Have you just adopted a kitten? Congratulations! Little Fluffy’s adorable toddler stage won’t last long, so you’ll really want to soak up every minute of those cute kitten antics. Getting a kitten isn’t all purrs and playtime, though. You’ve got some pet parenting ahead of you! A Chesapeake, VA vet offers some tips on autumn kitten care below.
Be Cautious With Trappings
Many people put out extra decorations in fall and winter. Many of those seasonal décor items can be dangerous to tiny furballs. String lights and garlands are strangulation and choking hazards. Any type of plastic wrapper or tie is also dangerous, as are small and sharp objects, candies and candy wrappers, and many seasonal plants. Candles and fireplaces are also big hazards.
Offer Warm Spots
Kittens love curling up in warm places. Make sure to offer your cute pet lots of comfy, cozy beds to snuggle up in. Just keep an eye on your little buddy’s whereabout. Baby cats can fit into some very small spaces, and they won’t make much of a lump under things like blankets or cushions.
Watch For Signs Of Sickness
Little Fluffy is quite small and fragile, and she can get sick very quickly. Keep a close eye out for warning signs. These may include things like fever, lethargy, respiratory distress, refusal to eat, and withdrawal. If you see anything off, don’t wait to see if it resolves. Call your vet right away.
Keep Little Fluffy Indoors
One of the best things that you can do for your fuzzy buddy is keep her inside. Cats are very vulnerable to a whole slew of threats, which range from predators to traffic to weather to, sadly, some human beings. Kittens are also more vulnerable to threats from raptors, such as eagles and owls. Play it safe, and teach your feline pal that she’s an indoor kitty from the start.
Provide Veterinary Care
In order to get Little Fluffy started out on the right paw in life, you’ll need to bring her in a few times in that first year. Vaccines, exams, parasite control, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping are all in order. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.
Take Lots Of Pictures
Last but not least, be sure to document this adorable stage of your furry pal’s life. Little Fluffy will be all grown up before you know it!
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Chesapeake, VAanimal clinic, today!
