Why you're as important as the vet to your kitten's health
A good healthcare routine for your kitten starts at home. Just as in humans, prevention is much better than cure. As the person who knows your kitten, best of all, nobody could be better qualified than you to become the 'eyes' and 'ears' of your vet.
Good habits start young
It's important you get your kitten used to being regularly handled and checked over by you. This makes life a lot easier for everyone. Here are some things to look out for:
Is your kitten getting fat?
You don't want your kitten piling on the pounds. But being underweight isn't good either and can be a sign of illness. Your vet should keep a record of your kitten's weight and growth. You can also ask your vet for the best way to track your kitten's growth yourself to ensure that they are on track to grow up happy and healthy.
If you're at all worried about your kitten's weight, book an appointment with your vet.
Does your kitten's coat look healthy?
Your kitten's coat should gleam with health. Check for flakes, scales or cuts. Are there any fleas or flea dirt in evidence? Is her coat dull or matted - this could indicate a nutrient deficiency or disease. Talk to your vet if you're worried.
Tasty Tips
Check your kitten's, eyes and ears
Look closely at your kitten's eyes. Is there any discharge? Are the whites free of any redness? Gently pull down the lower eyelid - this area should be pink.
Now have a look at their ears. These should be clean, pink, free of dirt and free of any strong odour. Check for wax, especially dark wax, which may be a sign of ear mites or infection.
Any worries you have about your kitten's eyes or ears should be discussed with your vet.
Check your kitten's teeth and gums
Gently open your kitten's mouth. Do the gums look pink and healthy? Are teeth free of tartar build-up (which looks yellow or brown in colour)? You shouldn't usually find any tartar deposits on kittens' teeth. Does their breath smell ok?
Dental problems in cats are very common. You can help by getting into the habit of cleaning your kitten's teeth three times a week. Meat and fish flavoured cat toothpaste can be bought from most vets and pet food shops. A small soft children's toothbrush is fine, just make sure you keep it completely separate from the rest of the family's brushes. Alternatively, you can buy special cat toothbrushes from your vet.
Once your kitten is an adult, your vet may recommend feeding Science Plan Adult Oral Care cat food. This has been shown to significantly reduce the buildup of plaque, tartar and stains.
Inspect your kitten's claws and footpads. Are they free of cuts and cracks? Do nails need a trim?
Know what's normal for your kitten
Perhaps the most important part of any home health check is simply learning what's 'normal' for your kitten. Are there any unusual lumps or bumps? If there's anything that worries you, call your vet straight away.
Related products
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Dry Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food with Chicken is formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur, keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Light Adult Cat Food
Chicken recipe dry cat food with L-carnitine and fewer calories for ideal weight management in adult cats. Packed with high-quality protein, omega-6s, and vitamin E for shiny fur and healthy skin.
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Adult Dry Cat Food with Salmon has a unique weight management formula to help burn fat, build muscle and keep sterilised cats lean. Made with high-quality, easy-to-digest ingredients.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Wet Cat Food with Turkey is a complete pet food for adult cats, aged 1–6 years. This highly digestible wet food comes in a pouch and supports healthy digestion, as well as nourishes skin and promotes a thick and lustrous coat.
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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 flavorful, 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 flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.