Cat Health Kitten Health

The Importance of Kitten Health

Kittens come with their own set of tiny cat behavior routines but the one thing they share with their larger feline relatives is the need to be provided with proper kitten health programs. Like their larger counterparts, kittens need to be started on a good health regimen and maintain a good health routine. A comprehensive kitten health plan should be implemented as soon as the kittens are old enough.

Promoting a Kitten Health Diet

Young kittens will stay with their mother, who will provide their food source, for weeks. At approximately four weeks, kittens can be introduced to a quality wet kitten food that will provide them with vitamins and nutrients. These nutrients will help build strong bones, good teeth and shiny coats. Once they are weaned from their mom and the natural nutrients she supplies and the kittens are eating solid kitten food, the quality of kitten health becomes a priority and the type and brand of food they are fed will have a direct impact on their overall health.

Ensuring Kitten Health

The very first step in starting kittens off in the right direction is to have them vaccinated against disease. Even if the kittens are to be house cats and not be allowed outdoors, it is imperative that they be given the battery of shots and annual check ups necessary for proper kitten health. Starting kittens off by feeding them the proper food that is available for kittens only will help ensure a proper diet. Not feeding them table scraps on a daily basis is also a good way to keep them healthy and at a good weight. While most cats and kittens like the taste of milk, keep it in moderation. Kittens are full of energy but be sure they are provided with additional stimulus such as a scratch post or kitty condo and a variety of toys.

Protecting Kittens from Parasites

A very important part of kitten health is protecting them from both internal and external parasites. External parasites, such as fleas, can cause skin irritation because of too much scratching and ingesting fleas will cause the kittens to have worms. Both of these health issues are easily treatable but it's important that you verify with your veterinarian the proper flea treatment and what dose is applicable for the kitten's age and size. There are flea treatments available that provide coverage for fleas only and other preventatives that will also protect the kittens from worms and ear mites. Watch your kittens for any unusual cat behavior such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, not eating or drinking or using a litter pan. These could be signals that your kitten is not feeling well and needs a check-up by your veterinarian.