Got a new kitten?
Congratulations on the addition to your family! It’s exciting and a new learning experience to get a new kitten. There is a lot of information to learn, so we have listed some things you might want to keep in mind.
Kitten vaccinations
Vaccinations stimulate your cat’s immune system to produce antibodies that help protect against specific infectious diseases if exposed later in life.
When kittens are born they receive some protection from their mothers milk. As they get older they need a course of vaccinations so that they can produce their own protection.
At 8 weeks old they will get their first vaccine followed by 2 more boosters, each a month apart.These vaccines will keep them covered for calicivirus, herpesvirus, and panleucopaenia virus.
After their initial course they will need another booster 1 year later before going to every 3 years. Cats going into boarding or at high risk of respiratory disease will need this annually.
Flea treatment
Fleas can be a pain to get rid of once they enter a household and can affect us as well as our fluffy companions. Stay on top of fleas and treat your kitten monthly. We carry a wide selection of flea remedies, some of which you can use safely as early as two days of age. Inquire about recommendations from our trained staff.
Worm treatment
If left untreated, worms can seriously compromise your kitten’s health and stunt growth. We advise deworming your kitten with a broad-spectrum wormer at two, four, eight, and 12 weeks of age and then every three months for the remainder of your cat’s life.
Keep in mind that kids can contract worms and other parasite issues from their pets. After playing with any indoor animals, remind kids to wash their hands.
Feeding kittens
A high-quality kitten food is specially formulated with the growth of kittens in mind and contains all the vitamins and minerals they need. It contains the ideal ratio of protein to carbohydrates as well as everything else required for the growth of their muscles, bones, and joints. Have a chat to our staff to find the right food for your kitten. You can switch to an adult diet when they turn 1.
De-sexing your kitten
De-sexing your cat can prevent unwanted litters of kittens and benefit their long-term health. At Waikiwi Vet Services, we perform ovariohysterectomy (spay) and castration (neuter). It lowers the chance of infection and reproductive tract cancer as well as helps with spraying in male cats.
Pet insurance
The health of pets can change suddenly. We strongly advise it so that you can quickly cover any unforeseen medical expenses that may arise. For more details, ask our receptionist.
Microchipping
A microchip is a small, rice-grain-sized implantable device that is placed under the skin. Each animal’s unique identification number is contained in the chip, which is read by a scanner (similar to a barcode reader) that is readily available at any veterinary office, pound, or SPCA. Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure that can be done during a consultation.
Your kitten will be registered with the New Zealand Companion Animal Registry (NZCAR) as part of the microchip fee. This registry was created specifically for the 24/7 recovery of lost domestic animals anywhere in New Zealand. Ensure your details are up to date so you and your puppy can be reunited if the situation arises.
Any questions about your kitten? Contact us for a chat!