Author: Nicole Pitts

So you’ve got a new furry, frolicking kitten. How exciting! It can’t be all fun and games, though. You’ve got to take care of your new kitten’s medical needs. What you do now can have a great effect on your kitten’s continued health and longevity in the future.

Basic Medical Care Plan for a Kitten
Depending on where you get your kitten, the organization may help you out with some of this early care, like we do here at Atlanta Humane. The specifics you want to cover are core vaccines, vaccine boosters, deworming, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. So, let’s take a deeper look to understand the importance of all of these.

Core Vaccines and Boosters
Kittens need two core vaccines – rabies and FVRCP. Yes, even if you plan on keeping your kitten inside 100% of the time, these two vaccines are essential to their health.

Most (if not all) states require a rabies vaccination, and the best time to give this is around 3-4 months old. Speak with your vet care team to decide the best route. Some veterinarians will administer a vaccine every year, while others prefer the three-year vaccine. Even indoor cats need rabies vaccines, so don’t overlook this one.

The other core vaccine is FVRCP. This one vaccine provides protection for your kitten from three contagious, life-threatening feline diseases:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1)
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)

Kittens have weak immune systems after their initial antibodies from birth and their mother’s milk have worn off. They’re susceptible to disease and, because of their fragile state, these diseases can be fatal. A vaccine given at the right time can be lifesaving.

Your kitten should get their first FVRCP vaccination at around 6 to 8 weeks old. They’ll need a booster shot every 3-4 weeks until they’re 16-20 weeks old. After that, they’ll need one in about a year, then again every three years. It’s crucial to follow the vaccine schedule to gain the most protection.

Deworming
When kittens are nursing, they are getting antibodies and protection from their mom’s milk. But when they stop, they become susceptible to disease and parasites. Deworming needs to begin when they’re 4-6 weeks old, with follow-up at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and every 4 weeks until they’re 6 months old. This schedule mimics the lifespan of worms, so both parasitic larvae and adults are killed.

It’s important to know that deworming kills active infections. Once your kitten is old enough, you’ll want to begin preventative care for worms and parasites.

Spay and Neuter
Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks old. If you are adopting your kitten, many organizations either complete this for you, provide a certificate for a discounted service, or require that you sign a contract promising to take them at a later date when the organization sets it up for you. With the high number of homeless and unwanted animals, it’s crucial to spay and neuter.

You can read more about the reasons to spay and neuter your pet here. Not only does it prevent unwanted kittens and puppies, but it can also add to your pet’s health and well-being throughout life. This is a safe procedure with a relatively easy recovery.

Microchipping
Microchipping is a simple process that can help you locate your cat if they ever get lost. A rice-sized chip is typically inserted between your kitten’s shoulders and is then connected to a number in a database, which you’ll register with the agency. This small chip can save your pet’s life if they slip out of your home or get lost. The database houses all of your contact info so once the cat is scanned, you can be contacted. If you move, don’t forget to follow up on a change of information.

Kitten care for a lifetime
It may seem like your new kitten is always needing this vaccine or that procedure. But it’s your job as a pet owner to help your new friend have the healthiest, happiest, and safest life possible.

You can often find low-cost clinics to help out with this, or you can talk to your vet for an even more specialized care and financial plan. The basic medical plan will set your kitten on the right path for a healthy life. Then the fun can begin!

There might not be a more appropriate word for an under-socialized kitten than this one: SPICY. So, is it possible to turn down the heat on a spicy kitten? You bet. But socialization is vitally important for all kittens—even the friendly ones—to ensure a harmonious family-pet relationship.

A well-socialized kitten is one that looks to humans for all the good stuff—food, cuddles, and safety. But if a litter of kittens has been left to their own accord for too long, they’ll be very independent and downright wary of human interaction. As cats develop, they encounter numerous experiences that are unfamiliar and may lead to fear and anxiety. Good pet owners recognize the stimuli that can be disconcerting for kittens and help create positive experiences out of the sounds, smells, and sights. This is called habituation, which is “the process of getting used to and not reacting to those stimuli by continuous exposure under circumstances that have no untoward consequences.”

What kind of stimuli are we talking about? Introduce your new pet to extended family members like the elderly or children, men or women, and other family pets. Car rides are considered “stimuli” and you’ll need to make vet visits in the future, so getting a kitten used to a car ride is a great start. Lawnmowers, barking dogs, steps, mirrors, thunder and lightning, rain, various toys, travel crates, nail clipping, television, and music are all exciting new things in a kitten’s life so a positive, slow, and non-threatening introduction is important.

The first nine weeks of life for kittens are critical for proper socialization. Humans should keep an eye out for potentially scary situations and minimize negative repercussions, but they should also expose their new pets to new situations and environments in a positive manner. This will go a long way toward preventing the kitten from developing irreversible fears that can lead to timidity or aggression. The goal is for new pets to feel secure in the home environment and develop a trusting owner-pet relationship. Touch your new pet often; calm petting, for even just five minutes a day (but more is highly recommended!), works wonders. Don’t forget to touch ears, tails, and paws in anticipation of future veterinarian appointments. Talk to your pet often; a reassuring voice is key. The more you talk, the more they understand. Is it playtime? With practice and repetition, the kitten will recognize a cheerful, high-pitched voice as a sign that it’s playtime. Did you catch the kitten doing something you’d prefer they don’t? Make the correction in a stern, authoritative voice.

What is the ideal timing for doing this? Although the first nine weeks are critical, kitten socialization can continue “easily” up to 14 weeks of age. That’s not to say that it’s impossible after that, but it will require more patience. Socialization can begin as early as two weeks old with self-play and social play among littermates. At 16 weeks old, kittens become more suspicious and fearful of things they have not experienced.

As key as socialization is for your new furry friend, the process is even more important for the bond between human and pet.

We love our pets so much that we may start thinking about doubling the joy by adding another pet to our family. To ensure you’re making the right choice by including another dog or cat in your home, here are some questions you can consider.

Does your pet really want a friend? If your pet is welcoming to other animals and shows interest in getting to know them in a positive way, then having a live-in companion might be a good idea. However, if your pet is territorial—as is usual for cats and many dogs—then you should expect to spend a lot of time helping both animals become accustomed to living together.

Do you have the space required for another pet? When you bring home a new pet, they should be kept in a separate, contained area—ideally a whole room. The new pet needs their own space so they can become accustomed to the new living situation and so that your current pet won’t feel as threatened by the stranger who has entered the house. In addition, each animal should have enough space to be by themself if they choose to be alone for eating and sleeping. You’ll also need room for more food bowls, water bowls, toys, and bedding. For two cats, you’ll need at least two litter boxes, placed well apart.

Do you have the time required for another pet? Slowly introducing a new pet can take days or weeks until both of your animals become friendly. You’ll need sufficient time to monitor and supervise them to make sure they don’t fight or otherwise get in trouble. Two pets also require more of your time so each one can be cuddled and shown the love they deserve. Walking two dogs together can seem ideal, but it definitely takes more time when each dog wants to sniff in a different direction or they get tangled in leashes. And if you’re adding a puppy to your pack, consider the time required for housebreaking and teaching the rules of your house to a newbie.

Are you well prepared for the expenses of two pets? The costs of food, vet care, medications, pet insurance, boarding and pet sitting, grooming, and all the materials pets generally require (toys, bedding, harness, leash, and even clothing) can be a burden or an opportunity and must be considered carefully.

Could you accept a change of attitude in your current pet? If you were the first child in your family and received all your parents’ attention, were you overjoyed or did you feel hurt, angry, or sad when a sibling came into the picture? Your current pet can feel those same emotions at the arrival of another animal, so be prepared to give both pets enough reassurance, attention, and love.

Are you prepared to return or rehome the second pet if things don’t work out? Animals have definite preferences and may not form the bond you hope for. It’s heartbreaking when two animals just don’t get along with each other, but sometimes that’s what happens. Being prepared for this outcome will help you set realistic standards for bringing another pet into the family.

Achoo! Scritch, scratch, lick. Achoo! When allergies act up with our pets, we’re not sure who’s more bothered and frustrated—the pets who are suffering or their owners who want to help. This is all the more reason to find a solution STAT!

Dogs and cats can be allergic to a variety of things in their environment, both inside and outside, and even their food. Seasonal outdoor allergies can flare up from trees and grass pollen, especially in the spring and fall. Molds, yeasts, dust mites, and even fleas can make things worse.

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies? Excessive licking (especially on the paws), chewing, scratching, head shaking, and sneezing are all symptoms. If your pet only seems to be affected at certain times of the year, seasonal allergies can certainly be to blame. With a food allergy, your pet may also exhibit symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Allergies are less common in cats, but their symptoms include skin irritations like lesions and hair loss. Their itchiness, as in dogs, can exacerbate and cause coughing, sneezing, and even wheezing.

Left untreated, the symptoms lead to health complications such as hair loss, redness of the skin, thickening and blackening of the skin, scabbing, watery eyes, and more.

Over-the-counter remedies exist but we recommend talking to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will do a physical exam and ask about your pet’s symptom history while ruling out other possible causes. If your pet has a flea allergy, the vet will recommend flea prevention medicine while prescription anti-itch medications can help to keep secondary skin infections at bay. If your vet determines that allergy season is the issue, consider starting the anti-itch medication one month prior to the season beginning and continuing it for one month after the season ends.

There are also a myriad of options for “topical” therapy that will relieve symptoms. Pet stores have entire aisles dedicated to shampoos, conditioners, wipes, sprays, and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ointments. Many pet owners look to anti-itch supplements in the form of soft chews, drops, or chewable pills, to help their pets through allergies.

If a food allergy seems to be the culprit, you may consider a “hypoallergenic” diet for a period of time and reintroduce food(s) while watching for symptoms to reappear. The most common food allergens are dairy, beef, chicken, eggs, and wheat gluten.

It’s easy to think “it’ll be better tomorrow” and tune out the persistent chewing and itching, but the quicker that pet owners address the symptoms, the happier everyone will be – including our pets!

Summer days can be as much fun for your dog as they are for you. Indoors and outdoors, you and your dog can enjoy each other’s company in a huge variety of ways. As a bonus, the indoor activities can be done all year long.

If you want to share summertime with your dog outdoors, do remember that dogs can easily overheat in the summer, so use the cooler mornings and evenings for outdoor fun, and offer your dog plenty of water and rest times.

Outdoor Activities with Your Dog

• The simple change of walking a new route can be fun for you and your dog. Try a location that does not have a hot walking surface, such as a grassy park. With your dog on a leash, visit a farmer’s market for new sights and sounds.
• Most dogs love to play in the water, so try a sprinkler, hose, or kiddie pool to give your dog cool relief. While you water your lawn and flowers, you can spray your dog at the same time. In the kiddie pool, try floating one of the dog’s toys or even a dog treat for your dog to dive in and retrieve.
• Take your dog on a hike combined with a picnic. Take a blanket, a lunch for yourself, and special treats for your dog. Bring along a Frisbee or ball for playtime.
• Plan a treasure hunt outdoors for your dog to hunt for wrapped snacks and doggie chews.
• Use a bubble maker or a bubble wand to create pet-safe bubbles for your dog to chase in the yard. Recipes for pet-safe bubbles are available online. Here’s one that’s especially safe and makes good bubbles: Combine ½ cup natural, biodegradable dish detergent such as Seventh Generation Free and Clear, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon glycerin, and 1 teaspoon bone broth for dogs. Let the mixture stand overnight for the best bubbles.
• Invite your dog to dinner at a pet-friendly restaurant with a well-shaded outdoor patio. While you enjoy your dinner, give your dog a handful of special treats. Make sure your dog is comfortable with other dogs in the vicinity.
• Take your dog along for geocaching, using the Geocaching app on your phone to follow GPS coordinates and find hidden containers. The app provides latitude and longitude coordinates to give you an idea of where to look for the cache. Your dog will enjoy the hunt, especially if the cache includes dog treats. You can also set up a cache for your dog to locate.

Indoor Activities with Your Dog

• Almost everyone loves ice cream in the summer, and dogs are no exception. Making homemade dog-friendly ice cream with your dog as a co-chef is fun for both of you. One recipe calls for mixing together a very ripe banana, natural peanut butter, and plain, unsweetened yogurt (using Greek yogurt is best because it contains less lactose). You can find other recipes online. Be sure the ingredients do not include xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Give your dog small amounts of this cold treat so that their digestive system won’t be upset.
• Let your dog munch on cold fruit that will help keep body temperatures lower. Fruits that dogs can eat safely include bananas, blueberries, watermelon, strawberries, apples, peaches, and mangos, all of which are full of vitamins and fun to eat.
• Set up a muffin tin game for your dog. Use a six-cup or 12-cup muffin tin and place a treat in each muffin cup. Then place a tennis ball on top of the treat. Encourage your dog to check out this contraption and let him sniff for treats and displace the tennis balls to get the goodies underneath. After your dog has mastered the muffin tin, you can increase the challenge by placing each tennis ball back in the tin after the dog has found the treat.
• Learn TTouch (Tellington Touch) and give your dog a relaxing, stress-relieving massage. YouTube has numerous videos demonstrating TTouch, which involves making light, circular touches and strokes on your dog to relax muscle tension and to allow heart rate and blood pressure to slow.
• Help your dog improve her scenting skill by playing “Which Hand.” Put a smelly treat in one hand and show your dog both fists. Give your dog the treat when they show interest in the correct hand. If your dog chooses the wrong fist, open your hand to show that it’s empty.
• After your dog masters “Which Hand,” you can play hide and seek with scented treats. Start out by letting your dog see where you hide the treat. Then hide a treat in another room and let your dog search for it.
• Introduce your dog to stairway catch as you toss a favorite toy down a flight of stairs and then up again. This activity can be strenuous for your dog, so plan to do it for a fairly short time.
• Make a pile of old blankets and towels and let your dog “dig” through them to find a hidden toy or treat.
• Attach a favorite toy to a long string tied to a stick, and flip the toy around the room or the house for your dog to chase.
• Teach your dog the names of their toys. Start by picking up a favorite toy and calling it by a specific name, such as “ball.” Praise your dog every time they accept that toy. Then put a couple of other toys down beside the ball. When your dog picks up the ball, praise them. You can slowly add a second toy and name, and praise your dog when they choose that toy. When your dog is reliably choosing the toy you name, you can add a third toy into the mix.