The addition of a new kitten into your family is always a joy whether it’s a pre-planned or spontaneous event. But with this addition comes much responsibility and usually one of the first orders of business is taking that kitten to the vet. Typically, the first question that needs answering is “At what age should I take my new kitten to the vet?” In addition to dishes, food, litter boxes, and toys, make sure that you need to know when to take the kitten to the vet for its first checkup.

There really isn’t a hard and fast rule established for the age at which the first visit to the vet should occur, although it is often recommended that you make an appointment within 24 to 72 hours of bringing the kitten home. Sometimes, taking the kitten to the vet when you are initially heading home with the kitten is a preference. A lot of the planning will relate to the circumstances behind bringing that kitten home.

For instance, in the case of kitten rescues or an urgent adoption, it may not be possible to take the kitten to the vet immediately. However, you should make every effort to get the cat to the vet in timely fashion. Should this be the case, you should take steps to quarantine the kitten from the other cats in the house (if there are others). Typically, the bathroom is the ideal candidate for kitten quarantine headquarters. Make sure that the kitten has food and water, as well as their own litter box as well.

The purpose of the quarantine is obvious – it reduces the chances of spreading disease or parasites to the other cats in the house. All too often, kittens are made available for adoption too early in their little lives. If it is possible, and you know that the kitten is still with the mother in the nursing stage, wait to adopt until they are about 9 to 10 weeks of age. This allows for three important aspects to occur:

· optimal health benefits (from the nursing stage)

· socialization process (giving the kitten time to adjust to its surroundings)

· weaning time (psychological effects on both mother cat and kitten)

So, for the purposes of health, socialization, and weaning, a kitten that is 9 to 10 weeks old benefits the most. If you notice that your kitten is sneezing or apparently having other health issues, remember that their first vaccination may have to wait until he or she is healthy. Additionally, it is suggested that you take a fecal sample to the vet with you as well.

The general rule of thumb with new kittens is that they should receive their first vaccinations between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks. If the mother cat has a healthy track record and has been receiving the proper veterinary care, then the kitten has a better chance of following suit. Again, circumstances will mandate how this is handled. In certain situations, kittens won’t have the luxury of the time factor if they are placed in the adoptive home. However, if the kitten is 6 weeks old or younger, take the kitten to the vet at your earliest convenience.

If you are wondering if there’s a link between cat food urinary health and nutrition, then you’re beginning to realize the importance of quality food for your cat. Unfortunately, the typical cat food that you buy at the grocery store is full of fillers, processed grains, food dyes and preservatives. In this article, you’ll learn why processed cat food can be detrimental to your cat’s health and what to give your pet instead.

Cat Food, Urinary Health and Processed Cat Food

What’s wrong with the kibble that you usually feed your cat? Check the label and you will see some ingredients that are not healthy for your cat. For instance, processed grains can affect the pH of your cat’s urine and actually promote the growth of bacteria. Dyes, preservatives and other chemicals are not good for your cat’s sensitive digestive system.

By changing your cat’s diet to a healthier, more balanced diet and including a few important supplements, you can boost your cat’s immunity and help free your pet from common urinary problems.

Cat Food, Urinary Health and Natural Food

Just as some mothers make homemade baby food for their babies, you can make healthy food for your cat at home. For optimal health, cook meat, chicken or fish with finely chopped vegetables. Sometimes I cook the meat in a bit of broth to make it even more flavorful. Cook enough to last a number of days or even the entire week and store in a plastic container. Since your cat will be getting lots of nutrients from these healthy meals, he will probably need to eat less than he normally does.

If you do feel you have the time to make your cat healthy food, then find a packaged food that is organic and does not contain additives, preservatives, food dyes or fillers. Be prepared to pay more money for such high quality food.

It goes without saying that you need to make sure your cat always has healthy, clean water, but many pet owners do not know that the chemicals in tap water are not good for cats. Always give your pet filtered water.

Cat Food, Urinary Health and Supplements

Giving your cat a few daily supplements will help boost immunity and support and maintain bladder health. These supplements are not expensive and they will save you from going to the vet. Vitamin C is important because it is a natural antioxidant which fights cancer and reduces inflammation. Cranberry juice (or a cranberry supplement) prevents growth of bacteria in the bladder lining.

Another important step is to give your cat a homeopathic remedy, designed specifically for bladder health. The best natural remedies are gentle, but work as effectively as antibiotics and can be used both to treat and prevent common urinary problems. The supplements are easy to administer since they come in granular form: you simply sprinkle some on top of your cat’s healthy food or drop a few granules into his mouth. By giving your cat a few supplements and healthy cat food urinary health will be a given.

Since all homeopathic remedies are not manufactured to the same standards, take some time, do a little research and look for a supplement that has proven ingredients such as uva ursi, berberis and cantharis.

When your cat is healthy he eats his food, uses his litter box and routinely sleeps and plays. Any major change may be a sign of a health problem.

Cat health problems can come up at anytime. First thing you should do when you get your kitten/cat is schedule an appointment with a vet. Make sure you have a base line of where your cat’s health is when you get them. There is no need to freak out if your cat vomits occasional it can be a hairball. If it becomes more frequent then you might want to make a trip to the vet.

You need to make sure your cat drinks plenty of water and they are using the litter box regularly. You don’t want them to develop a urinary tract infection it is very painful for your cat. Then he might use the litter box due to he will associate the pain with it.

Make sure you provide a balanced diet that is high in protein and pick a cat food that is well rounded with vitamins and nutrients also.

Make sure your cat exercises. Cat need mental stimulus, so make sure your cat has plenty of different toys to ensure strong mental health. Also it will get their heart rate going to keep them young. Take your cat to vet regularly for shots and a “wellness check up” this will prevent a lot of health problems later. Your cat is apart of your family, so make sure you take good care of him/her and give them plenty of love!