Your new kitten is the best entertainment around. His antics will keep you smiling for hours. In addition to keeping you and him occupied, playing is a key part in the development of young kitten, both psychologically and physically. The growth and development during the first year is astounding. We want to do what we can to ensure he gets the best start possible.

Nutrition

The first step is to start your kitten with good nutrition. Kitten diets are formulated to help your kitty grow to his full potential more easily than adult formulas allow. A wide variety of diets are available. The best is a good quality diet that you can offer consistently and that your kitten grows well on.

Examinations and Vaccinations

Think of your kitten as growing from a newborn to an eighteen or twenty year old adult during her first year. That is very rapid development! It’s important to examine him frequently during his rapid growth phase from two to four months to detect if any problems are occurring.

Vaccinations help protect our pets from several infectious diseases. They need to be administered to an immune system that is ready to respond. This can vary from kitten to kitten. Frequent immunization during the rapid growth phase ensures proper introduction of vaccine to the immune system

Parasites

There are many creatures that act as parasites for our pets. Young kittens frequently have a more difficult time resisting them and can suffer dramatically from their effects. It is important to start parasite control early and continue for the life of your cat.

Intestinal worms are often passed from the queen to the kittens while nursing. They can become feeding adults in the intestine in as little as four weeks. In addition to causing blood loss, they can make your kitten more susceptible to intestinal viruses. Round worms and hookworms can even infest people in some circumstances.

Heartworms are a devastating parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Cats can be infected with the heartworm parasite. It causes more severe lung disease than in dogs and is more difficult to treat succesfully. Monthly heartworm prevention started early can protect your kitten.

Fleas and ticks are more than just nuisances. A very severe case of fleas can cause life threatening anemia. Ticks can carry very severe diseases. We think of these parasites as a warm weather problem but our increasingly mild winters have allowed even ticks to feed in January and February.

Dental Care

Right now your kitten has some of the sharpest teeth in the universe. Why? They just do. Although sharp they are not very strong. If a tooth is broken it should be examined as soon as possible. It may require extraction to prevent infection that might damage the permanent tooth bud.

Now is a great time to teach your kitten to allow handling of his mouth and toothbrushing. Some kitties take to it right away but many require patience and a gradual build up to brushing.

Behavior

Kittens have a lot to learn. They generally learn to use a litter pan very easily. If there are multiple cats in the house there can be some litter box problems. Getting them diagnosed and corrected early can help prevent undesirable behaviors from becoming more firmly established.

Kittens love to play. It is very important for their development. Make sure they have ample opportunities for appropriate play in a safe environment.

Spaying and Neutering

There are millions of unwanted pets in the U.S. and many of them are destroyed every year, but you can help by making sure your pet doesn't contribute to the problem. Keep in mind that many pets are surrendered to shelters and animal control facilities for behavioral problems. Early training can help minimize those surrenders.

Neutering males assures they can't sire unwanted litters. It also reduces the tendency for urine marking and can protect against testicular cancer.

Spaying females prevents unwanted pregnancies and the changes in behavior that come with heat cycles. Early spaying can dramatically reduce the risk of mammary cancer. It also eliminates uterine tumors and infections.

It is true that neutered males and females can gain weight more easily. Paying attention to exercise, body weight and feeding can keep them at a lean, healthy weight.