Adopting a new kitten can be a fun and exciting time, not only for you, but for your new feline friend as well. Just as a human baby has vastly different needs than a teenager, your kitten will have unique care requirements until they grow to become a fully matured cat. At 911 VETS in Los Angeles, our veterinary professionals believe that with proper care and training, your kitten will grow up to live a long and healthy life. If you recently adopted a kitten, or are considering adopting one in the near future, try to incorporate the tips and tricks below as soon as you bring your little furball home.

Feed Your Kitty Right

Depending on the age of your kitten, their dietary needs and requirements may need to change as they gradually develop. Kittens that are under eight weeks of age typically still need to receive nutrients from their mother’s milk, if possible. Kittens that are between eight weeks and two months of age should be fed high quality, protein-filled cat food to ensure they receive the sufficient amount of calories and nutrients. If you’re unsure of the best type of food to feed your kitten, ask your local veterinarian for recommendations.

Schedule Vaccinations For Your Kitten

Most veterinarians recommend vaccinations to keep your kitten healthy. At 911 VETS in Los Angeles, we offer a variety of mobile veterinary services including vaccinations for your cat and dog. While there are many vaccinations available for kittens and cats, below are some of the most common.

Feline Panleukopenia

Also known as FPV, the feline panleukopenia virus is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease among cats. This virus has a negative effect on a cat’s blood cells found in the intestinal tract and can open the body up to viral and bacterial infections. This popular feline parvovirus has been known to cause fever, dehydration and diarrhea among kittens and cats alike. Kittens that are between two to six months of age are at a very high risk for developing this severe disease. Symptoms can include vomiting, weight loss, high fever and anemia.

Feline Calicivirus

Most often responsible for a variety of upper respiratory infections in cats, feline calicivirus is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats. Typically seen in shelters and multicat facilities, this vaccination can be administered as early as six weeks and should be repeated in three to four week intervals until your kitten is at least sixteen weeks of age. If you need a mobile veterinary service to come to your home to administer vaccinations to your kitten, contact 911 VETS in Los Angeles today!

Feline Rabies
As one of the most common feline diseases, rabies is an inflammatory infection that directly affects the central nervous system of your cat. Once this dangerous virus enters your cat’s body, it can quickly spread among various nerve fibers in your cat’s system. Often transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies can lead to fever, seizures and paralysis.

Bordetellosis
Bordetellosis is a very contagious bacterial disease that can affect the upper respiratory tract of your kitten. Easily spread in kennels and cat shelters, this disease is most severe in young kittens less than six weeks of age. Common symptoms associated with bordetellosis can include lethargy, sneezing and difficulty breathing. If you’re concerned your kitten may have this virus, contact the veterinarians at 911 VETS in Los Angeles today.

Find A Local Veterinarian

In order to ensure your kitten’s life is a healthy one, find a local veterinarian you can trust to bring your kitten to for vaccinations and checkups. If you don’t have a veterinarian in mind, ask the cat shelter where you adopted your kitty if they have any recommendations. A great vet will be able to give you plenty of kitten care advice and will be able to answer any of your kitten questions on the spot. If you live near Los Angeles and need a mobile vet to come to your home to perform a checkup or to administer kitten vaccinations, contact the cat lovers at 911 VETS in Los Angeles today!

Play With Your Kitty

Once your veterinarian has confirmed your kitten is free of disease and parasites, it’s safe to let your furry feline explore their new home and surroundings. Once your kitty becomes comfortable in their new environment, try to make a point to play with your kitten at least once a day. There are a variety of cat toys, scratching posts and kitty enclosures to help keep your cat entertained and happy. This will not only help you form a strong emotional bond with your cat, it’ll give you an opportunity to learn more about your cat’s personality and play style.

If you’re looking for a mobile veterinary service in Los Angeles, contact the veterinarians at 911 VETS today!