Kitten Care and Training

Age related problems occur at a much faster rate in pets then in humans. If your pet sees its veterinarian every two years rather than annually, health charges become more difficult to correct or prevent. Routine checkups can aid in detecting a problem early and preventing it from getting worse. A yearly visit is essential in order to maintain a pet’s proper health. During an annual exam, your pet will receive a complete physical exam, a medical history will be taken and your pet will be weighed. A fecal exam should be run for intestinal parasites and vaccinations will be given. Your veterinarian will then consult with you regarding the steps that are necessary to maintain your pet’s health.

At 8-weeks, 12-weeks and 16 weeks, you will receive information on your animal’s physical and behavioral requirements. Following these guidelines ensures the best possible healthy maintenance for your pet. Enjoying and taking care of your pet in an informed and caring manner from kitten to adulthood is the ultimate goal for us as your pet’s health provider.

8 Week Visit
1. Kitten socialization
2. Behavior
3. Litter box training
4. Feline nutrition
5. Plant safety
6. Entertainment
7. Diseases and prevention


12 Week Visit
1. Evaluation of social development
2. Reasons for spaying or neutering
3. Declawing

16 Week Visit
1. Grooming
2. Nail trimming
3. Hairballs
4. External parasite prevention
5. Breed genetics
6. Health maintenance
7. Review behavior

8 Week Visit
Kitten Socialization
From birth to about three months, kittens undergo a series of developmental stages much like puppies do. The tone of these stages sets the pattern for their future personality whether they will be shy or aggressive, people-oriented or loners. Kittens are not born friendly; love, trust and affection must be taught. Many pet owners do not pay attention to this initial period because they think cats are supposed to be independent. You can teach your kittens to relax and trust you by giving them daily close contact from the beginning. Every day, each kitten should be picked up carefully and briefly held.

At three weeks, kittens are becoming mobile and are beginning to climb out of their box to explore their environment. For the first time they may come into contact with other cats besides their mother and littermates.

At first, kittens approach each new cat like they would its mother. Such an approach is not always appreciated by the other cat, which may react to the curious kitten with hisses and threats. The kitten thus learns that not every cat is mother and that strangers may have to be treated with cautious respect. If, however, the first encounter with a strange cat comes four-to-six weeks later, the reaction of the kitten will be quite different. Instead of approaching the stranger confidently with tail raised high in the air, the kitten will hiss and exhibit fear and defensive behavior. The period of adjustment to the other cat or cats will be much longer and slower. The later a kitten is introduced to his own kind, the more difficult the adjustment will be.