| The addition of a new kitten into your family is | | | | parasites to the other cats in the house. All too |
| always a joy whether it's a pre-planned or | | | | often, kittens are made available for adoption too |
| spontaneous event. But with this addition comes | | | | early in their little lives. If it is possible, and you |
| much responsibility and usually one of the first | | | | know that the kitten is still with the mother in the |
| orders of business is taking that kitten to the vet. | | | | nursing stage, wait to adopt until they are about 9 |
| Typically, the first question that needs answering | | | | to 10 weeks of age. This allows for three |
| is "At what age should I take my new kitten to | | | | important aspects to occur: |
| the vet?" In addition to dishes, food, litter boxes, | | | | · optimal health benefits (from the nursing |
| and toys, make sure that you need to know | | | | stage) |
| when to take the kitten to the vet for its first | | | | · socialization process (giving the kitten |
| checkup. | | | | time to adjust to its surroundings) |
| There really isn't a hard and fast rule established | | | | · weaning time (psychological effects on |
| for the age at which the first visit to the vet | | | | both mother cat and kitten) |
| should occur, although it is often recommended | | | | So, for the purposes of health, socialization, and |
| that you make an appointment within 24 to 72 | | | | weaning, a kitten that is 9 to 10 weeks old |
| hours of bringing the kitten home. Sometimes, | | | | benefits the most. If you notice that your kitten |
| taking the kitten to the vet when you are initially | | | | is sneezing or apparently having other health |
| heading home with the kitten is a preference. A | | | | issues, remember that their first vaccination may |
| lot of the planning will relate to the circumstances | | | | have to wait until he or she is healthy. Additionally, |
| behind bringing that kitten home. | | | | it is suggested that you take a fecal sample to |
| For instance, in the case of kitten rescues or an | | | | the vet with you as well. |
| urgent adoption, it may not be possible to take | | | | The general rule of thumb with new kittens is |
| the kitten to the vet immediately. However, you | | | | that they should receive their first vaccinations |
| should make every effort to get the cat to the | | | | between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks. If the |
| vet in timely fashion. Should this be the case, you | | | | mother cat has a healthy track record and has |
| should take steps to quarantine the kitten from | | | | been receiving the proper veterinary care, then |
| the other cats in the house (if there are others). | | | | the kitten has a better chance of following suit. |
| Typically, the bathroom is the ideal candidate for | | | | Again, circumstances will mandate how this is |
| kitten quarantine headquarters. Make sure that | | | | handled. In certain situations, kittens won't have |
| the kitten has food and water, as well as their | | | | the luxury of the time factor if they are placed in |
| own litter box as well. | | | | the adoptive home. However, if the kitten is 6 |
| The purpose of the quarantine is obvious - it | | | | weeks old or younger, take the kitten to the vet |
| reduces the chances of spreading disease or | | | | at your earliest convenience. |