Kitten information
A new kitten is an exciting event but one with great responsibility. This leaflet aims to give
you advice on how to protect your kitten from disease and ensure your kitten goes on to
grow into a healthy adult cat.
We wish you the best of luck with your new kitten and hope that you have many happy
and healthy years together. We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have
so please feel free to ask any of the Swanbridge Veterinary Group staff if you require any
additional information. We have a website www.swanbridgevets.com that contains useful
information, opening times and contact details if you ever need to speak to us.
VACCINATIONS
It is important to vaccinate your kitten to prevent diseases caused by harmful and potentially
fatal infections such as cat flu and feline leukaemia virus. The first vaccination can be given
from nine weeks of age with a second vaccination three weeks later. Your kitten should not mix
with any unvaccinated cats or go out until a week after the second vaccination. The primary
vaccination course should then be followed by a yearly booster to maintain your kitten’s
immunity and enable a full annual health check to be carried out.
PARASITE CONTROL – WORMS, FLEAS AND TICKS
kittens can become infected with worms from their mother and from their environment. To
help keep them worm free, we recommend worming monthly until they are six months and
then every three months as an adult cat. Depending on your kitten’s age and size we will
recommend a suitable wormer for you to administer. Not only will this keep your kitten
healthy, but it will also help prevent you catching worms from your kitten too.
Fleas and ticks are common parasites that your kitten can catch. We advise the use of a
monthly spot-on treatment that will help prevent infestations on both your kitten and in your
home. We use only the most effective veterinary spot-on treatments unlike some less effective
brands that can be purchased from the high street.
FEEDING
We advise you feed your kitten a complete kitten food and he/she should always have fresh
water available. By feeding a good quality kitten food you will help your kitten to grow at the
correct rate and have a healthy immune system. We supply a range of different kitten foods for
different ages and sizes, please feel free to ask your vet about these.
NEUTERING
We recommend you get your kitten neutered at six months of age. Spaying your female cat will
prevent her becoming pregnant and will reduce unwanted attention from entire males when
she is in season. Castrating your male cat will help reduce him roaming and fighting with other
males. It may also reduce the chance of him spraying in the house.
MICROCHIPPING
We recommend you get your kitten microchipped. The microchip enables your kitten to be
reunited with you if lost. It can also ensure that if found injured by a member of the public you
can be contacted rapidly and give your consent for veterinary treatment.
INSURANCE
We strongly advise you take out pet insurance for your kitten. We hope that your kitten
remains healthy throughout his/her life but in the evident of illness, the cost of veterinary care
can be high. There are many advanced procedures such as MRIs and complex surgeries that can
be life-saving and by taking out insurance you can ensure your kitten always gets the best
possible care and treatment. We offer four weeks free insurance with Pet Plan, please feel free
to ask your vet about this.
The Swanbridge Veterinary Group, Tranby Lane, Swanland, HU143NG.
Tel: 01482633888, Fax: 01482 634576, Email: info@swanbrigevets.com