Kitten Guidelines

It's that time of year again! Cuddly kittens and playful puppies are being born all over the Palouse. Who can resist a ball of fluff just purring away, or a puppy staring up at you with those precious eyes? You feel a warm twinge in your chest and before you know it you are a pet owner.

 

But, Wait! Before you give in to that urge to scoop them into your arms and take them home you have to ask yourself some very important questions.

1) "Am I ready to take care of this CAT for the next 15-20 years?" This adorable little kitten will quickly turn into an adult in the next few months. Gone are the days where we considered a cat that was 10 years old to be ancient. Our felines are easily living till they are 15 years old. Are you committed to caring for this cat for 20 years and not just through kitten-hood?

2) "Am I ready to take the time and patience to train this kitten?" Why is she scratching my couch, tearing up my plants, and running across my face when I sleep?! Because it is perfectly normal behavior for a cat! It is now up to you to show your new cat what is appropriate and what isn’t. (One quick tip: You need to have MULTIPLE scratching posts positioned THROUGH OUT your home.) They weren't born knowing how to live by human rules. But with a little training (NEVER punishment) your new cat will fit in perfectly.

3) "Am I going to have the finances to take care of an animal for its entire life?"  Nothing is ever really free. If you have never had a pet before there are going to be more expenses than you probably imagined.  Annual exams, vaccines, surgeries, illness, accidents, bloodwork, food, toys, etc are all going to cost money. It is now your responsibility to take care of your cat's health and well-being, so plan on spending thousands of dollars over your pet's lifetime.

If you were able to answer yes to all of those questions, then Congratulations! You now are ready to adopt an adorable kitty. Giggling, purring, training, and beginning health care await!

This is the time when they will be the most vulnerable to diseases and parasites. They need to be taken to their vet every 3 weeks for their appropriate vaccines and check-ups to ensure a healthy start in life. Below is a guideline of what your kitten will need. Here at Alpine Animal Hospital we offer a "Kitten package". If you purchase a package that has all the checkups and vaccines required for your kittens age, we will give you a 10% discount AND a free AVID microchip.

Ages 7-8 weeks: FIRST WELL KITTEN EXAM

                        1^ST FVRCP VACCINATION

                        DEWORMING  

 

Ages 9-11 weeks: WELL KITTEN PROGRESS EXAM   

                         2^ND  FVRCP VACCINATION     

                         1^ST FELINE LEUKEMIA VACCINATION                   

                         DEWORMING 

 

Ages 12-16 weeks: WELL KITTEN PROGRESS EXAM 

                        FELV/FIV COMBO TEST          

                        3^RD FVRCP VACCINATION

                        2^ND FELINE LEUKEMIA VACCINATION

                        RABIES, 1 YEAR VACCINATION       

            FECAL FLOATATION TEST FOR PARASITE