Congratulations on your first kitten! To make sure you spend a happy and healthy life with your new pet, follow these tips from All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Las Vegas, NV.

First Wellness Exam

Kittens can look healthy and still have health issues. This is why it’s recommended you get your kitten checked out by a cat veterinarian within the first week of bringing it home. It’s good to bring a stool sample to check for worms.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect against the most common diseases that your kitten will be exposed to. It’s far less expensive to get your kitten vaccinated than to pay for vet treatment when he or she gets sick. During your kitten’s first wellness exam, you can set up a vaccine schedule. In Nevada, all kittens over three months old are legally required to have the rabies vaccine.

Spayed or Neutered Cats Live Longer

If you got your kitten from a shelter, then your kitten may already be spayed or neutered. If not, consider getting your kitten altered by your cat veterinarian. Many studies show that spayed or neutered cats live longer. For example, a major study in 2013 by Banfield Pets found that neutered male cats lived an average of 62% longer than cats left intact.

Litter Box Training

Most kittens get the hang of using the litter box quickly. However, they can still have accidents. If you find your kitten not using the litter box, just pick your kitten up and place it in the litter box. Make sure the litter box is scooped at least once a day and that it’s easy for your kitten to locate and get into. We can help if your kitten is having problems using the litter box consistently.

Never Give Human Medication

Most medications made for people will poison a kitten or full-grown cat. Keep your medication out of reach of your kitten. Make sure everyone in your household knows to keep medication behind closed cabinet doors. Only give medication prescribed by a cat hospital in Las Vegas or elsewhere.

We Know You Have Questions

You’re sure to have many questions about caring for your new kitten. If you live in the Las Vegas, NV area, contact All About Cats Veterinary Hospital at (702) 257-3222 to make an appointment today.