Getting a Kitten for the First Time? Here’s What You Need to Know

So, you’ve decided to adopt a kitten. Congratulations! Adopting a kitten is a big decision, and one that should not be taken lightly. There are a lot of things to consider before taking the plunge, such as whether or not you’re ready for the responsibility, if you have another pet in the home that will get along with a kitten, whether you’re prepared to handle some mischief-making, and of course, if you’re ready to open your heart to a new furry friend.

If you’ve decided that you’re ready to adopt a kitten, the next step is to find the perfect one for your family. This can be done by visiting your local animal shelter or searching online for kitten adoption listings.

As you meet each kitten in your search, keep in mind that every kitten is unique and will have different needs and personality traits. For example, some kittens are more independent than others and do not enjoy being held or cuddled as much. Others may be very social and love to play. It’s important to try to take the time to get to know your kitten’s personality before making a final decision. If a litter was raised in a foster home or with a family, you could get some good information on which kitten is the couch potato and which is the wild child!

After you’ve found the perfect kitten, it’s time to get them home and settled in. Kittens from stray litters or adopted from a shelter should be kept separate from any resident cats for at least 10 days. Respiratory illness is common, and even skin disorders like mites or ringworm could infect your own cats or other pets. You may want to separate your kitten at first, in any case, to give the resident dogs and cats a chance to be exposed to the newbie gradually. A whole new house or apartment can also overwhelm a kitten, so introducing a new space gradually can help their confidence. Adult cats should always have a room or elevated space where they can get away from the kitten when they want to. Dogs should not be left unsupervised with a new kitten until both dog and cat have had lots of positive interaction or appropriate play. It’s important to kitten-proof your home as much as possible – put away the fine china! – and to have a variety of toys and scratching posts available. With a little patience and love, your new kitten will adjust to their new home, and vice versa, in no time!

Addressing Litter Box Issues – How to Attract Your Kitten to Their Litter Box

Introduce your kitten to the room where the litter box is. Hang out there for a while with them while they explore. Later, if you catch them pacing, circling, or scratching at your rug or floor, try to get them back to that litter box room before there are any accidents. Never punish your kitten for eliminating outside the box – you could just teach them to find hidden, safe spaces to poop and pee!

A couple of litter box tips:

• Cats may have a preference of litter texture. Try lining up several boxes next to each other with different litter, and see which one they use most often!
• A general rule in a multi-cat household is to have one more litter box than cats. You want to make sure your kitten always has free access to a box without a grumpy resident cat making access difficult.
• The box should be large enough for the cat to move around in.
• Covered or uncovered boxes may also be a strong preference of your kitten either way.
• Place the box in a quiet place. The laundry room might be a convenient, out-of-the-way place in your opinion. But the clunking, beeping, and buzzing noises made by those appliances may make it less than ideal for your kitten’s “alone time.”
• Clean the box often! No one likes a messy, smelly bathroom.
• If your kitten consistently eliminates outside the box, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. Litterbox avoidance is indicative of several medical conditions your vet can diagnose and treat.
• If you notice your cat visiting the box frequently, vocalizing while eliminating, or producing little or no urine each time, they could have a urinary obstruction. This is a life-threatening emergency, and your cat must be seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Planning for Next Steps – Kitten Shots

As a responsible pet owner, you want to do everything you can to ensure your new kitten remains healthy. Part of that involves getting them the necessary vaccinations.

But which shots does your kitten need? And when should they get them?

At Coronado Pet Hospital in Rio Rancho, we can help you answer those questions and ensure your kitten gets the care they need.

What Shots Do Kittens Need & When Should They Be Given?

Kitten shots help protect your kitten from a variety of diseases. Some of these diseases, like rabies, are fatal. Others, like feline leukemia, can cause lifelong health problems.

By getting your kitten the proper vaccinations, you can help them stay healthy and avoid future health complications.

The most common vaccinations protect against:

• Rabies
• Feline leukemia
• Feline distemper (panleukopenia)
• Calicivirus
• Feline rhinotracheitis

Shots are typically given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, then boostered the following year and every three years after that.

Schedule an Appointment for Kitten Shots Today!

Looking for a place to get your kitten shots in Rio Rancho? Look no further than Coronado Pet Hospital! We offer a wide range of services to keep your furry friend healthy and happy, including vaccinations and other preventative care. Our friendly staff is always here to answer any questions you may have. So, bring your kitten in today for kitten shots in Rio Rancho!