Kitten Health Care Checks

Kitten Health Care is an important part of raising a healthy, happy and well-adjusted companion. At Exotic Print Cattery, we believe every kitten should receive appropriate care, health checks and attention to its individual needs before joining its new family. Understanding your kitten’s health records, vaccinations, parasite prevention and ongoing veterinary needs will help you provide the best possible start.

Kitten Health Care Before Going to a New Home

Every kitten should receive a health check before leaving for its new home. These checks help assess general wellbeing, physical development and any visible signs of health concerns.

A general kitten health check includes observing and assessing:

• Eyes: Checked for redness, unusual discharge, irritation or visible abnormalities.
• Ears: Checked for dirt, irritation, discharge or possible signs of ear mites.
• Nose: Observed for unusual discharge or signs of congestion.
• Mouth and teeth: Examined for visible abnormalities and general oral condition.
• Heart and breathing: Assessed for unusual sounds or signs of breathing difficulty.
• Skin and coat: Checked for irritation, sores, parasites and other visible concerns.
• Body condition: Assessed for weight, physical development and general condition.
• Abdomen: Checked for unusual swelling or signs of discomfort.
• Movement and coordination: Observed for normal movement, balance and mobility.

A general health check is not the same as specialist genetic testing. Any additional veterinary examinations or diagnostic tests should be documented separately.

Veterinary Examinations and Ongoing Care

Regular veterinary care helps monitor a kitten’s development and identify potential health concerns. New owners should arrange a veterinary appointment after bringing their kitten home and follow the veterinarian’s recommendations for future examinations.

Your veterinarian can advise on the appropriate examination schedule, nutrition, vaccinations, parasite prevention and any breed-specific health considerations.

If you notice changes in your kitten’s appetite, energy, behaviour, breathing or toilet habits, seek veterinary advice rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.

For additional information about feline health and veterinary care, visit the Cornell Feline Health Center.

Kitten Vaccinations

Vaccinations help protect kittens against important infectious diseases. The appropriate vaccination schedule depends on the kitten’s age, previous vaccination history, health and local veterinary recommendations.

When purchasing a kitten, ask for its vaccination records and check:

• Which vaccinations have already been administered.
• The dates of previous vaccinations.
• Whether additional vaccinations are due.
• When the next veterinary appointment should take place.

Do not assume that a kitten has completed its vaccination course simply because it has received an initial vaccination.

For further guidance on caring for kittens, read the International Cat Care kitten care guide.

Worming and Parasite Prevention

Parasite prevention is another important part of Kitten Health Care. Kittens can be affected by internal parasites, such as intestinal worms, and external parasites, including fleas and mites.

A veterinarian can recommend suitable parasite prevention according to your kitten’s age, weight, health and individual circumstances.

Keep records of any treatments administered and follow the recommended schedule. Never use a parasite treatment intended for another animal or an adult cat without checking that it is suitable for your kitten.

Nutrition and Healthy Development

Good nutrition supports healthy growth, energy levels, digestion and general development.

Choose a complete and balanced food formulated for kittens. Follow appropriate feeding guidance for your kitten’s age and weight, and provide clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

When bringing your kitten home, ask about its existing feeding routine and the food it has been eating. If you need to change its diet, introduce the new food gradually to help reduce digestive upset.

Monitor your kitten’s appetite, weight and general condition. Contact your veterinarian if your kitten consistently refuses food, experiences persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, or shows other signs of illness.

Breed-Specific Health Considerations

Different cat breeds have different physical characteristics and care requirements. Understanding these differences can help owners provide appropriate daily care.

Sphynx Kitten Health

Sphynx cats have little to no fur, which means their skin needs particular attention. Owners should monitor skin condition, maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and follow appropriate bathing and ear-cleaning guidance.

Sphynx cats can also have breed-associated health considerations, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Ask about relevant health screening and veterinary advice.

Bengal Kitten Health

Bengal cats are active, intelligent and athletic. Regular play, enrichment, appropriate nutrition and routine veterinary care support their wellbeing.

Potential breed-associated concerns include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and certain inherited conditions. Ask breeders about the health screening actually performed on their breeding cats.

British Shorthair Kitten Health

British Shorthair cats have a sturdy build and benefit from balanced nutrition and healthy weight management.

Owners should monitor body condition and discuss breed-associated concerns, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and inherited kidney conditions, with their veterinarian. Ask about relevant screening records where available.

Health Records for New Kitten Owners

Keeping accurate health records helps you monitor your kitten’s care as it grows. When purchasing a kitten, ask for the available documentation, including:

• Veterinary examination records, where applicable.
• Vaccination records.
• Worming and parasite treatment history.
• Any relevant veterinary recommendations.
• Information about upcoming vaccinations or appointments.

Keep these records safely and take them with you when visiting your veterinarian.

When Should You Contact a Veterinarian?

Contact a veterinarian if your kitten shows signs of illness or an unexpected change in behaviour. Warning signs may include:

• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat.
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Persistent sneezing or coughing.
• Eye or nose discharge.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Changes in drinking or urination.
• Signs of pain or difficulty moving.

Breathing difficulties, collapse or severe weakness require urgent veterinary attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitten Health Care

Do kittens receive health checks before going to their new homes?

Kittens should receive an appropriate health check before leaving for their new homes. Ask for the available health and veterinary documentation for the individual kitten.

What should I check in a kitten’s health records?

Review available veterinary examination records, vaccination dates, parasite treatment history and any recommendations for further care.

Do kittens need vaccinations?

Yes. Vaccinations are an important part of preventive healthcare. Your veterinarian can advise on the appropriate vaccination schedule and any remaining doses.

How often should my kitten visit a veterinarian?

Your veterinarian can recommend an examination schedule based on your kitten’s age, health, vaccination status and individual needs.

Are Sphynx, Bengal and British Shorthair kittens different in their health needs?

Yes. Each breed has particular physical characteristics and potential health considerations. Owners should understand these needs and discuss appropriate care and screening with their veterinarian.

Enquire About Kittens at Exotic Print Cattery

Choosing a kitten is an important decision, and understanding its health and care requirements is part of responsible ownership.

Explore our Available Kittens or visit our Kitten Enquiry page to contact Exotic Print Cattery about Sphynx, Bengal and British Shorthair kittens.

You can also read our Health Guarantee to understand the written 30-day health protection offered by Exotic Print Cattery.