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Bringing Your New Kitten Home

January 15, 2022

Are you planning to adopt a new kitten soon? Congratulations! Baby cats are small, but they can fill some huge spaces in our hearts. You will have quite a bit of pet parenting in front of you, though, especially in those first few months. A Washington DC vet offers some advice on this below.


Petproofing

A tiny, curious ball of fur can get into all sorts of trouble in a new place! Remove or secure anything that isn’t safe. That includes toxic plants, chemicals and medications, automotive products, wires and cords, plastic bags and ties, and anything small or sharp. Make sure your doors and windows close securely, and block off things like fire pits, open decks, and spaces behind and beneath furniture and cabinets.


Getting Settled

Going to a new home is a very big deal for a little cat. Fluffy may be scared at first, and she might need some time to settle in. Don’t force attention on your kitten! Just keep her comfy and cozy, and let her adjust.


Litterbox

When your feline pal is all grown up, you can use any litter you and Fluffy like. However, for now, avoid clay or clumping litters. These are dangerous for kittens, as they can cause serious intestinal blockages if accidentally ingested.


Food

Little Fluffy will need proper nourishment to fuel that big growth spurt. Nutrition is key at this stage. Offer your pint-sized pet a high-quality kitten food.


Introductions

If you have other pets, keep them in separate areas at first. Don’t let them interact until your vet has given the all-clear. Monitor all interactions carefully. If things don’t go well, end the session and try again another day.


Toys

Little Fluffy will be very interested in mastering all those claws and teeth. Get lots of toys, and play with her regularly. Remember to put wand toys up after use, though, so your furball doesn’t get entangled.


Purrs And Love

Did you know that cats tend to see us as second parents? You may find that your heart just melts when little Fluffy hops into your lap or just looks up at you with that innocent, adoring expression. Spend a lot of time with your kitten, and make sure she feels secure, comfy, and cared for.


As your local Washington DC animal cinci, we are dedicated to offering excellent care. Call us anytime!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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