Adopting a kitten is not just about welcoming the animal into a comfortable home; it involves following a specific procedure. Advice from a veterinarian or a specialist in the field will help understand the steps to take before and after adopting the kitten. The individual making this choice must be fully committed, especially in the first few months, to ensure that the kitten thrives in good conditions.
The first aspect to consider is waiting until the kitten has had time to get familiar with cleanliness rules and has become socialized. Since this learning happens in contact with the mother, it should not be separated from her before two months of age. It is not responsible to adopt a kitten when it is too young, as the bond with its mother is crucial despite any affection it may receive. The two-month period is very appealing, but one must be aware that an animal at this age will need significant attention as it still requires a lot of affection and playtime. Before proceeding with the adoption of a kitten this age, ensuring sufficient availability is necessary. Opting for a slightly older kitten will require less involvement.
For all kittens, one should not rush the end of the weaning process just to achieve a quick adoption. While kittens are adorable at birth, they need a period where they are nursed by their mother. Around 4 to 5 weeks of age, they start showing interest in solid food even though they continue to drink milk. Weaning typically ends around 7 to 8 weeks of age. At this point, the kitten only consumes solid food and is generally ready for adoption. This age is an average, so for each kitten adoption, it is important to confirm with the seller, whether private or professional, that this period is truly over. If not, patience is advised, and one should wait a few more weeks. For its future health, it is already worthwhile to consider the food that will be served upon its arrival as it has specific needs that must be met.
The weaned kitten becomes exposed to diseases and germs that can cause significant issues. To safeguard against these risks, it is essential to maintain a vaccination record from the start of the adoption. The first vaccination should be done between 7 and 9 weeks, which generally corresponds to the adoption time. The new owner can then automatically visit the veterinarian to get each necessary vaccine. The initial vaccines cover Calicivirus, which causes herpes among other things, Panleukopenia, which leads to significant diarrhea and vomiting, and Feline Leukemia, which causes an impairment of the immune system to varying degrees.
These three vaccines are vital as they will protect the new cat settling into its home from developing severe diseases or ailments. The booster for these vaccines is given between 12 and 16 weeks. At this age, an anti-rabies vaccine can also be administered depending on the living area that might present a risk. It is important to know that this vaccine is required if the owner wishes to travel to another European Union country with their cat, so it is advisable to get it done. It will be noted in the kitten's vaccination record, and it will simply need to be presented to the relevant authorities during travel.
Beyond the diseases addressed through vaccination, the owner of a kitten must undertake two other steps to ensure their animal is perfectly protected. Deworming is essential as it helps develop a more efficient immune system, ensures a stronger gastrointestinal balance, and protects against dermatological issues. Kittens get infested with worms from a young age as they are transmitted through maternal milk and other sources afterward. It is crucial to deworm your cat every month until they are six months old and then every three months thereafter.
Fleas are a nuisance that should be eradicated immediately by treating your kitten effectively against them. This is necessary even if the cat will live in an apartment. Fleas can come from outside, be found on window sills or in wall cavities and proliferate. They can also come from another animal living nearby that is infested. Thus, using an anti-flea product suitable for kittens is essential.
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