Your Kittens Health

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH:

Your kitten will need an annual distemper and feline leukemia vaccination. You'll have to decide if you wish to vaccinate for rabies.

This kitten is reminding you that you shouldn't ever give your cat aspirin or other medication without the express consent of a licensed veterinarian.

At 5-7 months of age your kitten will start to get its adult teeth. They appreciate having something soft to gnaw on, such as a wet towel (the coolness feels good), rubber ball, etc. Their appetite may decrease until the teething process is over.

HANDLING: It is VERY IMPORTANT to handle all parts of your kitten's body. They should allow you to comb them, rub their ears, clip their nails and put your finger in their mouth. There will come a time when you will need to brush your cat's teeth or give them a pill. Teaching them to allow you to handle their mouth is a valuable lesson. Handle kittens gently, but firmly. When you pick them up, take care to put both hands under them to support them. These are heavy animals for their size and need to have both front and back ends supported.

GROOMING: Your kitten should be combed daily with a metal comb. ALWAYS begin combing your cat in the same direction that the fur lies. Once you get all of the knots out, you can comb the fur backwards for a fuller effect. If the coat is full of static, rub the fur with a dryer sheet (like Bounce), preferably one with as light a scent as possible. Wipe eyes with a soft rag or tissue as needed. If you need to use eye drops, use Allerest brand. They soothe the eye without irritation. For ease of maintenance, I often trim the areas under the tail, between the back legs and under the stomach. Try to choose a time when both you and your kitten are ready for grooming. Don't stop them in the middle of playing or eating. Wait until they are taking a nap or resting quietly and groom then. They will be much more receptive. But DON'T stop grooming just because the kitten has decided to protest. They need to be reminded that grooming is part of life as a housecat. Be firm and finish what you've started. Clip nails as needed, making sure not to clip into the pink of the nail. Use a clipper make for cats or a human nail clipper. I usually tip the kitten on its back or butt to clip the nails. If you are having problems, clip one nail, pet the kitten and release it to play; then later go back and clip another nail, etc. until all clipping is completed. Some nails will grow faster than others. Generally the front nails will need clipping more than the back nails.

BATHING: Bathe your kitten at least every two weeks until you and the kitten are thoroughly comfortable with the process, then bathe as needed. You'll know that your cat needs a bath when their coat starts matting more than usual. I use my kitchen sink or laundry tub, which are both equipped with a spray attachment. Remember that the area in which you are bathing and drying needs to be warmer than usual.

First, comb or cut out ALL KNOTS. If the kitten has knots that you can't comb out, place your comb between the cat's skin and the knot and cut the knot out. You won't harm the cat if you keep the comb between the scissors and the skin. If you get the knots wet, you won't be able to remove them without cutting. Secondly, adjust water temperature to about 105 degrees. That should be warm to your wrist. I always double check the temperature by using both wrists. I DO NOT use the plug for the drain, but simply let the water run. I place the kitten in the tub, allowing the faucet to flow over them, or use the spray attachment or a plastic glass to get the kitten wet. I don't worry about soaking them at this point. Try to avoid getting water or soap into their eyes, ears and nose. I often wash their faces with a wet rag, preferably a thin one that allows me to get into the creases around their nose and eyes. If the eyes are staining the fur, there are several products on the market that remove the stains. Next, I pour the cat shampoo (which has been mixed half and half with warm water) over the cat. Rub this in thoroughly, adding more water as needed. This soaks the cat and cleanses it. Then rinse, rinse, rinse! You can't do too much of this. Stop the water and, with firm pressure, squeegee most of the moisture out of the coat with your hands. Wrap the cat in a towel and press dry. (If you rub too much, you'll put knots in the coat.) Unwrap the cat and start combing with the wide part of the comb, getting all the knots out. Press the towel to the cat again (You may need a second towel.) to absorb moisture. Now start blowdrying. Work the blowdryer over the cat, keeping it far enough away from the animal's skin so it doesn't burn the cat. Continue combing and drying until the cat is mostly dry. I often dry my cats on my lap, taking time after the bath to sit and hold them. They enjoy the warmth from my lap and I figure that this is a way to thank them for being good during their bath. Finally, I give my cats a treat of Femalt, Petromalt or other hairball remedy.

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LeAnn Harner, Capitolcats, capitolcats@starband.net

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