Your new kitten

Vaccination - Your kitten will need two initial injections, normally a first one at 9 weeks then a second at 12 weeks. Your kitten will then need annual boosters to ensure continuous immunity. At each booster appointment and first vaccination, your vet will also give your pet a thorough examination including listening to their heart and lungs. A vaccination covers 'cat flu' and enteritis (your vet can explain these in more detail if requested). It will also cover feline leukemia virus.
Worming - Your kitten will need worming when you first get him/her. Roundworms can be treated with Advocate, a Drontal tablet or a spot on called Profender. Tapeworm can also be a risk if your kitten starts going out and about, or catches fleas. This can be treated by a Drontal tablet every three months or a Profender spot on. However your vet can advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your kitten.
Fleas - To prevent fleas or treat them your kitten will need a product called Advantage which is a spot on and needs to be applied monthly. Advocate also treats for fleas monthly (also killing worms and mites except tapeworm). Fleas particularly like warm conditions so can be found in the home in winter with central heating, or in warmer weather. They can cause your pet irritation and skin problems.
Microchips- A microchip is a small implant the size of a grain of rice. It is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It may cause some discomfort to your kitten when being placed but some do not react at all. It contains a unique code which is registered on a national data base, meaning if your pet strays they can be reunited with you as soon as possible. All practices, police stations and pounds will have a scanner to check if the animal is microchipped. It is a one off fee and would normally never need repeating. It can be done from 12 weeks and is essential for a pet passport.
Nutrition - Your kitten must be fed on a high quality, kitten diet. These diets are designed to meet the nutritional needs of a kitten, which are different to the adult cat. They contain higher levels of protein, vitamins and minerals and will ensure your kitten has a healthy development. At Mid Sussex we recommend Hills Science Plan. Please ask for more details.
Insurance - Unfortunately, cats can require expensive treatments at some time during their life. Insurance will safe guard you and your pet by allowing your cat to have the best possible treatment, without having sleepless nights over the cost. When looking for a suitable insurance company you should consider whether they will offer you life time cover, whether they cover heart problems, prescription diets and dental treatments and if they are a pet specialist. Please ask at reception for further information or leaflets. Some companies will offer introductory deals.
Neutering - By the time you have sorted all of the above; it will probably be time to neuter your kitten! We normally neuter from about five and a half months. This has many benefits including - · Unwanted breeding and kittens · Prevention of straying to find a mate · Prevention of urine spraying around the house · Less likely to fight · Females won't call .