Kittens
- You need to “kitten-proof” your home before letting your feline loose. Be sure all the doors and windows are closed to prevent an escape. Make sure the kitten cannot chew on anything inappropriate or dangerous. Cats will eat anything, including needles with sewing thread, rubber bands and Christmas tinsel.
- If you already have another cat in the house, keep the kitten in one room and slowly adjust them to each other’s presence.
- Kittens are natural hunters and will pounce, teethe and use their claws on anything. We recommend getting your kitten a scratching post and some toys to play with.
- Feed a good quality kitten food that has been AAFCO food trial tested. All life stage-based foods are not recommended for growing kittens.
- Kittens are susceptible to many diseases. Vaccines that your kitten will need will be administered every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. It is important to complete the vaccination series as soon as possible so your kitten is safe to go out into the world to socialize with other people and other animals.
- Bring in a fresh fecal sample and deworm every 2-4 weeks. Start on a monthly dewormer/heartworm/flea preventative like Revolution. Pyrethrin-based products are toxic to cats and can cause death.
Adult Cats
- Proper nutrition can help ensure your cat has optimal health, resistance to disease, a healthy coat and energy. These factors can result in fewer behavioral problems, a good quality of life and a long lifespan.
- Feed a good quality adult cat food that has been AAFCO food trial tested.
- Exercise can have many health benefits for your cat. Regular exercise burns calories, reduces appetite, improves muscle tone and increases metabolism. It can be a valuable contributor to weight loss and maintenance. Exercise can also help stimulate your cat’s mind, thereby preventing boredom and destructive behaviors. We recommend getting your cat a scratching post and some toys to play with.
- Yearly exams, vaccinations and parasite screening.
- Monthly dewormer/heartworm/flea preventative like Revolution. Pyrethrin based products are toxic to cats and can cause death.
Senior Cats
- Exercise can help improve and strengthen muscle tone and keep them lean and active minded.
- Twice-a-year examinations, vaccines and yearly labwork can help detect early changes in organ function.
- Joint lubricants can help with mobility.
- Feed a good quality senior cat food that has been AAFCO food trial tested.
- Monthly dewormer/heartworm/flea preventative like Revolution. Pyrethrin based products are toxic to cats and can cause death.
A great website for basic information on most health/behavior concerns is veterinarypartner.com.
Call us at (925) 443-6000 to make an annual or semi-annual wellness appointment for your cat!