Owning a kitten can be one of the great joys in life. Their cuteness, playfulness and natural curiosity can remind us of our own childhood and the hunger for new experience that epitomised that time.
Choosing to take on a new kitten is not only a great joy, but a great responsibility too. You have committed to complete care of another living being for up to, and in a few cases over, 20 years. Here is how we think you should navigate them through the first one.
Before Buying Your Kitten... Consider if you have the time and love to give in your life as well as the suitability of a cat to your lifestyle, both now and for the next 20 years.
Speak to the breeder, pet shop or shelter organisation about the kitten’s history and care up to this point. Be sure to ascertain · The kitten’s vaccination status. · If any worming treatments have been given · Diet the kitten has been fed until now · If they have been microchipped · The kitten’s exact date of birth (or as near as possible)
Veterinary Care Plan for your Kitten KITTEN’S AGENEED 6 Weeks Health Check, 1st Vaccination, Worm 8 Weeks Worm, 1st Vaccination (if not already done) 10 Weeks Health Check, 2nd Vaccination, Worm 12 Weeks Worm, 2nd Vaccination (if not already done) 4 Months Worm 5 Months Worm 6 Months De-sexing operation, Worm 9 Months Worm 12 Months Worm 15 Months Health Check, Initial Adult Vaccination, Worm
Vaccination: F3 - Cat Flu Vaccine
Kittens should receive a course of 2 vaccines, 4-6 weeks apart.
A booster should be given 1 year after the initial kitten course.
Cats should receive an F3 vaccine once a year after that.
F4 - Cat Flu + Chlamydia Vaccine
Recommended above F3 only for cats that are in households with large numbers of cats. OR
For cats that have had the F4 vaccine in the past with no side effects.
FIV Vaccination
Recommended for cats who have a history of fighting with other cats. OR
For cats who spend a considerable time outdoors and live in a town setting. (Cooma, Jindabyne or Berridale)
NOT recommended for indoor only cats unless in contact with a known carrier.
Feline Leukaemia Vaccination
Not generally recommended for cats in our district
Used in some cats in contact with known carriers of the disease
Worming: All-wormer should be given every to a kitten every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old. Then every month until 6 months old.
Microchipping: We recommend all dogs are implanted with microchips. In keeping with state legislation but, as importantly, to ensure the best chance of recovery of your beloved cat if he or she were ever lost.
Desexing: We recommend all cats are neutered or spayed at around 6 months of age, unless owners intend to breed with them. This recommendation is positive both for the health of the individual animal, as well as for our community in which unwanted and uncared for cats can be a safety and animal welfare issue.
Fleas and Ticks: For cats that spend their entire time in this region, there is generally no reason to routinely use preventative measures against fleas or ticks.
Cats that travel from the region to flea or paralysis tick endemic areas should receive a treatment for prevention before they travel.
Feeding and Dental Care: Cats should be offered raw meaty bones that are size appropriate 1-2 times per week to prevent dental disease. Our veterinarians recommend a complete diet that is based on higher protein levels than most "cat food". Raw meat with the addition of Vet's All Natural Complete Mix , or a home made recipeHome Made Recipe Cats are far more suitable diets for most cats.
