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Cats

The ins and outs of getting a cat.

There are many factors to consider when thinking of getting a new cat such as the environment it will be living in, as well as budgeting for food, medications and insurance, amongst other things. Having everything you need ready will help provide a stress free transition.

Here is a list of some essentials for your new cat:

  • Comfortable bedding
  • Litter tray(s)
  • Scratching post
  • Food/water bowls
  • Small selection of toys
  • Quick release collar
  • Calming products to help them settle in such as a pheromone or herbal based diffuser

There are many different decisions you will have to make when it comes to getting a new cat/kitten. Researching what type of food to feed them and comparing insurance prices are just two of them. Setting up your home in advance of your new arrival will help provide a less stressful transition. This includes setting up a safe place for them to settle into and keeping them away from any other pets in the house for the first few weeks is advisable to avoid any unnecessary stresses, gradually exposing them to each other over time. Pop into the surgery and ask reception for a copy of Finding Your Perfect Cat.

We are always here to support and advise pet owners, so please feel free to ask us about anything pet related that you have questions or concerns about.

Preventative Healthcare

Vaccination

Vaccines start at nine weeks of age. We recommend your new cat/kitten has a few days to settle in so will generally book first vaccine appointments once your new addition has been with you for at least 3 days. The first vaccination appointment is with one of our veterinary surgeons and includes a full health check. The second vaccination is given 21- 28 days later. Two weeks after this second vaccination your kitten will be protected so can start exploring the outside world. This should be done gradually when you are at home to be able to control the process. However, we can neuter from 4.5 months of age so you may just want to wait until they are neutered before letting them out. Visit our Vaccination section for more information.

Parasite treatment

A parasite prevention plan should be started as soon as your kitten enters your home. Our Best Start Kitten Package includes the full course of vaccinations, health check, first flea/tick & roundworm treatment and microchip visit https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/about-us/offers/puppy-kitten-packs for more information. It is wise to take an effective veterinary flea and parasite prevention product for your cat even if it is clear of unwanted visitors. As soon as your cat begins to get out and about, it is at risk from picking up parasites. Visit our Parasite Prevention section for more information.

Neutering

We generally can neuter cats from 4.5 months of age but our team will advise you on the best time to neuter your kitten. This is a commonly performed operation with a quick recovery time. If your kitten is a member of our health plan the Lifetime Care Club we give a 20% discount on the cost of neutering, visit https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/lifetime-care-club for more information.

Neutering can reduce the risks of:

  • Spraying
  • Fighting and aggression
  • Infectious viral diseases transmitted through fighting
  • Unwanted pregnancy
  • Visit our Neutering section for more information.

Microchipping

We recommend having your cat/kitten microchipped before they are ready to start going out. A microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is inserted between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique number which is recorded on a database with your pet’s details and yours. If you move or change phone number it is important to update the database with your new details. If your pet gets lost at any time during their life, the microchip can be read by veterinary practices and rehoming centres so you and your pet can be reunited. Microchips are often placed either at the time of neutering, or at second vaccination appointment. Our vets will recommend the best time for placement based on the size of your kitten.

Insurance

We strongly believe that all clients and their pets benefit from a reliable pet insurance policy, covering illness and injury. Ask us about 4 weeks free cover when you visit us. Visit https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/services/insurance/petinsurance-guide for some helpful tips on the different types of policies available.

Nutrition

Your kitten should be fully weaned by the time they are ready to join your family. Always ask what they have been fed and whenever possible stick to this for the first few days to reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Once your new cat or kitten has settled in you can start to introduce a new food by gradually mixing an increased proportion into your kitten’s food over the next week. A good quality complete diet designed to meet the nutritional needs of kittens, supporting development and growth is ideal. For adult cats a good quality completed food suitable for their age range is recommended you can download our hand nutrition guide here for more information or we can discuss suitable diets when you visit the practice https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/services/pet-nutrition

Companionship and behaviour

When introducing a cat/kitten to new people or pets, especially children, let them make the approach in their own time and never force the issue. This will help them to grow into confident, friendly cats that feel safe in your home. It is not uncommon for cats in multi cat households to not get along with each other and we can help you to resolve or manage this, should you have this problem. We are an ISFM Silver Accredited Cat Friendly Clinic visit our Cat Friendly Clinic page for further tips on how support your kitty with vet visits https://www.belmontvets.co.uk/about-us/cat-friendly-clinic

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