Congratulations. You’ve opened your home to an adorable new kitten. To give your new furry friend the best life possible, make sure all of her needs are sufficiently met. Although your veterinarian will offer more specific advice, here are some general kitten care rules to get you started. 

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your kitten from common illnesses, some of which can be life-threatening. The typical vaccination schedule for kittens entails vaccines for calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, and panleukopenia at 8 weeks, as well as testing for feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and parasites.

At 12 weeks, a kitten needs its first vaccine for rabies vaccine and boosters for panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus feline leukemia. 

When it comes to spaying and neutering, most kittens undergo the procedure at 4-6 months. 

Nutrition

Kittens grow rapidly during their first weeks of life, so proper nutrition is a must. They also prefer to eat multiple meals per day—up to four on any given day. Specially formulated kitten food contains all the nutrients a growing cat needs to be healthy. 

Playtime

Along with proper nutrition, playtime is also crucial for kittens. Play stimulates kittens mentally and physically and also prevents them from developing weight problems down the line. Look for toys that inspire your kitten’s hunting instinct, such as feathery ones and motorized mice. A laser pointer or flashlight is also a lot of fun for kittens. Providing your pet with many different forms of stimulation as they grow will help them stay happy and healthy as they age.

When choosing a veterinarian for your kitten, choose a vet who offers both knowledge and compassion. In Foley, AL, Animal Medical Center is beloved by pet owners for their kind and caring nature. This clinic offers wellness care, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and emergency service for urgent needs. They also provide state-of-the-art procedures, including laser therapy and ultrasound. Visit them online for the full list of their veterinary services. You can also call (251) 955-5900 for more information.