Taking care of a kitten can be challenging. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when they first start looking after this type of pet.
Allowing their kitten to play outside immediately after they have been vaccinated by the vet
Most people are aware of the fact that kittens have weak immune systems and that, as a result of this, they should not be allowed to spend time outdoors until they have been vaccinated by a vet. However, one mistake that is often made by new owners of kittens is allowing their pet to play outdoors immediately after they have received this veterinary treatment. This error can have serious consequences for the health of their cat.
The reason for this is as follows; animal vaccinations don't always provide immediate protection from diseases. For example, after a kitten is vaccinated, it can sometimes take up to two weeks for their immune system to begin producing the antibodies that will prevent them from getting ill if they come into contact with specific types of parasites, viruses and bacteria.
As such, if a person lets their newly vaccinated kitten play outdoors during this time period and the kitten is exposed to a pathogen, they could develop a life-threatening disease.
Ignoring the vet's instructions on what to feed their kitten
When a person takes their new kitten to the vet for their vaccinations and a general health check, the vet will usually provide the owner with information on what type of diet the kitten needs to have. However, those who have very little experience with caring for kittens sometimes choose to ignore the instructions their vet gives them regarding this subject and instead end up feeding their kitten food that is made for adult cats.
This can lead to the kitten experiencing a wide range of health problems. The reason for this is as follows; kitten food is formulated with more calorically dense ingredients, as well as higher amounts of fat and protein, than adult cat food. This formulation ensures that a kitten will grow at a healthy rate and that their eyes, heart, lungs and other organs will develop normally.
If a kitten is routinely fed a type of food that is made for adult cats, it may not contain the macronutrients and micronutrients that he or she needs to grow into a healthy and strong adult animal. Instead, that kitten may suffer from developmental abnormalities that may make them more susceptible to illness and which may negatively impact their quality of life.
Reach out to a veterinarian near you to learn more about animal vaccinations and food.
