Summer With Kittens

Has a new kitten recently joined your household? Congratulations on your furry new arrival! There are few things more adorable than baby cats. Your new pet will not only keep you smiling with her adorable antics, she’ll probably waste no time in wrapping you around those tiny paws. However, little Fluffy is quite fragile, so you’ll need to take some steps to keep her safe and purring in that scorching Texas heat. A San Antonio, TX vet lists some summer kitten care tips below.

Heat

Baby cats are much more susceptible to extreme temperatures than their older kin. Keep your little buddy in rooms that have clmate control. You’ll also want to make sure your tiny pet always has water available. When temperatures rise, you can drop an ice cube into her water. You can also mist her fur lightly, or point a sturdy fan (one she can’t knock over) onto her bed. Keep a close eye out for signs of overheating, such as panting, lethargy, and discolored gums. If you see any, immediately provide water, get your kitten to a cool spot, and call your vet.

Preventative Care

Fleas, ticks, and heartworms present dangers for any feline, but they are particularly deadly to little ones. Kittens with bad flea infestations can become anemic, which can be fatal. However, you’ll have to make sure that you are following recommended guidelines for dosages and schedules. Giving baby cats products or doses that are meant for adult furballs is extremely dangerous!

Safety

We can’t overstate the benefits of keeping your cat indoors. Kittens are extremely vulnerable: they not only face the same dangers adult felines do, such as cars, weather, and traffic. They also face more threats from predators, such as large birds, and can get stuck in very tiny spaces. Keep your little buddy indoors!

Petproofing

Kitty shenanigans aside, adult cats usually have a pretty good idea of what they can eat, play with, fit into, or sleep on. During that adorable toddler phase, however, everything is fair game. Keep anything you don’t want your furball playing with out of paws’ reach. That includes anything small or sharp; chemicals; medicine; plastic ropes and cords; and toxic plants. We also recommend keeping large appliances closed when they aren’t in use.

Do you need to make an appointment for your kitten? Contact us, your San Antonio, TX, vet clinic, today!