Bringing home a new kitten can be an exciting time in your family's life. We at Paducah Veterinary Clinic in Paducah, KY, want to be sure you and your new pet get off to the best start. Here is some advice for when you first bring home your new kitten.
Start with a Wellness Visit
Bring your new kitten in for a wellness visit soon after bringing him home. No matter where you got your lovable kitten, it may be important to have him checked for any underlying issues. A simple pet exam by our veterinarian is usually all that's needed at this young age. This is also the time to get your kitten's vaccinations taken care of and to get set up with a vaccinations schedule for the coming months and years. Once the pet exam is complete, we might have some routine care tips for you to consider back at home.
Routine Care for Your New Kitten
Kittens and cats can make fantastic pets. They tend to care for themselves more so than some other pets. Still, your new kitten will need some routine care. Your kitten will probably do quite a bit of self-grooming, but by brushing or combing your kitten, you can keep an eye on potential problems like dry skin, matting, or parasites. Early detection is key to all of these issues, and grooming your kitten gives you the chance to catch them early on. Ensure your kitten eats well by providing a tidy eating area. Looking into flea and tick prevention might be a good idea as well.
Structured Playtime
Kittens will get lots of exercise with natural playing, but you can help avoid behavioral issues down the line by setting up boundaries while your kitten is young. Make sure that playtime doesn't involve disruptive behaviors like jumping on curtains or clawing you or your family members. Structured playtime can be good at this young age to set good habits for adulthood.
We a Pet Exam, Routine Care, and Vaccinations from a Veterinarian on Our Veterinary Team
Be sure to get in touch with us at Paducah Veterinary Clinic in Paducah, KY, with any questions you may have regarding your new kitten. As your veterinarian, we're always happy to pass on what we know about kittens and cats and make sure you bring in your kitten on a regular basis for routine checkups as he grows. Call us at (270) 443-8835 for more information.