Congratulations! You have a new kitten! You are about to discover the love and joy a playful kitten can bring to a home. The first year of a kitten's life is critical to future good health and you will be faced with many decisions regarding your pet's well-being. Start with regular veterinary visits, loving home care and proper nutrition.

Regular Veterinary Care
Take your kitten to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important to immunize at an early age. Your Pet Vet doctor will start the kitten on a vaccination schedule and will advise you when boosters are necessary. The doctor will also perform a physical examination. Pet Vet offers a free first examination for your new pet, a $35 value. During the physical exam, the doctor will feel your kitten's abdomen, listen to the chest for heart and breathing sounds, check the condition of the coat, examine the eyes, inspect the mouth for proper structure, look in the ears for infection and ear mites and weigh your kitten. The doctor may also ask for your observations regarding the new kitten's health. Don't be afraid to ask questions during the veterinary visit. The doctor is your best source of information. Pet Vet will maintain your pet's health records and send you reminders when checkups are due.

Neutering
Many new kitten owners don't think about neutering when the kitten is young, however, it may be the best time. Whether your pet is male or female, neutering makes good sense. Neutering can help prevent pet overpopulation and the destruction of thousands of unwanted, homeless pets every year. Neutered cats may not roam as much, which can help prevent them from getting lost, hit by a car, or fighting with other cats. Early neutering has also been shown to help lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly cancers of the reproductive organs. Ask your Pet Vet Veterinarian when the best time is to neuter your kitten.

Loving Home Care
Some advance preparations will help your new pet adapt more easily to his new home. You should be ready with food and water dishes, kitten food, a litter box, litter, a cat box scooper, toys, a bed, and grooming aids.

Your Cat's Bed
You may be able to train your kitten to sleep in his bed, although cats generally enjoy sleeping just about anywhere such as your bed, a couch or a sunny window sill. Many cats also like to hide in dark secluded places. Placing soft towels or blankets in secluded areas will encourage your kitten to use them.

The Litter Box
Kittens may require a small box with low sides so they can climb in and out. They may also feel insecure with deep litter, so put in just enough to cover the bottom of the box. When your cat is older, you may want to purchase a larger litter box. A cat's natural instinct is to eliminate: (1) On porous, absorptive material, (2) Away from where they eat, (3) In a clean box. Be sure to clean the litter box daily. This will help eliminate odor, conserve your litter and it is healthier for your ca.

Off Limits
There may be certain areas of your home that are off limits for the kitten. It is best not to reprimand the kitten too harshly. Cats are intolerant to punishment and may hide for days before they are willing to come out again. Cats can be trained, so after being shown a few times where they are not welcome, they will usually avoid those places.

Grooming
Although your kitten will groom his coat every day, you can help by giving him regular brushes to prevent matting and to remove loose hair. Because they are fastidious, cats rarely need bathing, however, your pet may need an occasional bath. Your veterinarian can recommend a good shampoo. When you bathe the cat, use a rubber mat or towel in the bottom of the sink or tub. This will make your pet feel more secure and give him something to cling to during the bath. Place cotton gently in your kitten's ears to keep out the water. Put an ophthalmic ointment from your veterinarian into each eye to prevent possible irritation from the shampoo. Use warm water, work as quickly as possible and be sure to rinse out all the shampoo. Towel dry the cat immediately and brush his coat afterward.

Spraying and Marking
When a cat sprays (excretes urine) he is instinctively marking his territory as cats have done for centuries. Occasionally this may occur outside the litter box. This inappropriate behavior is often a sign of stress because of changes such as moving to a new home, purchasing a different type of litter or another cat being added to the family. It could also signify the onset of puberty in male cats. If your cat is spraying outside the litter box, talk to your veterinarian. It may also be an indication of a medical problem such as kidney disease.

Declawing
All kittens and cats like to sharpen their claws and sometimes they do it on furniture or drapes. It is best to start your kitten out with a carpeted pole or board that he can use as a scratching post. If you are considering declawing, ask your veterinarian to discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Many experts believe declawing robs the cat of his natural defenses and can cause behavioral problems; but some cat owners contend their cats are happier because there is no need for discipline for scratching the furniture.

Feeding Your Kitten
Proper nutrition is essential during your cat's early stages of development. Remember, your kitten is very active and requires proper nutrients to build and repair vital organs, muscle, bone and the immune system. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a high quality, life-stage pet food.

Water
Your new kitten must have access to fresh, clean water at all times. A ceramic or heavy pottery bowl is best for a new kitten. Metal bowls can be knocked over. Later on, almost any type of bowl will do as long as it is kept clean. Scrub the bowl as needed and be sure to thoroughly rinse out all soap or detergents.

Medications
Do not give any medication including aspirin or Tylenol to your pet without first consulting your Pet Vet doctor as it can be fatal.