Congratulations for your new companion! The arrival of this little \"furball\" comes with many responsibilities that you'll need to take care of all of its life, and especially during its first year. Below is information that could be especially useful. During your visit, the veterinarian will be happy to answer all your questions.<\/p>\n
During your first visit, your veterinarian will discuss with you the diseases your cat may be exposed to and establish an appropriate vaccination schedule.<\/p>\n
While the exact schedule can vary, it\u2019s crucial that kittens receive the core vaccines to protect against common infectious diseases such as panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and rabies.<\/p>\n
Vaccination can begin as early as the age of 6 weeks, with a booster shot every 3 or 4 weeks until the kitten reaches the age of 12 to 16 weeks.<\/p>\n
After this, an annual check-up is recommended. During this visit, your vet will review which vaccines your cat needs for the year. Be sure to mention if your cat goes outdoors, as they may need the feline leukemia vaccine for added protection.<\/p>\n
At your pet's first visit, we recommend a stool analysis<\/strong> (coprology) to check for intestinal parasites. This test helps us identify any potential iinfections and allows us to prescribe the appropriate treatment. We then suggest an annual stool analysis for all pets who go outdoors, or who maye have access to rodents in the home.<\/p>\n Regular stool analysis and consistent parasite prevention are essential not only for your pet's health, but for your family's well-being. Many parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. By staying on top of your pet's parasite prevention, you\u2019re not only protecting them, but also reducing the risk of infection for your entire household.<\/p>\n The Key Reasons We Recommend Sterilizing Your Cat<\/p>\n Sterilizing your cat\u2014whether through castration for males or ovariohysterectomy for females\u2014is a routine and important procedure typically done when your cat is around six months old. This surgery helps prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduces the risk of certain health issues, and can improve your cat\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n Benefits of Sterilization:<\/strong><\/p>\n Sterilization is a straightforward and highly beneficial procedure that contributes to your cat\u2019s long-term health and well-being. By choosing to sterilize your pet, you\u2019re helping to provide a happier, healthier life for both your cat and your household.<\/p>\n Until the age of 6 months, a kitten should be fed with food that will sustain good growth. Cats love to nibble; give them a specific amount of food per day, divided it into many meals (like snacks during the whole day).<\/p>\n As cats age, they are prone to obesity problems. To prevent this condition, avoid feeding them at will. If you have several cats, make sure that each one eats its own portion. Ideally, each one should have its own bowl.<\/p>\n When you change to adult cat food, make sure the transition is gradual; don't make an abrupt change as this could cause diarrhea and\/or vomiting.<\/p>\n If you have several cats, make sure each one eats its portion; ideally, each pet should have its own bowl. As they get older, our pets are subject to obesity problems; to help avoid these problems, don't let them self-feed.<\/p>\n In Qu\u00e9bec, cats can receive heartworm protection from June to November; products are readily available and easy to administer.<\/p>\n Since there are no screening tests (blood analysis) to efficiently detect this parasite in cats and because they are asymptomatic, it is difficult to know exactly how widespread this disease is among felines. This preventive treatment can be combined with a preventive treatment against infestations by fleas, mites, and some intestinal parasites. For this reason, it is strongly recommended.<\/p>\n Some kittens have ear mites; these are parasites that are easy to see with a microscope. The veterinarian may judge it necessary to do an ear smear in order to identify them. Do you want to see these mites? Ask a technician to show them to you under a microscope.<\/p>\n As with humans, cats can have ear infections; but with regular ear cleaning, you will be able to avoid this problem. Use an appropriate product and the proper technique; the veterinarian or the technician will show you how to proceed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To keep your kitten's claws in check, the golden rule is simple: clip more often, but never too short! Gently handle your kitten's legs regularly so she gets used to being touched, making nail trims much easier. When it\u2019s time to clip, make sure she\u2019s calm and relaxed. Avoid cutting into the quick (the pink part inside the nail) as it can cause bleeding and discomfort. If you\u2019re unsure, trim just the very tip.<\/p>\n A little tip for your kitten<\/strong>: To prevent her from damaging your furniture, get her one or even several scratching posts and teach her how to use them from an early age! You can also give her treats when she scratches her post - but make sure to count these in the amount of food she gets, since they're often higher in calories.<\/p>\n To protect your furniture, introduce a scratching post early on and show her how to use it. Reward her with treats when she scratches the post but remember to factor them into her daily food intake since they can be high in calories. With patience and consistency, your kitten will learn good habits and nail care will become a breeze!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just like humans, your pet's teeth need regular brushing to maintain good oral health. Be sure to use a pet-specific toothpaste<\/strong> that is fluoride-free, as fluoride is harmful to pets. Additionally, some pet food brands offer diets designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup through its abrasive action during chewing. However, it\u2019s important to note that these foods do not replace regular brushing. For personalized recommendations on the best food for your pet\u2019s dental health, our technicians and veterinarians are always happy to assist, don\u2019t hesitate to ask us for advice.<\/p>\n Scaling: A Reliable Way to Protect Your Cat\u2019s Health<\/strong><\/p>\n In cats, tartar and plaque are often hidden beneath the gums, making them difficult to see with the naked eye. The only effective way to remove this buildup is through scaling, a procedure performed under general anesthesia at veterinary hospitals. Similar to a dental cleaning for humans, scaling involves several steps:<\/p>\n Irrigation<\/strong> of the area below the gums<\/p>\n Based on the AAHA guidelines we recommend a routine dental scaling (or dental prophylaxis) at the following frequency:<\/p>\n Age of first dental scaling or prophylaxis<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Scaling not only helps prevent pain, tooth loss, and periodontal disease, but it can also reduce the risk of infections that can affect vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart\u2014conditions that can sometimes be fatal. Additionally, scaling can dramatically improve your cat's breath!<\/p>\n It\u2019s clear that skipping this important procedure isn\u2019t an option. Our dental services are performed by a team of specialists using the latest technology and equipment. Make an appointment today to keep your cat\u2019s smile\u2014and health\u2014at their best!<\/p>\n As a pet owner, it\u2019s important to remember that human medications can be extremely toxic to pets<\/strong>. What may be safe for you can have harmful or even fatal effects on your furry friends. Before administering any medication to your pet, it\u2019s essential to get the right information and consult your veterinarian. Never play doctor with your pet\u2019s health!<\/strong><\/p>\n Medications meant for people, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and even herbal supplements, often have harmful side effects when ingested by animals.<\/p>\n Additionally, pets can accidentally ingest human medications when they get into pill bottles or bottles left within their reach. It\u2019s critical to pet-proof your home and keep medications stored securely<\/strong> to prevent these accidental poisonings.<\/p>\n It's essential to keep medications securely stored<\/strong>, out of reach of curious pets. Here are some helpful tips:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Prepare the first moments at home with your kitten with our tips and advices to help integrate into your family. Food, behavior and growth, learn more about caring for your new pet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":664,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"conseils_cat":[138,137],"class_list":["post-1023","conseils","type-conseils","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conseils_cat-adoption-cat","conseils_cat-cat"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRoutine Surgery<\/h2>\n
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Nutrition<\/h2>\n
Heartworms<\/h2>\n
Ear Cleaning<\/h2>\n
Nail Clipping<\/h2>\n
Dental hygiene<\/h2>\n
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Frequency of Dental Prophylaxis<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Human Pharmacy<\/h2>\n
Caution: Human Medications Can Be Dangerous for Pets<\/h3>\n
Common Human Medications That Are Toxic to Pets<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Preventing Accidental Poisoning: Pet-Proof Your Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n