Have you recently adopted a kitten? You’ve just welcomed an adorable, furry, meowing bundle of chaos into your home. Little Fluffy will be a pretty easy keeper once she’s all grown up, but she can be a bit of a handful during that super-cute toddler stage. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet lists some things you can do to keep your little buddy safe.
First things first. You’ll need to do some kittyproofing. This is in many ways similar to the childproofing you would do with a human toddler. Remove or secure things like toxic plants, chemicals and medicine, small or sharp objects, and anything ropy or stringy. Plastic bags and ties are also unsafe. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Never underestimate the ability of a kitten to get into trouble. Little Fluffy will want to explore her entire kingdom and everything in it. Because baby cats are so small, they can easily fit into tiny spaces, such as spots under recliners or behind appliances. Keep an eye on your tiny pal’s whereabouts. Check beneath chairs and blankets before sitting down, and be prepared to pluck your little buddy off counters, drapes, and occasionally, your pants.
We can’t overstate how much safer indoor cats are than kitties who are allowed to roam. You’ll have a much easier time keeping your feline buddy indoors if she grows up that way. And while the Great Outdoors can be dangerous for any furball, kittens are particularly at risk, just because they are so small.
If you already have furry friends, you’ll need to keep a very close eye on them, especially at first. More often than not, dogs and cats are patient with kittens. However, there are always exceptions. Keep a close eye on your animal companions, especially as your furry friend is settling in.
Cats are in general, pretty hardy, but they are extremely fragile when they are young. Kittens can get sick very quickly. You’ll want to bring your little buddy in for her initial exams, vaccines, and parasite control products. Microchipping and spay/neuter surgery should also be on the agenda within the next few months. Your vet will be able to recommend an appointment schedule. At home, keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as fever, lethargy, vomiting, discharge, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. Contact us immediately if you spot anything out of the ordinary.
Do you have questions about kitten care? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today!
