Grooming and Health Care
How often should I give my kitten a bath?
For short-haired kittens who keep themselves clean--Never! Most kittens are very low maintenance in the grooming department. If you are allergic to kittens, or have a kitten who is unable to keep herself clean due to a medical issue or being too small, she can be bathed as needed. It is best to train them for this as well, or have the bath done by a professional.
- Vet's Best dry clean waterless cat foam
- Wash your kitten without water!
- E'Plaza Adjustable Polyester Pet Cat Washing Mesh Bags, Guardian Gear Nylon Cat Muzzle
- Helps keep you and your kitten safe during a bath
Does my long-haired kitten need a hair cut?
He does if he is unable to keep his hair from getting matted. You should brush him every day to help him out, but sometimes keeping the hair short is the only solution. A professional groomer can clip most of the long hair, while leaving the head, legs and tail (a lion cut. Some kittens just need to be clipped around their anal area, which is called a sanitary clip.
- Four Paws Magic Coat Love Glove, Furminator long hair deshedding tool, Safari self cleaning slicker brush
- Tools to help you remove the loose hair off your kitten on a daily basis. Prevents hairballs and excessive shedding and matting
Do I need to brush my kitten?
Yes. It helps provide hairball prevention. And for long haired kittens, starting brushing right away will help them get used to it for the future.
- FURminator for kittens
- Deshedding tool
Should I trim my kitten's toenails or get him de-clawed?
You can train your kitten (lots of treats, again!) to allow you to trim his nails or apply nail caps to his claws at home. Your vet or groomer can show you how. And, of course, provide scratching posts. Surgical declawing of an adult kitten is very painful. Most vets today believe it is inhumane and many refuse to do it. It is a last resort to be discussed with your vet.
- JW Pet Company Deluxe Nail Trimmer for Cats
- For trimming nails at home
- SoftPaws Nail Caps, Soft Claws Nail Caps
- An alternative to declawing. You can put these on at home.
- Scratching posts
- These discourage your pet from scratching on unwanted surfaces and also help to keep nails trimmed.
How can I get my kitten to get used to touching her paws?
For nail trims, play with your kitten’s paws while she’s asleep before introducing clippers. Then, work on pushing on the foot pads to extend the nails. Once your kitten is comfortable with both of these, you can then introduce nail clippers.
Should I brush my kitten’s teeth?
Yes! A cat’s teeth are no different than our own and they require regular cleaning to prevent plaque buildup and periodontal disease. Start when they are young so they will get used to it. There are special brushes and paste in your vet’s office or pet store.
How can I tell if my kitten is at a healthy weight?
Talk to your vet about your cat’s body condition score. You should not see the ribs protruding, but should be able to easily feel your kitten’s ribs.
Does my kitten need monthly parasite preventatives?
Indoor kittens may not need any preventatives after their initial treatments. Outdoor kittens need regular fecal checks and a monthly flea and tick preventative if old enough. Heartworm preventative depends on the area in which you live.
- Frontline
- Revolution
- Advantage
What if my kitten is too young to apply flea preventatives?
Bathe in mild soap or kitten shampoo. You can use a flea shampoo but only if it is labeled for use in kittens of your kitten’s age. Comb for fleas and drown them in soapy water if any live ones are found. DO this daily until problem resolves.
- Furminator cat shampoo
Should I clean my kitten’s ears?
Most kittens won’t need it long term, but many come with mites. Ear treatments are often necessary at young ages, then will resolve, and your kitten will keep her own ears clean. If needed, use a vet-approved ear cleanser.
- Oti clens