Keeping A Kitten Healthy

Have you recently adopted a kitten? It’s probably safe to say that little Fluffy has already charmed the socks off of you. Baby cats are ridiculously cute. However, they are also very tiny and fragile, and need lots and lots of TLC. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO animal clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet offers some advice on keeping little Fluffy happy and healthy.

Good Food

Little Fluffy is going to go through a pretty big growth spurt this year, so it’s important to make sure her body has all the fuel it needs. Offer her a high-quality, kitten formula pet food. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Proper Litterbox Setup

Down the road, you can use any litter you like. However, avoid clay and clumping litters for now. Kittens can sometimes accidentally ingest litter as they are figuring out how to be a cat. These litters can cause serious, and potentially fatal, intestinal blockages if ingested.

Petproofing

It’s a good thing little Fluffy is cute, because she can be a handful. Your tiny feline pal will spend most of the next year trying to master her hunting skills. She’ll be practicing on anything and everything within paws’ reach. That can be quite dangerous! Ask your vet for petproofing tips.

Watchful Eye

Part of kitten parenting is really just paying close attention to little Fluffy. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to rescue the furball from the top of your dresser, or pluck her from your drapes or curtains. Keep an eye on your furry buddy! Kittens can slip into tiny spaces, which makes it very easy for them to get stuck or stepped on. Check beneath blankets, cushions, and recliners before sitting down.

Veterinary Care

Your fuzzy buddy will need to come in a few times during that first year. In addition to her initial exams, vaccines, and parasite control, little Fluffy will need to be microchipped and spayed or neutered.

Love

Little Fluffy’s emotional well-being has a huge effect on her physical health. Kittens love and need to feel safe and cared for. Pay lots of attention to your pint-sized buddy, and let her snooze on your lap sometimes.

Here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet serving Louisville and surrounding areas, we love watching kittens grow into happy, healthy adult cats. Call us anytime!