KITTEN HEALTH

Similar to the way wild cats socialise, a regular health check is a good way to form a close bond with your kitten. Start at a young age and your kitten will soon consider it as just another natural routine. Before you start, choose a place where she is comfortable – like your lap or on a bed. Be gentle and use soft, reassuring words.

The most dreaded issue with the hygiene of any pet is having to deal with nasty fleas and worms. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems. We have you covered.

Infectious diseases such as Feline Infectious Enteritis (panleucopenia), Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) have been a significant cause of illness in cats. Once your kitten has had all her shots, you'll know that she will have the best possible protection. Remember, kittens should not be permitted to come into contact with stray cats until they have completed their course of vaccinations.

Only a couple of viruses cause a majority of kitten colds. As long as your kitten is up to date with her vaccinations, she should be protected against the virus.

Your little kitten will be relying on you to take good care of her from the moment you bring her home. Register her with a local vet as soon as you can. Keep all her health documents, and the vet’s phone number, handy.

Kittens love to sleep and most cats sleep between 13–16 hours a day, for a simple reason: sleeping after each meal allows them to conserve energy from the meat they consume. If you catch your kitten napping, remember that she’s just mimicking the natural behaviour of her big cat cousins, ensuring that she’s restored and well-rested for her next prowl.