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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 stage Cat age Cat age in human years
Kitten 0 to 1 month old 0 to 1 years old
2 months old 2 years old
3 months old 4 years old
4 months old 6 years old
5 months old 8 years old
6 months old 10 years old
Junior 7 months old 12 years old
12 months old 15 years old
18 months old 21 years old
2 years old 24 years old
Adult 3 years old 28 years old
4 years old 32 years old
5 years old 36 years old
6 years old 40 years old
Mature 7 years old 44 years old
8 years old 48 years old
9 years old 52 years old
10 years old 56 years old
Senior 11 years old 60 years old
12 years old 64 years old
13 years old 68 years old
14 years old 72 years old
Super senior 15 years old 76 years old
16 years old 80 years old
17 years old 84 years old
18 years old 88 years old
19 years old 92 years old
20 years old 96 years old
21 years old 100 years old
22 years old 104 years old
23 years old 108 years old
24 years old 112 years old
25 years old 116 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
  • Anti rabbies Vaccine
    Anti rabbies Vaccine
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    Anti rabbies Vaccine

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    Rabies is a dangerous virus that affects the warm-blooded animal kingdom. It spreads through the bite or starch of an infected animal, making the infection easily transmissible amongst animals and humans alike. Since there is no effective rabies treatment yet, the only solution to combat this fatal virus is through vaccination. Veterinarians recommend anti-rabies vaccine for pets to protect them and their humans from this deadly virus.
     

    Anti-rabies vaccine is one of the core vaccines for cats, in addition to the 4-in-1 cat vaccine. It helps prevent the cases of rabies in cats and kittens, contributing to the overall health of your feline friend. However, before getting your cat vaccinated with rabies injections, it is essential to know a few details about this disease and how to prevent it. So, let’s dive right into it.
     

    How does rabies spread?

    The rabies virus depends on the host body for survival. As the virus cannot survive outside of the host body, it spreads through open wounds and mucous membranes in the eye, mouth, and nose. The virus transmits through the saliva of the infected animal. If a rabies carrier bites or starches your pet, then it too becomes infected with the virus. Typically, the incubation for rabies in cats ranges from a few days to a few years.
     

    Since rabies is a deadly infection, it is imperative that you, as a cat parent, watch out for its symptoms. So, let’s take a look at a few signs of rabies in cats:

    1. Fever

    2. Lethargy

    3. Low appetite

    4. Difficulty breathing

    5. Hypersalivation

    6. Difficulty swallowing

    7. Abnormal behaviour

    Curing rabies is not an option post-incubation as there is no proper medication available in the market yet. Hence, keeping this fatal infection at bay is of paramount importance. And how can you do that? By ensuring that your cat is vaccinated with an anti-rabies injection.
     

    Do indoor cats need rabies vaccination?

    Anti-rabies vaccine for cats is a must. Veterinarians monitor rabies shots for both indoor and outdoor cats. While there is a misconception that rabies vastly affects dogs, it can find its way to cats and other warm-blooded animals as well. Cat’s rabies vaccination prepares your indoor kitty to fight the deadly virus. Hence, do not skip on annual booster shots for both indoor and outdoor cats.
     

    While you may think, your indoor cat is safe from the fatal disease, it is best to ensure complete healthcare for its overall well-being. Cats often socialise with outside cats by licking, sniffing, or starching each other. Indoor cats can get the rabies virus if they socialise in this manner with an infected outdoor or stray cat. Anti-rabies vaccination is the best way to avoid any remote possibility of your kitty getting infected. It builds antigens in the cat’s body, so your fur baby can tackle the rabies virus.
     

    How often should cats receive rabies vaccination?

    Various brands offer anti-rabies vaccines for cats in the market. Hence, it is best to seek a veterinarian’s advice regarding  vaccination. They will take multiple factors, such as your kitty’s age, breed, and lifestyle, into consideration before recommending a brand. Similarly, when it comes to the frequency of taking the anti-rabies vaccination, it all depends on the type of vaccine recommended for your pet. If your vet recommends an adjuvant vaccine, your cat might have to be inoculated once every year. On the other hand, if they suggest a non-adjuvant vaccine, you must note that these vaccines are generally administered once in three years. 
     

    When to schedule feline anti-rabies vaccination

    Anti-rabies vaccine is one of the core vaccinations for cats. It prepares your cat to fight the virus by boosting immunity. The first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine is administered once the kitty turns 12 weeks old. After the initial dose, depending on the type of vaccine, you will need to get your feline friend vaccinated either annually or once in three years.
     

    Side effects of the anti-rabies vaccine

    As a cat parent, you must know the potential side effects of this vaccine. So, let’s take a look at them:

    1. Low-grade fever

    2. Lethargy

    3. Low appetite

    4. Swelling and redness at the injected site

    Cat parents should monitor not only the anti-rabies vaccine but also other core vaccines like 4 in 1 cat vaccine, FeVac 5, and 3-in-1 cat vaccine. Regular vaccination and annual health check-ups ensure your kitty leads a healthy life. So, ascertain that you provide your fur baby with all the care it requires.