If you recently welcomed a kitten into your family, there are many factors to consider to provide the best care possible, from pet vaccinations to what food you feed your new feline friend. Kittens require proper nutrition, exercise, and training. To help your new kitten grow and thrive, consider the following three tips to take care of your pet.

How to Care for Your Kitten

1. Learn About Preventative Care

A critical aspect of keeping your new kitten healthy is to discuss the recommended pet vaccinations with your veterinarian. While they can help you select the right pet vaccinations for your kitten’s specific needs, the most common ones administered are feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia (FVRCP), rabies, and feline leukemia (FeLV). Additionally, regular checkups with your veterinarian are advised to chart and evaluate your kitten’s growth and vitals.

2. Providing the Right Nutrition

Another factor that impacts the overall well-being of your kitten is what kind of food and how frequently you feed them. Kittens have higher activity levels and burn more energy than adult cats, which means they should be fed specially formulated kitten food until at least one year of age. Additionally, if you don’t leave food out for them, they should eat at least three to four times and always have plenty of fresh water available throughout the day.

3. Training & Reward System

To help your kitten get acclimated with their new home and learn the right habits you want to establish a training and reward system. While kittens typically use their litter boxes by instinct, you can still encourage this action by placing them in the box after meals or play sessions. When the kitten uses the litter box, make sure to provide plenty of verbal praise, affection, and treats.

If you want a veterinarian to help you take care of your new kitten, talk to the professionals at Avon Animal Hospital in Livingston County, NY. The veterinarians on staff provide a range of health services for your animals, from preventative medicine like pet vaccinations to surgical and emergency care. To learn more about how they can help your kitten thrive, visit them online or call (585) 226-6144 to schedule an appointment.