Is a baby cat joining your household? If so, that’s wonderful! We love to see cats going to great homes! In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA vet offers some great kitten care advice.

Supplies

You’ll need to do some shopping before you bring your kitten home. Little Fluffy will need toys, food, bedding, dishes, treats, a carrier, and, of course, a litterbox and litter. (Note: avoid clay or clumping litters for now, as they are dangerous for kittens.) If you have other pets, you’ll want to put these things in a quiet back room, so your tiny furball can have a safe place to relax and settle in.

Veterinary Care

One of the first things you’ll want to do is bring your feline friend to the vet. We love it when people bring kittens in! Although we would be delighted to spend all of our time playing with baby cats, the actual reason for the trip is so little Fluffy can get a thorough exam, and get started on her vaccinations and parasite control products. Microchipping and spay/neuter surgery are also recommended. At home, watch for any potential signs of illness. Some common ones are poor grooming, fever, lethargy, vomiting, hiding, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

Kittenproofing

You’ll need to do some kittyproofing to keep your frisky pet safe. This basically means removing or securing anything potentially dangerous, such as toxic plants; chemicals; medicine; plastic bags and ties; and anything small or sharp. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Petiquette

Little Fluffy will be very interested in figuring out how all of those claws and teeth work, and may want to practice on you. Don’t let her! This may be cute now, but it can develop into some very dangerous behavior later. If your feisty furball attacks you, tell her ‘No’ in a stern tone of voice, and then ignore her for a while.

Purrs

Spend lots of time with little Fluffy. Talk to her, play with her, and let her snuggle up with you. This will help her feel safe and loved, and will strengthen the bond between you. It’s also a great way to activate the purr. Don’t forget to take pictures! Do you have questions about your kitten’s health or care? Call Westside Animal Hospital, your Savannah, GA animal clinic, today!