Kitten Care: The First Three Months
There’s something undeniably special about kittens; maybe it’s the large and inquisitive eyes, or the precious and tiny paws, or the little tails that continually twitch in the excitement of exploring a new environment. Taking care of a kitten is an exercise in playfulness and delight, to be sure.
Of course, caring for any new pet comes with a laundry list of tasks and responsibilities, and kitten care is no different. Let your team at Cat Care of Vinings walk you through everything you need to know to take the best care of and bond with your furry bundle of joy.
Know Thy Kitten
An important aspect of new kitten care is to understand the fundamental nature of your precious new kitty! All cats have their own distinct personalities, of course, but cats differ from dogs and other pets in important ways:
- Cats are not pack animals by nature, and even the friendliest cat will probably be more independent than a dog
- Cats are creatures of habit, and may take awhile to adjust to a change in routine or household dynamics
- Cats are intelligent, playful, and curious and require mental and physical stimulation in the form of toys, games, and activities throughout their lives
- Cats are generally more territorial than dogs and other pets
That being said, now it’s time to set the stage for…
The Purrrfect Environment
- Scratching is a natural urge for all cats; it’s a way for them to mark territory as well as in important form of exercise and stress release. Make sure your new kitten has plenty of safe scratching surfaces available
- Your kitten’s litter box should be located in a quiet but easily accessible spot in the home, and should be cleaned daily and washed weekly
- Hiding spots and solitude are important to cats, and easy to provide in the form of an out of the way shelf, platform, or cat tree. Cats and kittens should also have access to a quiet hiding spot
A Beginner’s Guide To Kitten Care
Get your kitten ready for a lifetime of fun and good health with our tips:
- Vet visits – Bring your kitten in to see us as soon as possible after he or she comes home so we can get started on a vaccination and parasite preventive schedule, de-worming, perform an overall wellness examination, and discuss spaying/neutering.
- Food – A high quality food formulated especially for kittens is essential to their proper growth and overall health. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss the right amount and feeding schedule that will work best for your new pet.
- Socialization – Proper socialization is a critically important part of kitten care! By exposing your kitten to as many new people and routines as possible, as well as making sure to pet, snuggle, groom, and generally handle frequently you will help to set the stage for a well-balanced and friendly adult cat.
- Exploration and play – Boredom in pets can lead to depression, anxiety, and destructive acting out. Don’t forget to provide your kitten with plenty of opportunities for play and adventure each day.
Developing a relationship with our patients and their families is important to us at Cat Care of Vinings, and we can’t wait to meet your newest addition!
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I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)