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About Health Concerns in Kittens

About Health Concerns in Kittens

Your playful and independent little kitten depends upon you to spot potential health concerns before they become an issue. It's never too soon to check your cat for common feline disorders and if you're thinking about acquiring a new kitten, you should examine the litter and the mother cat before bringing one home.

Significance

    When choosing a kitten, spend some time with the litter and the mother cat to make an initial health check. Look at the kitten's gums. They should be light pink, firm and the kitten's breath should be sweet. Healthy kitten ears are pink inside and free from odor and discharge. Pay special attention to the kitten's eyes, any sign of redness, swelling or discharge is a health concern. In addition, hold the kitten and rub it gently with your fingers, bumps, swelling or scabs may indicate the presence of parasites.

Benefits

    Choosing a healthy kitten and taking steps to ensure its continued well-being will foster a long and happy relationship. After you choose a kitten, your job is just beginning. Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. He will immunize your kitten against the most common feline diseases at 8 weeks of age, again at 4 months of age and on a yearly basis thereafter. The veterinarian will also check your kitten for worms and prescribe parasite medication, if necessary.

Considerations

    The environment in which your kitten lives is important to his continued health. Cats enjoy exploring their world and you must take precautions to protect your kitten from hidden dangers. Keep your medicine cabinet tightly closed and put your cleaning products away. Tuck long electrical cords under rugs and unplug them when not in use. Put a lid on your garbage can and don't allow your kitten to play near a swimming pool if you're not watching. Your kitten can swim but he probably cannot climb out of the pool, should he fall in.

Prevention/Solution

    Keeping your kitten indoors will extend his lifespan. Although some alley cats live for years, the typical lifespan of an outdoor cat is less than five years. Indoors, your cat will enjoy an average lifespan of more than 12 years and his overall health will be better.

Potential

    Your new kitten will thrive and make a loving companion if you take the time to protect his health. Feed your new kitten a quality, high-protein cat food and supplement it with meat scraps, as long as they are salt-free. Cats love a little raw chicken or hamburger when you're making dinner.

Warning

    Observe your kitten's normal behavior and pay attention if he acts differently. Lethargy, wheezing, unfocused eyes and unresponsive behavior are warning signs. Call your vet if your kitten's behavior changes suddenly. Poisoning is a major concern in cats so keep all toxic substances out of reach and don't let your kitten chew on your houseplants.

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