It's not just people that'll love your new pet
Your kitten will love the fuss and attention you, your family and friends lavish upon them, but not the attention from parasites. Fleas, worms and mites are extremely common, so it'd be pretty unusual if your kitten didn't pick them up at some point. The good news is that parasites aren't that harmful and they are easy to get rid of. If your kitten suffers from parasites, your vet will be happy to recommend the best preparation and advise you on how to get the best results.
Tasty Tips
Fleas
Sometimes, a spell of unusually mild weather will trigger an explosion of fleas in and around your home. Even if your kitten has been regularly treated, you may still find them scratching. Look for tiny brown specks in their fur, remove them and place on a wet tissue. If they turn a red/brown colour, they are flea dirt. In this case you'll need to treat your home as well. Get a can of spray from your vet for your carpets, soft furnishings and even hard floors; fleas can creep into any nook and cranny to lay their eggs. Don't forget to clean and spray your vacuum cleaner after use. Follow the instructions on the can and you should get rid of the problem, although total elimination can take up to three months. This treatment breaks the lifecycle of the flea by killing the larvae as they hatch, so they won't be able to hitch a ride on your kitten.
Worms
The most common worm likely to infect your kitten is the Roundworm. (When your kitten gets a bit older, they'll be susceptible to Tapeworms as well.) Your kitten is unlikely to show any sign of having worms, but if the infestation is severe, you will see differences. You may notice weight loss, bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea and irritation around the bottom area.
Kittens should be routinely treated for worms, prevention being far better than cure. Your vet will advise you on the most suitable treatment; they'll need monthly worming for the first six months, and then three monthly thereafter.
Related articles
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
How To Feed a Cat With a Sensitive Stomach
Discover what you can do to spot and support a sensitive cat stomach. See what routines and food you can implement to help your cat be happy and healthy.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.