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Bringing a kitten home is an exciting time. Your new addition will require special care to facilitate a smooth transition into the house and give them a healthy start to their life. Here are a few pet care tips so that you can provide your new four-legged family member what they need.

Essential Kitten Pet Care Tips

1. Start Small

Taking small steps will keep them from getting overwhelmed or stressed. Keep your kitten in the carrier on the drive home, and carry them inside it. Choose a quiet starter room so that they can get used to the house at their own pace. Place the carrier in this room and allow them to explore it. Give them a litter box, scratching post, toys, food, water, and a bed.

Give them time to explore; once they seem comfortable in the space, open the door and let them venture into the rest of the house. Let them meet each family member one by one, and wait to have them meet other pets only after they seem comfortable in their surroundings.

2.  Socialize Them

pet careThe weeks after you bring them home are a critical time in socialization. Get them used to different experiences and creatures. This helps them interact safely with others and be confident in their environment. Have them meet people of all types, such as children, seniors, and people with sunglasses or beards. Introduce them to other animals, like cats and dogs. Schedule play dates with animals you know and trust or sign them up for a kitten socialization class.

3. Visit the Vet

Kittens will need more intensive veterinarian care than adult cats. They’ll require rabies, distemper, and leukemia shots at around eight weeks old. They’ll also need booster shots and other vaccinations throughout their first year. Avoid exposing them to unsafe environments where they may have contact with an unvaccinated cat’s urine or feces. Your vet will also check for intestinal parasites and worms. They may also recommend preventative medications for fleas and heartworm.

 

Working with a quality vet is the best way to ensure your kitten’s health and happiness. For three decades, Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic in Hawaii has provided pet care for families in their community. They’ll handle everything your feline family member needs, from general wellness checkups to neutering and spaying. They also offer extended weekday hours to accommodate busy work schedules. View their services online, or call (808) 625-6744 to schedule your kitten’s first appointment.

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