You and Your Newly Adopted Kitten
Congratulations on your tiny bundle of fluff and fun! Kittens are irresistibly adorable little lovebugs, and if this is your first time owning a kitten, you’re in for a world of whiskery mischief!
Your newly adopted kitten will provide plenty of entertainment, and it’s up to you to provide the care she needs to have a healthy start in life. At Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital, we pawsitively adore all of your fabulous felines, and we’re here with plenty of tips for what to do for a new kitten.
Keep Your New Kitten Comfy and Safe
Your tiny kitten is filled with curiosity, and she’ll want to explore every nook and cranny of her new home, but she needs to do so safely.
- Keep hazards like electrical cords, toxic plants, and household cleaners out of reach.
- Create a “safe space” in a quiet area with a comfy cat bed and her favorite toys.
- Keep a close watch on your newly adopted kitten’s interactions with small children and other pets.
- Create a routine early on. Cats are creatures of habit and feel more secure and confident when they have a predictable schedule.
Tips for Litter Box Success
Potty habits can quickly become a source of contention between cats and their families if things don’t start off on the right paw. If this is your first time owning a kitten, here are helpful hints for litter box success:
- One size does not fit all. A litter box with low sides is better for kittens.
- Place the litter box in a quiet area away from noisy appliances and away from her food dish. Consider placing a nightlight nearby if the area is dark.
- Show your kitten where the litter box is, and put her in it after she eats or drinks and whenever she wakes up from a nap. When your new kitten successfully uses the litter box, give her plenty of praise and a treat!
- Keep the litter box and the area around it clean.
When Should I Take My New Kitten to the Vet?
Your new kitten’s first wellness exam can be scheduled as soon as you bring her home. We will thoroughly examine your new kitten and answer your questions about kitten care. We recommend monthly visits until a kitten is 4-6 months old. During these visits, we’ll discuss (and sometimes perform) the following:
Immunizations: Kittens need a series of core vaccines to protect them from infectious diseases.
Nutritional Counseling: We can help take the guesswork out of feeding your new kitten and make sure she’s getting the nutrition she needs to grow.
Spay/Neuter Surgery: Spaying or neutering kittens is important to help curb the cat population and lower the incidence of certain cancers.
Microchipping: Microchipping should be done within the first few weeks after adoption.
Parasite Prevention: Even indoor cats need to be protected from fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
We’re Here to Help
There’s a lot to learn about caring for a new kitten, and that’s where we come in! Contact us to schedule your kitten’s first veterinary visit and get your questions answered.