All of us at Pet Wellness Animal Hospital are excited that you and your family have a new kitten.  A kitten can bring lots of love and good fun into your life.   As a kitten parent, you now have the responsibility for making sure your kitten’s needs are met.  We are here to partner with you throughout your kitten’s development into a healthy, happy member of the family!

Your first kitten visit at Pet Wellness Animal Hospital

Please bring your kitten in for a check-up as soon as possible after you receive him or her to establish a relationship with a veterinarian at Pet Wellness Animal Hospital.  Every breed of cat is susceptible to some genetically transmitted medical problems. Young kittens are more vulnerable than older animals and may suffer more from infections and parasites, and are more prone to accidental injury. Congenital abnormalities (birth defects) may surface at different stages of development. Kittens that have had inadequate or unknown medical care prior to finding a home with you may have pre-existing conditions that need to be addressed.

Kitten exams are important to assess the health of your kitten.  During your initial kitten visit, we will:

• perform a comprehensive physical exam to detect if your kitten has any health issues that need to be addressed
• discuss his or her immediate health care needs with you, and answer questions you may have about providing proper kitten care
• fecal testing as needed
• discuss a schedule of vaccinations that will best protect your new kitten 
• perform a dental evaluation
• address any questions or concerns you may have about diet and nutrition, normal behavior and development, socialization, and training including housebreaking
• recommend microchipping for your kitten

What to bring to your first kitten visit:

Please bring any health information you received when you picked up your kitten and a fresh stool sample.  And don’t forget your new kitten in a cat carrier!

At Home Dental Care 

Dental care is very important for your cat’s overall health, from birth to old age.   Kitten parents must start early to set a good dental care routine for your cat.  Kitten owners should start early so their kitten gets used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected.  By the time kitten teeth fall out around the age of 6 months, the kitten should be used to getting his or her teeth brushed regularly. Start slowly and gradually. Dip a finger into tuna fish juice and gently rub along your cat’s gums and teeth. The most important area to focus on is the gum line (the crevice where the gums meet the teeth), where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Focusing on the gum line, start at the front of the mouth, then move to the back upper and lower teeth and gum areas. 

Kitten-Proof Your House

Here are a few tips to “kitten proof” your house:

• Store harmful chemicals, electrical cords and objects that pose a choking risk in areas where your kitten cannot get to them. 
• Prevent access to medications, cleaning supplies, poisonous house plants, “people” food and the kitchen trash can.  
• Foods to avoid include chocolate and gum containing xylitol.  
• Prevent access to string, thread, yarn, ribbons and dental floss.  
• Tuck cords up and out of the way and tuck curtains up over their rods for a couple of months.  Kittens love to climb, and will not be able to get into additional trouble or tangled up on the drapery cords.
• Put away anything that a kitten might attempt to eat, such as potpourri scented with oils.
• Kittens are vulnerable and are prone to accidental injury. Please be alert to your kitten’s behavior and call us if you notice anything “not right”.

Call us if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Signs that the kitten has swallowed something poisonous such as mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, seizures, or fever
• Bleeding that can’t be stopped
• Difficulty breathing
• Unconsciousness or lethargy
• Staggering or seizures
• Blood in urine or feces
• Defecating more than twice in an hour, or straining in the litter box with no results
• Repeat  vomiting in a short time or diarrhea with vomiting
• Signs of pain, such as swelling or inability to use his/her leg