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Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health
Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health-mob

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Raising a Healthy Kitten: The Ultimate Guide to Kitten Care

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A newborn cat brings endless love and laughter to any household. However, as a new kitten parent, it is important to understand that caring for a kitten is not just about feeding and playing with them. Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it is important to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Regular grooming, vaccination, and preventive care are essential in keeping your kitten healthy and free from diseases. This guide will give you all the information you need to raise a healthy kitten and ensure that it grows into a happy and healthy adult cat.

 

Requirements for keeping your kitten in good health

  1. Keep your kitten clean: Regular grooming and bathing will help keep your kitten's coat shiny and free of parasites. Use a mild shampoo and do not forget to dry its coat thoroughly after a bath. This will help remove dirt and debris from the coat and prevent skin infections.
  2. Provide adequate nutrients: Kittens have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to provide them with high-quality kitten food that meets their nutritional requirements. Kitten food is formulated to give them the essential nutrients they need during their growth stage.
  3. Provide socialization: Kittens are social creatures, and it's important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to interact with other cats and humans. This will help them develop their social skills and prevent any behavioural issues in the future.
  4. Take preventive measures against diseases: Regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and preventative care will help keep your kitten healthy and free from diseases. By staying up to date with your kitty’s vaccinations, you can keep serious and fatal diseases at bay.

 

Kitten development milestones

Check out the below table to understand how a cat develops with time:

Age

Milestone

5 to 6 months old

Sexual maturity

8 months old

Full set of adult teeth

9 months old

Comparable digestion ability to adult

12 months old (female) and 18 months old (male)

Reach adult body weight

Between 10 to 12 months of age

Energy requirements go down to adult levels

Want to know how old your cat is in human years? Check out the below table and find out:

Life stageCat ageCat age in human years
Kitten0 to 1 month old0 to 1 years old
2 months old2 years old
3 months old4 years old
4 months old6 years old
5 months old8 years old
6 months old10 years old
Junior7 months old12 years old
12 months old15 years old
18 months old21 years old
2 years old24 years old
Adult3 years old28 years old
4 years old32 years old
5 years old36 years old
6 years old40 years old
Mature7 years old44 years old
8 years old48 years old
9 years old52 years old
10 years old56 years old
Senior11 years old60 years old
12 years old64 years old
13 years old68 years old
14 years old72 years old
Super senior15 years old76 years old
16 years old80 years old
17 years old84 years old
18 years old88 years old
19 years old92 years old
20 years old96 years old
21 years old100 years old
22 years old104 years old
23 years old108 years old
24 years old112 years old
25 years old116 years old

 

Checklist for your kitten's body conditions

 

  1. Ears: Check for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge
  2. Eyes: Look for any signs of discharge or cloudiness
  3. Nose: Check for any signs of discharge or congestion
  4. Mouth: Look for any signs of inflammation or infection
  5. Skin and Coat: Check for any signs of parasites, such as fleas or ticks
  6. Nails: Check for any signs of overgrowth or cracking
  7. Attitude: Look for any signs of lethargy or depression
  8. Digestion: Watch for any signs of constipation or diarrhoea
  9. Thirst: Make sure your kitten is drinking enough water

In conclusion, raising a healthy kitten requires a lot of care and attention, but with the right knowledge and commitment, you can ensure that your kitten grows into a happy and healthy adult cat. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to seek advice or guidance. With the right care and love, your kitten will bring you years of joy and companionship.

Frequently asked questions

  1. How do I know my kitten is healthy?
  2. Signs of a healthy kitten include clear eyes, a clean coat, and a healthy appetite. It should also have a high-energy level to stay active. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also ensure your kitten is in good health.

  3. How do I keep my kitten healthy?
  4. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition and exercise as well as keeping up with vaccinations and preventative care are important for maintaining your kitten's health.

  5. What health problems do kitten have?
  6. Kittens can be susceptible to a variety of health issues, including upper respiratory infections, worms, as well as flea and tick infestations. They can also develop chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease later in life.

  7. Do kittens get sick easily?
  8. Kittens are vulnerable to a variety of health issues, but with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, they can stay healthy.

  9. Is it required for kittens do drink a lot of water?
  10. Kittens do need to drink water to stay hydrated, but the exact amount will vary depending on factors such as their age, size, and activity level. Consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health
Kitten Basics: How to Keep Your Kitten in Good Health
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    Importance of Cat Care

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    Cats are known to be solitary creatures and enjoy spending time with themselves. However, as a pet parent, you must ensure that your cat remains healthy. It is advisable to keep an eye on your cat’s behavior to detect a sudden change, even what it eats, and in how much quantity. A regular health checkup is one of the most basic yet essential steps to a cat/kitty care guide. Taking care of cats is comparatively easier than taking care of kittens. A diligently followed routine for cat care can also be quite helpful. 
     

    Do's & Don'ts Every Cat Parent Should Know:

    • Medical care - Adult cats should be taken to the vet for a complete checkup at least once a year. This will ensure that your cat is in good health and will also catch any disease symptom overlooked by you. 
    • Hygiene - Cats usually lick and clean themselves, but it is always advisable to bathe your cat every 4-6 weeks. Their crates should also be cleaned regularly to make sure they do not fall sick. 
    • Feeding – Till the time your kitten is four months old, it can be fed three times a day. Post four months, you can begin the transition to feeding it twice a day. It is still advisable to consult a vet before deciding the frequency of the meals. 
    • Dental care - Your cat’s dental care is just as important as yours. It is advisable to set a dental care routine right from its kitten phase. You can dip your gloved finger in a little toothpaste made for cats in its mouth to clean their teeth and gums. If your cat’s mouth smells bad, it may be an indication of a disease. So, book an appointment with your vet without any delay. 
    • Socializing - You can get your cat to socialize too, but you have to keep a few things in mind. You may get down to its level to initiate contact and speak in a calm voice. You may also pat its head to let it get familiarized with your touch.
       

    Housetraining Your Cat

    Now that you have brought your cat home, the next step is to comfortably settle it in your house. Housetraining might sound like a tedious task but it isn’t. With a little practise and lots of patience, you can easily housetrain your cat. Some of the most basic things to keep in mind while housetraining your cat include providing a proper litter box, spaying your cat, toilet training and cat proofing the house. Given below are some tips that may help you easily housetrain your cat:

    • Litter box – It is advisable to place the litter box in an easily accessible location. You should avoid moving the litter box unless necessary. And even if you have to move it, shift it a few inches every day. Also, keep in mind that your cat will not use a dirty or smelly litter box. Hence, scoop out the solid waste at least once a day and clean it using mild detergents. 
    • Cat-Proofing – It is important that you keep harmful things out of reach from your cat. First and foremost, tie up all loose cables and wires so that your cat won’t get tangled in them. Make sure candles and other flaming substances are kept at an unobtainable distance from the cat. If you use essential oils frequently, make sure your cats do not come in contact with them either, because certain ingredients in these oils may be toxic for your feline friend.  
    • Spaying – Spaying your cat has several health benefits and ensures your cat lives a healthy life. You may fix an appointment to spay your kitten when it is as young as eight weeks old. If you have a cat, it is advisable to get it spayed before it reaches five months of age.
    • Toilet Training – This is one of the major concerns of all cat parents. Here’s how you can toilet-train your cat with a few simple steps – 

              1) Place the cat’s litter box closer to the washroom. 

              2) Raise the height of the litter box a little every day. 

              3) Slowly, transition your cat to use the actual washroom every time it wants to go. 

              4) Give your cat a treat each time it uses the washroom. This will encourage good behavior. 

     

    Common Cat Diseases

    Taking care of your cat’s health comes first in the cat/kitty care guide. Even though cats lick and self-groom themselves, they cannot get better on their own if they contract the following diseases:

    • Vomiting – This is one of the most common health issues in cats and is caused by various factors. Hairballs, eating something inedible, or a urinary tract infection are some of the reasons why your cat may be vomiting. 
    • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) – Both male and female cats can contract FLUTD and its main cause is obesity or only eating dry food. Some of the symptoms of FLUTD are bloody urine, crying while urinating, straining to pee, licking around the urinary area due to pain, dehydration, and vomiting. 
    • Diarrhea - Cancer, infection, allergy and bad food can be the causes of diarrhoea. It is advisable to give your cat a lot of fresh water to drink if it has diarrhoea. 
    • Tapeworms – Tapeworms can cause extreme discomfort to your cat as they reside in its intestines. You can spot tapeworms with your naked eye in your cat’s stools. The symptoms of worms are vomiting and weight loss. 
    • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – This virus can make the immune cells attack the white blood cells in the cat’s body. This gradually weakens the cat’s immune system. FIV’s symptoms are poor coat condition, persistent diarrhea, seizures, eye problems, lack of appetite, and recurring fever. 
       

    If you notice unaccountable minor changes in your cat, then it is advisable to rush to the vet to rule out any of the above-mentioned diseases and seek proper treatment on time. 
     

    Cat Care Tips for First Time Owners 

    ‘How to take care of a cat’ is a question asked by many first-time cat owners, as cats can be difficult to figure out. But with a few careful steps, you can easily take care of your cat. Here are some cat care tips for first-time cat owners:

    • Cats are not easily adaptive to change. So, when you bring your cat home for the first time, you need to help it familiarize with the new surroundings by setting up its own space in the house. You can also add a cheery vibe to its crate by adding toys and a blanket. 
    • Find a vet you can visit for your cat’s timely checkups. It is not advisable to ignore even the smallest recognized change in its health, and it is better to get it checked by the vet. 
    • Cats love quality playtime as well. We recommend you get adorable toys for your feline friend to play with. You, too, can bond with your cat during this time. 
    • Give it time to adapt to its new surroundings and the new people around them. 
    • Ensure you buy healthy cat food for your new friend in advance and set a timetable for its meals. 

     

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