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Well-being |
| "Just
one more kiss, then baby needs to rest." |
|
It
is important for kittens to have plenty of rest as well as
exercise. Because kittens love to play so much, just like with
growing children, they can get over-stimulated and not know when to
rest. So we have to let them know when their little bodies
need to rejuvenate with quiet-time so they can eat, potty, and take a
nap.
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Socialization |
All
babies born in our home are socialized from birth with limited daily
interaction. I always like to be with the mothers during
their births. No matter how many litters they have, my
girls always find comfort with me being there with them.
Limited handling as well as talking to the new babies everyday is
important to bond with them and make sure they are healthy and getting
enough to eat.
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Vaccinations
&
Health
Warranty |
The
Vaccination Record includes
all shots that the kitten or adult has received as well as a suggested schedule for the next
vaccinations. Kitten inoculations are against
Panleukopenia, Rhinotrecheitis,
and Calicivirus. I only vaccinate for Rabies when required
for airline travel. I do not vaccinate against Feline Leukemia
because of the stress of the vaccination on the immune system, inconclusive effectiveness,
and lack of exposure to those cats who could have this disease. My breeding cats
are tested for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline AIDS
(FIV). If you and
your Vet believe other vaccinations are warranted than those recommended--specifically, Panleukopenia,
Rhinotrecheitis, and Calicivirus--it is then yours and your Veterinarian's responsibility for
the health of your kitten.
It is very important to keep young kittens
away from adult cats until they have had all series of their kittenhood
vaccinations. Adult cats can carry latent diseases--that
means, the carrier will show
no signs of the disease but can transfer the active disease to others
who are susceptible, like
kittens who have not had all of their vaccinations and whose immune
systems have not fully
developed yet. Exposure to adult carriers can have mild to
very serious as well as fatal
consequences.
An example of a mild case is a kittenhood
condition called *Limping Cali.* Having corresponded with a Canadian Cat-Only
Veterinarian several years ago when I first heard of this in some catteries and pet homes, I
will relate her views on this condition. It is a strain of the Calicivirus. The most
notable symptoms are limping and fever. As far as the way a
kitten contracts it, some
believe that adult cats who are carriers of this strain of Calicivirus
can transmit it to kittens,
while others believe that it is a reaction to the actual Calicivirus
vaccine itself, usually
displaying symptoms about a week after a vaccination. Even
though some Veterinarians may
prescribe a mild antibiotic like Clavamox (Augmentin) for its
treatment, it will clear up on
its own within 48 hours without any medication at all.
During this time, the caregiver
needs to make sure the kitten is eating and staying hydrated with
plenty of water. It is
also important to keep the kitten as stress-free and quiet as
possible. Limping Cali can affect any breed of kitten due to its mode of
transmission.
Because of the possible health risks,
kittens who are not fully vaccinated against kittenhood diseases should not interact with adult
cats in the household. A Health Warranty cannot be granted if a kitten has been exposed to
adult cats before receiving all of the necessary kittenhood vaccinations. Only
after sixteen (16) weeks of age is it safe for kittens to *meet* their older playmates. Failure
to segregate your new kitten(s) from your existing resident cat(s) and kitten(s) will result in the
forfeiture of your kitten's Health Warranty.
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Nutrition |
All kittens
are raised on the best cat foods available. I also provide
them with raw beef and cooked
chicken (both home-raised) as an extra protein source during their
weaning time. Kittens'
bones and muscles need plenty of nutrition for proper
growth and do a great deal of
growing at this time. And if they do not get what they need
in their diet, then their
bodies will start to feed on their already developing bones and
muscles. I only feed professional cat foods and am always
looking for the best brands for my cats.
Every kitten and adult going to a new home
is accompanied with a Care Kit, which includes a sample of the food that she/he has been
eating. These varieties are
kitten and cat foods that are easy for the feline digestive tract. These brands are also
Veterinarian-recommended and have high protein ratios. Coupons
for these brands will be included in the Kit and you will receive future
coupons from these cat food companies.
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Potty-Habits |
All kittens are
fully litterbox-trained. For the first days in your home, I
suggest keeping your new family member in close quarters to the
litterpans or place more than one litterpan in your house until their
locations are known--that is, if you want your new kitten or cat to
have full run of your house right away. I would strongly
recommend a room at first though, just until your home becomes familiar
to the new member. This is especially important if you have
any adult cats in your home.
Also, keep their food, water, and beds away
from their litterbox to discourage contamination and confusion, such as
using the litterpan as a bed. All of my kittens and cats
that go to new homes are very healthy and have excellent potty
habits. As for the litter, I use a plain, low-dust litter,
which is non-perfumed. I never use clumpable with young
kittens because it poses a definite threat to them if they consume
it. Kittens use their primal instinct to test new things by
biting and chewing. Sometimes kittens do like to chew on litter,
especially when they are first learning what it is actually
for. Therefore, only my adult cats use the clumpable
litter. Kittens use plain clay litter until they are, at least,
four (4) months of age.
