Your New Kitten
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Over the next year your kitten will go through many changes both physical and emotional and you will probably have lots of questions about his or her wellbeing and care.
This article attempts to answer your most common concerns but if you do have any further queries at all please feel free to contact us at the clinic on ph 09 524 8361
Vaccinations
Your kitten’s initial vaccination course gives protection against the two respiratory viruses associated with cat flu – Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus as well as Panleukopenia (a virus that causes severe diarrhea and death) Vaccinations are required at nine and twelve weeks of age. (Often kittens have also been vaccinated at six weeks of age) A booster every 1-3 years is required. (All catteries require an annual booster)
Worming
It is very important that your pet is wormed regularly for their health and also for yours. Worm burdens are greatest in younger animals where they are passed in the mother’s milk and across the placenta. At Abbotts Way we recommend the following worming regime for your kitten:
Every two weeks until twelve weeks of age
Every month from three to six months of age
Every three months thereafter.
We recommend Drontal or Endogaurd which cover both roundworms and tapeworms. Alternatively there is the option of using a combined flea and worm treatment such as Advantage Multi or Revolution. Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable treatment for your kitten.
Neutering
Neutering is important to reduce roaming, fighting nd urine marking. Fighting may result in infections/abscesses or more seriously contraction of the Feline Aids Virus which is ultimately fatal.
It also removes the possibility of unwanted kittens and so helps to keep the feral cat population under control. We recommend neutering at 5-6 months of age
Micro-chipping
A micro-chip is a tiny device that is implanted under your cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. It has a unique serial number that is linked to your pet’s details on the national database. If your pet is injured or lost it will automatically be scanned and you will be contacted.
Microchipping is generally painless and can be performed during a normal consultation. Many owners opt to have their pet microchipped at the time of neutering.
Flea Treatment
Fleas are the major cause of skin disease in cats and dogs. It is thus vital to keep your kitten flea free. Because of Auckland’s warm humid climate fleas are an issue year round, not just over the warmer months, so it is important that your new kitten is treated each month
We recommend using either Advantage, Frontline, or Revolution. All of these products can be used safely from 8 weeks of age.
Each of these products has its particular advantages so please ask your veterinarian or one of our qualified veterinary nurses for advice on which product would be suitable for your kitten.
Diet
A good quality growth diet is essential for the health and well-being of your new kitten. Kittens undergo very rapid growth and many changes in that first year of life so it is important that they are fed a highly digestible, nutrient dense, balanced formulation.
We recommend feeding one of the following premium brands: Eukanuba, Iams or Hills.
Our staff are happy to discuss your kitten’s individual dietary requirements with you and help you to choose an appropriate feeding plan.
Insurance
Advancements in veterinary medicine mean that a very high standard of care can be provided for your pet. Treatment can however prove costly especially in chronic conditions or if referral to a veterinary specialist is required.
Pet insurance works in a similar way to human health insurance, and removes the added worry of an expensive bill should your pet suffer a serious illness or injury.
There are a handful of pet insurance companies on the market providing policies of variable quality. We recommend insuring your animal with either Petplan or Pet-n-Sur (www.pet-n-sur.com) and this company is also endorsed by the SPCA.
Wellness Plans
Wellness plans are designed to maximise your kitten’s health though regular check ups and health screening. Kitten plans include vaccination, neutering and a 10% discount on all other services and products excluding food. Brochures are available at the front desk.
Helpful Websites
More detailed information on the care of your puppy is provided on our website: www.abbottswayvet.co.nz. Another helpful website is www.veterinarypartner.com. This is an American website that provides reliable information on animal health, and behaviour including training.