KITTEN - Hudson Veterinary Hospital · Balinese, Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Turkish Angora. Along with sleep, grooming is one of the kitten’s top priorities. Kittens will start

KITTENCAREGUIDE

The essentials for agoodstartinlife

CONTENTSAsanewkittenowner therearemany things toconsider,andsomeveryimportantchoicestohelpkeepyourkittenhealthy.Tohelpyounavigatethejoysofraisingakitten,wearedelightedtoofferyouthisguide,packedwithvaluableinformationtohelpgetyouandyournewkittenofftoagreatstarttogether.

For 45 years, breeders, owners and veterinarians throughoutthe world have relied on Royal Canin for nutritional expertise.Createdbyaveterinarian,RoyalCaninisrenownedforknowledgeand respect forcats.Hundredsof scientistsandprofessionalsfromdiversefieldsareinvolvedinourresearchanddevelopmentprograms, resulting in innovativenutritionalanswersaimedatenhancingthehealthandlongevityofyourcat

Congratulations on the addition ofakittentoyourhome.Restassuredthat youcan trustRoyalCanin toprovide the best health nutritionavailabletogetyournewkittenofftoagreatstarttowardalongandhealthylife.

Enjoy the wonderful pleasures your new kitten will bring.

CARE Bringing Your Kitten Home

At Home Together Kitten Grooming

Kitten Hygiene Caring for Claws and Teeth

NUTRITION The Science of Nutrition

Why Cats Are Different Digestion and Taste

Feeding Guidelines for Cats Understanding a Kitten’s Growth

Nutrition

TRAINING Behavior and Training

Your Kitten’s Home Your Kitten’s Activities

Your Kitten’s Personality Your Kitten’s Communication

Body Language

HEALTHCARE Caring for your Kitten Preventive Measures

Vaccinations Internal Parasite Prevention External Parasite Prevention

FIRST AID First Aid for Cats

Emergency Action Steps Poisonous Substances

Toxic Plants My Pet’s Information

6 12 14 16 17

20 22 24 26 28 30

44 46 48 50 51 52

56 57 58 59 60

64 66 68 69 70

CARE

Bringing Your Kitten Home At Home Together

Kitten Grooming Kitten Hygiene

Caring for Claws and Teeth

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Kittenguide

Kittenguide 6 • 7

BRINGINGyour kitten home

While this is an exciting time for you, it can be a rather frightening time of adjustment for your new kitten. The kitten will be leaving the security of their mother and littermates and experiencing a multitude of new sights, sounds and smells.

Tohelpyouwiththisexcitingtransition,theteamatRoyalCaninhasgatheredhelpfulinformationtoassistinintroducingyournewkittentotheirnewhome.

Choosingaveterinarian

It is important to have an initialcheckupafterobtainingyourkittenandforfollow-upcare,sochoosinga veterinarian before your newkittencomeshomecansavetime.Ifyou don’t have a veterinarian, friendsor familymemberswithpetscanmakerecommendations.

Here are a few tips to help you choose aveterinarian,ifyouareunabletokeepthekitten’soriginalveterinarian.

PreferenceMeettheveterinarianandseethefacilities.Theveterinarystaffshouldbefriendlyandhelpful.Theveterinarianmustbetrustworthyandhaveexpertiseindealingwithcats.

ProximityChoose a veterinarian’s office that is close toyour home. This is not only an issue of yourconvenience, but will allow you to get therequicklyincaseofanemergency.

HoursInthefirstfewmonths,youwillbevisitingtheveterinarian often, so it is important to makesureyourvet’shoursofoperationcoincidewithyourschedule.Manyveterinarianshaveextendedevening or weekend hours to accommodateworkschedules.

EmergenciesManyveterinariansrefertoafter-hoursemergencyclinics.Askiftheveterinariananswersafter-hoursemergencycalls,orrefersemergenciestoalocalclinic.Ifthevetreferstoaclinicforafter-hoursemergencies,besuretoaskwheretheemergencyclinicislocated.

Schedule a veterinary visit

soon after getting your kitten

Keep emergency veterinary

hospital numbers handy

Trust Royal Canin to provide

nutrition for your pet’s needs

Kittenguide 8 • 9

Makingyourhomesafe

Without realizing it, there are many dangersthatexistinsideyourhome,andoversightscanjeopardize yourkitten’ssafety.Newhabitsandcertain arrangements will help you to protectyourkittenfrompossiblehouseholdaccidents.By kitten-proofing now, you can avoid a lot ofheartachelater.

Justasyouwouldwithababy,you need to make sure thewhole house is safe fromanything dangerous tothe kitten. By gettingdown at the kitten’slevel you can assesspotentialhazards.

•Hide any exposedelectrical wires andblockunusedelectricaloutlets.

•Putallpesticides,weedandrat killers and all medicationsoutofthekitten’sreach.

•Putawaysmall itemssuchasrubberbands,string,pens,pencils,needles,etc.

•Don’tleaveplasticbagsorthingsmadeoutoffoamlyingaround.

•Closethetrashcanlidandthetoiletseatcover.

•Becarefulwithhotirons.

•Removeall indoorplantsthatareinreachofyournewkittenasmanyhouseholdplantsaretoxictocats.

•Checkunder theFirstAid tabof thisbookletandaskyourveterinarianforalistofpoisonoussubstances.

Kittens have a tendency to lurk in cupboards,drawers and laundry baskets, and very oftenget insidewashingmachinesanddryers.Lookforpossiblehidingplaces tominimize the riskofaccidents.

Hide electrical wires and block unused outlets

Limit access to balconies and

decks

Put away pesticides and

medications

Kittenguide 10 • 11

Yourkitten’sfirstthings

It’sagoodideatohaveallthenecessaryitemsbefore the kitten is brought home. Your listshouldincludefood,feedingbowls,alitterbox,a bed and toys. All of these accessories areavailableinpetsupplystores:

Food and Water BowlsChooseasmallbowl forkitten food (anadultcatonlyeatsfourtosixouncesoffoodperday)andabiggerone for freshwater,whichmustalways be available. Glass, crystal or ceramicbowlsarerecommended.

Litter BoxSelect a container that is deepenoughandascooptoremovedroppings.Thereareseveraldifferent kinds of litterboxes,includingacoveredlitterboxthatcanhelptoavoidaccidentalspillsand limit odors. Youwill need to find theright type of litter boxforyourkitten.

BeddingThekittenwillchoosetheirown place to sleep, but it isimportant to provide a warmcomfortableplacewhere thekittenwillfeel safe (you may want to use the carryingcrateyouusedtobringthekittenhome).

Scratching PostProviding appropriate places to scratch willhelptoavoiddamageinsideyourhome.

Cat TreeKittenslovetoclimbuphighandtwistaroundbetween two branches. A cat tree helps tolimit excessive rushing about and jumping onfurniturewhilestillallowingthekittentosatisfytheneedforexercise.

ToysToyscanbeeitherbought,handmadeorevenjust items found around the house. Toys willencourage the kitten to interact and play. Andplaywillkeepherentertainedsosheislesslikelytocauseproblemsstemmingfromboredom.

Be prepared with necessary

items before you bring the

kitten home Use glass, crystal or ceramic

bowls for food and water

Avoid handling the kitten

excessively

•Youareresponsibleforyourkitten’ssafety

•Supervisethekitten’sintroductiontootherpetsinthehousehold

•Totalacceptancebytheotheranimalsinthehousemaytakeseveralmonths

•Anadultshouldalwaysbepresentwhenchildrenplaywiththekitten

•Takecaretokeepyournewkittenfrombecomingscaredorinjured

•Neverpullthekitten’stailorhead

You are now responsible for your kitten’s health and safety. You have taken the place of the mother and now the kitten will rely on you for confidence and protection. Remember that your kitten has just been brought into totally unknown surroundings. Curb your enthusiasm, move gently and don’t shout. Avoid handling the kitten excessively. A noisy or agitated atmosphere could cause your kitten to be a nervous and fearful adult.

Handlingyourkitten

Remembertohandleyourkittencarefully.Roughorsuddenmovementcanterrifyyourpet.

Ifyouwanttocarryyourkitten,thebestwayistoslideonehand,openwide,underthestomachwith the other under the rear end for biggerbreeds. Do not slide both hands under thefrontfeet.

Introductions

Introducing the new environment, newfamily members and possible fellow pets(dogs and/or cats already living in yourhousehold)isaveryimportantstageinsuccessfullyintegratingyourkittenintotheir new home. A poor introductioncouldcauseafeelingoffrustrationand/orjealousyforyourexistingpet(s).Thismusttakeplacegraduallyandgently.Youcantakecertainprecautionsandmakesubtlechangestoprotectyournewkittenfrom“accidentswaitingtohappen”insideyourhome.

Isolate the kitten so that they gradually learnthewayaroundthehouseandwon’thideunder

ATHOME together

furniture.Maintainyourexistingpet’s(dogand/orcat) privileges, but make introductions soonafteryourkittenarriveshomesothattheycanbeproperlyintegratedintothehousehold.

Yourkitten’sfirstnights

Thefirstnightisoftenverydisturbingforyourkitten.Itisnormalforthekittentocrythefirstthreetofournights.

ChildrenChildren often tend to almost smother thenew arrival with attention. An adult cat isperfectly capable of avoiding children whentheydon’twant tobebothered,butakitten isnot. You should explain to your children thatthe kitten is not a toy, that they need lotsof sleep and that they should not wake thekitten just to cuddle or play. It is best not toallow young children to play with the kittenwhenyouarenotpresent.Yoursupervisionwillensurethechildisgentlewiththekittenandaidinavoidingscratches.

Other Cats Anadultcatdoesnotalwaysappreciateinvasionoftheirterritory.Somemayshowdispleasure with threatening behavior.Totalacceptancemaytakeseveralmonths.

During the introduction, try introducingthecatsonneutral territoryduringplayor meal times. Separate the cats if anyaggression begins to appear. Repeatthe process until the cats no longermind each other’s presence and begintoshare.Ahierarchicalrelationshipwillthenbeestablishedbetweenthecats,arelationshipthatyoumustrespect.

Dogs Awell-socializeddogwilleasilyacceptthe young kitten. Older dogs may beless tolerant, but a slow introductionwillprovetobeworththeeffortasyouallow the pets to get acclimated andaccepteachother.


Short-haired breeds include: Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese, Chartreaux, Cornish Rex, Japanese Bobtail, Manx

Long-haired breeds include: Balinese, Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Turkish Angora

Along with sleep, grooming is one of the kitten’s top priorities. Kittens will start to groom themselves from the fifteenth day of life, mainly with their particularly rough tongue, but also with the help of their paws. The front paws are moistened with the tongue and serve as a washcloth going as far as the ears. The back paws are very flexible, allowing the kitten to groom all of their back and also the ears.

Brushingandcombingyourkitten

Groomingyourkittenwillsoonbecomeatreasuredtimeofexchangeandsharingbetweenyouandyourkitten.Inaddition,abeautifulcoatreflectsnotonlytheirgoodhealthbutalsothecareandattentionyougivetothem.

Youshouldgetyourkittenusedtobeingbrushedassoonaspossible.Thisritualwillquicklybecomeatimeofsharedpleasureandcompanionship.Itisagoodideatoendthebrushingsessionwithacuddleoragame.

Brushing is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity.Removingthedeadhairthataccumulatesinthefurpreventsyourkittenfromswallowingit.Toomuch lickingcancausehair tobuildup in thestomach resulting in problematic hairballs.Hairballs can cause digestive problems likevomitinganddiarrhea.

Kitten

GROOMINGShort-hairedbreeds

With short-haired cats, a weekly brushing issufficient. Before brushing, you can massageagainst the hair direction with a glove brush,which will eliminate dead hair and stimulatethe skin. Brushing is done with a soft brush,preferablyonewithnaturalbristlessoasnottodamagethecoat.

Mid-tolong-hairedbreeds

Midtolong-hairedbreedsneeddailybrushing.Afewminutesadayhelpstoavoidtheformationofknotsandtanglesandtoeliminatedirtandparasites. A large toothed metal comb is themostsuitabletoolforgroomingthesebreeds.Becarefulwith thecomb.Acombpenetratesthe coat better than a brush but there is agreaterriskofirritatingthesurfaceoftheskin.Chooseyourcombcarefully.

Combyourkitteninthedirectionoftheirhairandthenagainst theirhairsoastogentlyremove

deadhairandeliminatesmallknots.Whenaknotisdifficult,actgentlyandpatiently

ratherthanpullinghardandtearingoutatuft.

Areasbehindtheearsandneckare prone to forming knotsand require special attentionbecausethekittenisn’tabletoreach those areas themselves.You should finish the grooming

with the tail, brushing along itslength (with the hair and against

thehair)formaximumvolume.


Areas behind the ears and neck arethe most prone to knots and tangles Weekly or daily

brushing is needed depending on your

cat’s hair lengthStart grooming early to get your

kitten used to being brushed

KITTEN hygiene

Not all cat breeds have the same tolerance for water. Because bathing is recommended for medium and long-haired coats, you must get your kitten used to water at an early age.

Givingthefirstbath

Thefirstbathshouldbeapleasantexperience.Takeextremecautionnottofrightenyourkitten.Beginbymoisteningthekittenwithawarm,wetwashclothorsponge.Iftheyreactwithhostility,reassurethekittenandrepeatthisactionuntilthekittenacceptsit.Rinsethemthoroughly.

Afterfillingthebottomofthebathtuborsinkwithwaterat96-98°F,placeyourkitten in it while reassuring them bystrokingandtalkingtothem.Thenwetthe back, making sure that you don’tpourwaterintotheeyesorears.Avoidwettingthehead.Itisimportanttouseaspecialcatshampooformulatedforyourkitten’sskinandhair(availableinpetsupplystores).Neverusehairdyeonyourkitten’sfur.

Washtheircoat,concentratingonthedirtypartsandrinsethoroughlywithcleanwater.Itisimperativethatallshampooberinsedfromthecoat.Toweldrywithawarm,cleanclothand,dependingonyourkitten’shairlength,youmightwanttouseahairdryertofinishdrying.

CARINGFOR claws and teeth

Clippingyourkitten’sclaws

Kittensusetheirclawstomarktheirterritory.To avoid the damage that this can cause,without prohibiting their natural instincts, itis recommended that you cut or have yourveterinariancutthetipsoftheclaws.

Beforedoingthisyourself,askyourveterinarianto explain which part of the nail you can cutwithoutrisk.

Clippingtheclawsisnotpainfulforthekitten,butitisveryimportantthatyoubeginthispracticeatanearlyage,sothekittenwilltrustandallowyoutodoso.

Yourveterinariancanshowyouthebestwaytotrimyourkitten’sclaws.

Caringforyourkitten’steeth

Milkteethappearfromthethirdtosixthweek,second teeth from four months. Tartar tendsto build up on the teeth over time causinginflammation of the gums and bad breath,which in extreme cases can lead to the teethfallingout.ADentalExamispartofroutinevetcareanditisimportantforyourveterinariantoevaluateyourcat’sdentalhealthatleastyearly.

Earlydentalcareiskeytomaintaininggoodoralhealth.Gettingthekittenusedtoregulartoothbrushingandoralcareatanearlyageensuresacceptance.


Get your kitten used to

taking bathsDo not use

hair dyes to color your

kitten’s coat

Avoidwetting the head. Use only shampoo

made for cats

Kittenguide

NUTRITION

The Science of Nutrition Why Cats Are Different

Digestion and Taste Feeding Guidelines for Cats

Understanding a Kitten’s Growth Nutrition

20 22 24 26 28 30

Good nutrition can increase a cat’s

life expectancyRoyal Canin foods meet the specific

needs of age, breed, lifestyle andsensitivities

A veterinarian

can advise you on the appropriate diet

for your kitten ifthey have special

needs

THESCIENCE of nutrition

Your kitten’s health matters. At Royal Canin, we believe that it is our deep understanding of the cat that allows us to bring them a superior food. Each cat has individual needs — because of their age, lifestyle, specific sensitivities and breed — and therefore requires special nutrition in order to stay at peak health.

Advancesinourunderstandingofnutritionalhealth

From mere survival, which isgiving the minimum requiredfor the cat to stay alive, theconcept of the complete dietwas developed to provide themaintenanceofahealthy,activelifestyle.Thankstoourincreasingknowledgeofhowthebodyfunctionsand to the study of the healthbenefitsof individualnutrients (plantextracts,minerals,uniqueproteins,etc.),we have now moved on to the concept ofnutrition,whichisprovidinganoptimalbalanceof nutrients to maximize the cat’s ability toutilizefoodforenergy,cellgrowth,maintenanceanddefenseagainstdisease.

ThisKittenCareGuidecontainsexcerptsfromEverything you need to know about the role played by Nutrients in the health of Cats and Dogs, D. Grandjean, a comprehensive nutritional informationbook reviewing the necessary food elements required for thehealthnutritionofdogsandcats.Theauthor,ProfessorDominqueGrandjean,isthedirectoroftheSportsandBreedingMedicineUnitattheNationalSchoolofVeterinaryScienceinAlfort,France.

Healthnutrition

Ourresearchandknowledgehasenabledustoprovidethemostprecisenutritionalanswerforcatsthrough:

• Formulasthattakeintoaccountthecat’slifestyleandtheirenergeticneedswithprecision

• Themostpalatableformulasavailable

• High-qualityingredientsselectedwithutmostcare

• Highlydigestibleformulas

Wearespecialistsinthefieldofhealthnutritionandtakeintoconsiderationthecharacteristicsofcatsrequiringatailorednutritionalapproach.Ourpassionforincreasednutritionalprecisionhasledtocollaborationswithbreeders,veterinariansandnutritionists.Ourapproachissupportedbytheknowledgeandexpertiseofscientistsaroundtheworld.

Our Nutritional ApproachChoosinganutritionalapproachmeanscombiningin a single food a complex jigsaw of just therightamountofabout fiftynutrients tosupplythemosteffectivenutritionforcatsofdifferentages,breeds,lifestylesandspecificneeds.

The Ingredients ApproachThe ingredients approach consists of mixingtogetherrawdietarymaterialstomakeafoodwithnoconsiderationforabalancednutritionalcontent. This approach is less accurate andthereforelessrespectfulofthecats’needs.


Cats have a weak sense of taste

Cats eat their food in

small portions throughout

the day

Your cat’s dietary needs are

different from your own

Why Cats are

DIFFERENTPeople haven’t always known how to feed their cats correctly. We’ve come a long way since cats were given milk to drink, which was never appropriate for these lactose intolerant animals. But our cats face another threat: the anthropormorphist tendency. Anthropormorphism means projecting human characteristics (including our own eating preferences) onto our pets, but the food with enjoy just isn’t appropriate to feed to our cats.

Our fondness for our catscan sometimes lead usto make poor nutritionalchoices on their behalf.Thosefoodsthatweconsidertreats may actually harm ourfelinecompanions.

Humanbeingsareomnivorous,haveasenseoftaste,enjoyvarietyandattacha lot of attention to their food. It seems quitenaturaltothinkwearedoingtherightthingbygivingourcatadietclosetoours.

Cats are carnivorous, have a weak sense oftaste and don’t require much variety in theirdiet.Nearly10,000yearsofdomesticationhasn’tchanged them into omnivores. A carnivore’s

organsareverydifferentfromourown.Acat’scharacteristicsinclude:

• Jawsmadeforcuttingandnotchewing

• Nopre-digestionwithsaliva

• Strongstomachacidtohelpdigestpreyswallowedwhole

Itisimpossibletofeedourcatsadequatelywiththesamefoodweeat.Itwon’tbecookedenough,itwillbetoorich incarbohydrates,andwillbeill-suited to their lifestyle and morphology.Our love for our cats must not involve forcingunnaturaldietarybehavioruponthem.


Digestion and

TASTEWhile a newborn kitten has a digestive tract suited to the digestion of milk, their digestive capacities will evolve until they can no longer digest lactose (milk sugar). For proper growth, they must receive balanced quantities of proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements in the form of a type of food that suits the physiological and digestive characteristics of felines.

With 60 to 65 million olfactory cells, acat’ssenseofsmellisacute,andtheyareverysensitivetoodors,but theirsenseoftasteisnotsowell-developed.Fewer taste buds mean that a catis less receptive to taste than tosmell and texture. Due to the lowawareness of different flavors, acatdoesnotrequiremuchvarietyintheirfood.

Optimalpalatability

Tofeedyourcatcorrectlyyoumustfirststimulatetheirappetite.Itisthesmellandtextureofthefood,ratherthanitstaste,thatmakesthemdecidewhethertoeat.

Wehavepaidspecialattentiontothepalatabilityofourfoodsbyexercisingcompletecontroloverarangeoffactors,including:

•Aformulationusingrigorouslyselectedingredients

•Preciselydesignedkibbletextures,shapesandsizes

•Thoroughlydevelopedflavors

•Perfectpreservation

Becauseofourrecognizedexpertiseinpalatability,thefoodsintheFelineHealthNutritionrangemakethedifferencewitheventhefussiestofcats.

Weight Ratio of Taste Buds Olfactory Cells Digestive System

Cat 500 60-65 million 2.8% - 3.5%

Dog 1,700 70-200 million 2.7% - 7%

Man 9,000 5-20 million 10%

What this means They are fairly insensitive They are very They have a lowfor your kitten to different tastes sensitive to odors digestive capacity


Kittens can digest milk,

but adult cats are lactose intolerant

Cats have fewer taste buds than

dogs and peopleCats do

not require much variety in

their food

FEEDINGGUIDELINES for cats

Feedingguidelines

Growth is a delicate period affecting the wellbeing and good health of the adult cat. Manyfactors influence growth, and good nutritionplaysamajorrole.

Food for the kitten and for the adult catmust take into account specific digestivecharacteristics unique to their different lifestages.Onlyspeciallybalancedfoodsareableto guarantee all the nutrients necessary foryourcat’swellbeing,whatevertheirage,breedorlevelofactivity.

Don’t OverfeedFollowtheguidelinesrecommendedonthebag,as this will help prevent excess weight gain,whichcouldaffectthekittenlaterinlife.Ifyouthink your kitten is over or underweight,consult your veterinarian for specificfeedingrecommendations.

Avoid Table ScrapsFeeding table scraps must beavoided if you want to maintain abalanceddiet.Yourcatwillidentifyyourmealswiththeirownfoodandwill continually beg at the tableduring your meals or while youarepreparingthem.Anunbalanceddietcanalsoleadtoobesity.

Transition Foods SlowlyAsk the person you obtained the kitten from

about their feeding methods (number ofmeals per day, rationed or ad lib) and

typesofmeals.Anysuddenchange inthetypeoffoodmayprovokedigestiveupsetwhichmayinclude(softstoolsordiarrhea).Atransitionalperiodforchanging from one food to anothermustbeobservedoveroneweekby

gradually mixing the new food withthe old food until you are feeding the

newfoodexclusively.

Make Sure Fresh Water Is Always Available Whatevertypeoffoodyougiveyourkitten,makesuretheyalwayshaveabowloffreshcleanwater.

Mostimportantly,allowyourkittentoeatinpeace.

Foodtransitionperiod(1week)

75%usualfood 50%usualfood 25%usualfood 100%+25%newfood +50%newfood +75%newfood newfood


Feeding your kitten table scraps

can result in obesity

Transition slowly to new foods

Make sure

your kitten has access to fresh

clean water

Understanding a

KITTEN’SGROWTH

The growth period is the most important stage in a cat’s life. Not only do they learn their future behaviors, but their body is molded into their eventual shape and size. Many factors influence growth and good nutrition plays a major role.

Growthinthecattakes8-15months,dependingonsexandsizeofthebreed.Thelargerthecat,thelongeritwilltaketoreachtheiradultweight.Since males are usually larger, he will takelongertoreachhisadultweight.Bythetimeakittenreachestheiradultweight,theywillhavemultipliedtheirbirthweightby40-50times.

Factorsspecifictothekitten

BreedLike the majority of living species, the biggerthebreed,thelongerthegrowthperiod.

Sex Themalehasahighergrowthpotentialthanthefemale and their growth takes several weekslonger.Theywillthereforebeheavierthanfemales.

GenesThe sire and dam contribute equally to thekitten’sgeneticcode.Size,corpulenceandanymorphologicalfeaturecaninfluencegrowth.

Spaying & NeuteringCertain hormones synthesized by the kittendirecttheirgrowth.Earlyneuteringorspayingdoesnotaffecttheultimatesize (height,bonestructure, musculature) of the adult cat; thisis determined by genetics. However, spayingandneuteringhasthepotentialtochangeyour

kitten’slife.Thesesimpleoperationshavebeenlinkedtoseverallife-changingbenefits,including:

•Longerlifeexpectancy•Preventingunwantedlitters•Friendlierdemeanortowardhumansand

otheranimals•Lessfightingandmarkingamongmalecats

The same hormonal changes that lead to allofthesebenefitsforspayedandneuteredcatscanalsocauseenergyrequirementstodropby30%1 and appetite to increase by 20%2 withinthefirst48hoursaftersurgery3.

This combination has a tendency to lead toweightgain. Infact,spayedandneuteredcatsare3.4timesmorelikelythanothercatstobeoverweight4.

You should consult your veterinarianregardingidealbodyweightandcondition

foryourkitten.

NutritionBetweenthefourthandtwelfthweekof life, the immunity transferred tothekitten in theirmother’s firstmilk

(colostrum) gradually wanes. At thesametime,theirownimmunedefenses

arenotyetfullyfunctional.Specificnutrientsduringthisperiodcanhelpprotectyourkitten

againstinfectiousdiseases.Inaddition,astheirmuscular and skeletal systems continue todevelop,theyhaveveryhighenergyrequirements.

Factorsspecifictotheenvironment

HygienePoor hygiene at birth will affect the mother’shealthandthelitterwillsufferonaccountofit.

SleepGrowth takes place, as in all young animals,duringsleep.Although,after twomonths, thekittenneedslesstimeforsleeping,sothequalityoftheirsleepplaysaveryimportantrole.

1Source:Belisto,20092Source:Fettman,19973Source:Kanchuk,20034Source:Scarlett,1994


A kitten increases their

birthweight 5 to 7 times

during the first eightweeks of life Males have

a higher growth potential

than females

Between the 4th and 12th weeks, the kitten begins to

lose the immunity they received in theirmother’s milk

NUTRITION for kittens

The kitten’s nutritional needs are specific during the first weeks of their life and will change as they grow older. Royal Canin has nutritional solutions to address the different needs of kittens based on their age, lifestyle or breed.

Foryoungkittens

From weaning to four months, akittenwillgrowvery fast.Thekittendevelopstheirskeletonandincreasestheir birth weight by 5 to 7 timesbytheageof8weeks.Theirenergyneedsatthisstageareveryhighandmilkteethappear.

From four to five weeks of age, thekittenbeginstoweanfrommother’smilkto solid food. This food is first offered ineither the formofgruel (preparedbyaddingalittlewarmwaterorkittenmilkreplacertodrykibble)ORanappropriatecannedwetformula.

MOTHER & BABYCAT

(Queens during gestation and lactation and young kittens from weaning to 4 months old)

Meets the high energy needs of the pregnant mother while helping to protect the natural defenses of the young kitten and features a tiny, rehydratable kibble for easy weaning.

BABYCAT INSTINCTIVE™

(Weaning and intense growth in young kittens from 1 to 4 months old)

This extra-soft mousse helps ease the transition from mother’s milk to solid foods and is specially formulated to be instinctively preferred by young kittens.

Forolderkittens

Betweenfourandsixmonths,therateofgrowthslowsdowntoallowtheskeletontostrengthenand muscles to develop. However, a kitten’senergyneedsduringthisperiodremainhigh.

Forspayed/neuteredkittens

ForPersiankittens

KITTEN(Kittens up to 12 months old)

A balanced nutrient content supports the healthy growth of bones and muscles and features a tiny, easy-to-eat kibble.

KITTEN INSTINCTIVE™

(Kittens up to 12 months old)

This small, thin slices-in-gravy food is perfect for kittens’ tiny mouths and is specially formulated to be instinctively preferred by kittens.

KITTEN SPAYED/NEUTERED

(Kittens from 6 to 12 months old)

Controlled fat levels help maintain a healthy weight, while added protein, antioxidants and prebiotics help spayed and neutered kittens thrive.

Persian Kitten(Persian kittens up to 12 months old )

Protects the kitten’s natural defenses while a unique kibble makes it easier for the Persian kitten to grasp and chew their food.


Nutritional needs of kittens

are different from adult cats

Very young kittens aren’t

ready for dry foodDiets can

be formulated to support a healthy gastrointestinal

tract

NUTRITIONfor spayed & neutered cats

Spayingandneutering

Spayingandneuteringarecommonproceduresthat have the potential to change a cat’s life.These simple operations have been linked toseverallife-changingbenefits,including:longerlife expectancy, preventing unwanted litters,friendlierdemeanortowardhumansandotheranimals,andlessfightingandmarkingamongmalecats.

Thesamehormonalchangesthatleadtoallofthesebenefitsforspayedandneuteredcatscanalsocauseenergyrequirementstodropbyupto30%1andappetitetoincreaseby20%2withinthefirst48hoursofsurgery.3Thiscombinationhasa tendency to lead toweightgain. In fact,spayed and neutered cats are 3.4 times morelikelythanothercatstobeoverweight.4

KITTEN SPAYED/NEUTERED

(Kittens from 6 to 12 months old)

Controlled fat levels help maintain a healthy weight, while added protein, antioxidants and prebiotics help spayed and neutered kittens thrive.

SPAYED/NEUTERED APPETITE CONTROL

(Cats from 1 to 7 years old)

A unique blend of fibers helps spayed and neutered cats feel fuller longer, and the donut-shaped kibble slows ingestion.

SPAYED/NEUTERED APPETITE CONTROL 7+

(Cats from 7 to 12 years old)

This moderate-fat formula features a unique fiber blend to help cats feel fuller longer and antioxidants for increased vitality.

SPAYED/NEUTERED 12+

(Cats over 12 years old)

With increased antioxidants to fight aging and nutrients for joint support, this formula is perfect for helping your cat age gracefully.

SPAYED/NEUTERED

(Cats over 1 year old)

A perfect complement to our dry formulas, moderate energy levels and balanced vitamins and minerals help adult cats maintain a healthy weight.

1 Source: Belisto, 2009 2 Source: Fettman, 1997

3 Source: Kanchuk, 20034 Source: Scarlett, 1994


NUTRITIONfor indoor cats

Healthnutritionforindoorcats

Catslivingexclusivelyindoorsleadatranquillife.Theindoorcatspendsmoreoftheirtimeeatingandsleepingthantakinganyformofexercise.Theyhaveonlymoderateenergyrequirements.Afoodadaptedforonlyoccasionalplayshouldallowthemtomaintainanidealweight.

INDOOR Adult 27®

(Cats over 12 months old)

Limit stool odor and hairballs with this moderate-calorie formula designed for less active indoor cats.

INDOOR Light 40™


This high protein diet with moderate fat levels may help to prevent excess weight gain and maintain lean muscle mass.

INDOOR Beauty 35™


An exclusive nutrient combination enhances natural coat color and helps support a beautiful and healthy skin and coat.

INDOOR Intense Hairball 34™


A specific blend of fibers encourages elimination of hair swallowed while grooming and supports healthy digestion.

INDOOR Mature 27™


Supports the aging cat with powerful antioxidants, while softer kibble protects sensitive teeth and gums.


NUTRITIONfor special needs cats

Catswithspecialneeds

Sensitivitiesofvariableseverityatcertainperiodsinacat’slifeareduetoavarietyoffactorssuchas changes in environment, diet, seasonal, orspecialfeaturesrelatedtoeachindividualcat.

SPECIAL 33


Highly digestible proteins promote healthy digestion for the cat with a sensitive GI tract.

ORAL SENSITIVE 30™


Unique kibble size, shape and texture provide a brushing effect to help reduce plaque formation and slow ingestion to help support digestive health.

HAIR & SKIN 33™


Helps to support the skin barrier while working to maintain a healthy, beautiful coat.

SELECTIVE 31™ Aromatic Attraction


Formulated with a carefully crafted aromatic profile for picky cats that choose a food based on how it smells.

SELECTIVE 34/29™ Savor Sensation


Features two formulas with distinctly different flavors and textures for cats that choose a food based on how it feels in their mouth.

SELECTIVE 40™ Protein Preference


A unique balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats for picky cats that choose a food based on how they feel after they eat it.

Catsnaturalpreferences

Somecatschoosefoodsbasedonaromas,whileothercatschoosefoodsbasedonflavorandtextureorhowthefoodmakesthemfeelaftertheyeatit.

Tomeetthenaturalpreferenceofeverycat,eventhe pickiest, Royal Canin has developed threeexclusivenutritionalsolutionsforfussycats.

Basedonthelatestresearchinpalatability,theseproducts are designed to respond to a cat’sindividualpreferences.


NUTRITION for pedigreed cats

Specificbreeds

Persians,MaineCoons,RagdollsandSiamesearen’tjustordinarypets.They’respecialanimalswithtotallyuniquenutritionalneeds.RoyalCaninbreedspecificformulasaredesignedspecificallytoaddressthoseneedswhilesupportingoptimumhealthandbeauty.

NUTRITIONfor cats with outdoor access

Outdoorcats

Catswithoutdooraccesscanleadaveryactivelife. When outdoors they can run, climb treesand explore their territory. These cats have ahigh energy expenditure that varies with theseasons and the frequency of going outside.A cat that goes outside puts their immunesystemunderheavystress,especiallywhenincontactwithotheranimals.Theymaycontractacontagiousdisease,pickupparasites,oreveningestpoisons.Dryfoodsarespeciallyformulatedto help maintain your cat’s good health andcorrectweight.

Ragdoll (Ragdoll cats over 12 months old)

Maintains the beauty of the Ragdoll’s semi-longhaired coat while a unique kibble shape specially designed for the Ragdoll’s broad jaw makes it easier for them to grasp and chew their food.

Siamese (Siamese cats over 12 months old)

Added protein content preserves muscle mass, while a unique kibble encourages chewing and slows ingestion.

ADULT FIT 32™


Formulated to support the natural defenses of active cats that have exposure to the outdoors.


Persian Kitten (Persian kittens up to 12 months old)

Protects the kitten’s natural defenses while a unique kibble shape makes it easier for the Persian kitten to grasp and chew their food.

Persian (Persian cats over 12 months old)

Almond-shaped kibble is easy for flat faced Persians to grasp, and a special formula helps reduce hairballs and maintain a long, beautiful coat.

Maine Coon (Maine Coon cats over 15 months old)

Promotes healthy joints and a shiny coat, and the special large kibble encourages chewing and slower ingestion.

WETNUTRITION for cats

AperfectcomplementtoRoyalCanin®dryformulas

Only Royal Canin® Feline Health Nutrition™canned wet formulas are designed around acat’snutritionalneedsandinstinctivepreferences.

By using Macro Nutrient Profile science,Royal Canin has designed nine formulas thatcontain the optimal balance of fats, proteinsandcarbohydratesthatcatsinstinctivelypreferbasedontheirage,lifestageorspecialneeds.TolearnmoreabouttheMacroNutrientProfilescience in Royal Canin canned wet formulas,visitwww.royalcanin.us.

BABYCAT INSTINCTIVE™

(Kittens 1 to 4 months old)

This extra-soft mousse helps ease the transition from mother’s milk to solid foods and is specially formulated to be instinctively preferred by young kittens.

ADULT INSTINCTIVE™


An optimal balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats helps maintain an ideal weight and is formulated to be instinctively preferred by adult cats.

KITTEN INSTINCTIVE™

(Kittens 4 to 12 months old)

This small, thin slice-in-gravy food is perfect for kittens’ tiny mouths and its specially formulated to be instinctively preferred by kittens.

ULTRA LIGHT


This reduced-calorie formula with added protein is designed to support a healthy weight while maintaining muscle mass.

INTENSE BEAUTY


This formula is instinctively preferred by adult cats and is formulated to support your cat’s coat looking healthy and beautiful coat.

DIGEST SENSITIVE


This highly palatable formula contains a moderate calorie level for weight maintenance and highly digestible proteins to reduce stool odor.

SPAYED/NEUTERED


Moderate energy levels and balanced vitamins and minerals help adult cats maintain a healthy weight.

INSTINCTIVE 7+

(Cats 7 to 12 years old)

Formulated to support older cats’ vitality, this formula contains nutrients that are instinctively preferred by adult cats and soft slices are easier on sensitive teeth and gums.

AGING 12+


This canned formula is instinctively preferred by senior cats and helps support their joints, kidneys, teeth and gums.


Kittenguide

TRAINING

Behavior and Training Your Kitten’s Home

Your Kitten’s Activities Your Kitten’s Personality

Your Kitten’s Communication Body Language

44 46 48 50 51 52

Behavior

AND TRAININGThe essentials of your kitten’s education take place during the period from birth to the age of six months. In fact, most behaviors are acquired by the age of three months, thanks to the mother’s dominant role, as well as siblings.

Thekittenlearnsintwodifferentways:theystartby imitating their mother’s actions, and thenthey learn by themselves by means ofexperimenting.Inthiscase,theyactandfacetheconsequencesoftheiractions.If the kitten finds the responsepleasant,theytendtofavortheaction.

So,whenyouadoptakitten,yourcontributiontothefoundationsoftheireducationislimitedbutstillmakes you responsible. You havetocompletetheireducation,inthecontext of their new environment,andcorrectanyunwantedbehaviors.

Favorableenvironment

Afavorableenvironmentincludessurroundingswhereyourkittensocializeseasilyandfamiliarizesthemselves with people and the environment.Ifthekittenhasbeenraisedwiththemother,itisadvisabletoleavethemuntilweaned.Educationwill be more complete and your kitten will fitmoreeasilyintothenewhome.

Akittenthathasbeenhandledbyseveralpeoplefromaveryyoungagewillbemorecuriousandopentolife.Similarly,familiarizationwithdifferentnoises of everyday life allows the kitten tobecomecomfortableintheenvironmentoftheirnewhome.

Unfavorableenvironment

If the environment in which the kitten hasdeveloped is low in stimulus (for example inanisolatedplace),itisadvisabletotakethemawayassoonastheyareeightweeksoldandtrytobringthemintocontactwithothercats.

You need to socialize your kitten by offeringthem as many external stimuli as possible:handlingbydifferentpeople,confrontationwith

noises of different intensities, and contactwith other animals. Integration into thenewhomewilltakelonger,buttheresultswillbethesame.


You are partly responsible for

your kitten’s education It may take longer

to train a kitten that has not been

properly socializedKittens needa stimulatingenvironment

Your kitten’s

HOMETo live in harmony with your kitten, it is essential to understand the organization of their territory and basic activities. Once their territory is defined, your kitten will spend most of the time sleeping. When not sleeping, the main occupations will be playing, eating and cuddling.

Acat’sterritoryisexclusiveandqualityismoreimportantthanspace.

Your kitten will identify your home as theirterritory.Insideyourhome,thekittenorganizestheir life around four key areas. You mustrespectthisorganizationwithoutdisturbingthem,oryouriskcausingcertainbehavioralproblemsinyourkitten.

Eatingarea

This must be removed from their litter boxand from your own eating area. Avoid yourkitchen or your dining room so that yourkitten does not confuse your plate with theirdishandsampleyourmeal.Thiscouldleadtoanutritionalimbalance.

Playarea

Thisisthebiggestarea.Itmustbeconducivetoplaying,racingabout,andclimbinguphigh(tables,cupboards,shelves,thebacksoffurniture,etc.).

Litterbox

Thismustalwaysbeeasilyaccessibleby yourkittenandshouldbedistantfromtheirfooddishandyourlivingarea.

Fromfivetosixweeksold,akittenwillusethelitterbox,oftenspendingalotoftimecoveringtheirstool.

1 Feeding area: foodandwaterdishesshouldbeplacedwellaway

fromyourkitten’slittertray.2 Sleeping area: putherbasket

somewherewarm(e.g.asunnywindow)andnottoofarawayfromthecenterof

familylife.3 Hygiene area: youshouldputyourkitten’s

littertrayinaneasilyaccessiblespot,wellawayfromherfoodandwaterdishesandthe

familyrooms.Thelittertraymustbecleanedregularlyandoften.

4 Play area: yourkittenneedsasuitableplacetorunaroundin,withhighobjectsliketables,cupboards,

shelvesandsofabacksthatshecanjumpupon.

Storage room

Bedroom

Hall

Lounge

Kitchen1

2

3

4

Some kittens have not learned this litter boxlesson previously, if this is the case, you canhelp teach the kitten. Place the kitten in thelitterbox.Digaholewiththepawandthenshowthekittenhowtocoverwhattheyhaveexcreted.Repeat this exercise once or twice and thekittenshouldstarttodothisbehavior.

Restarea

Your kitten prefers to rest in a warm spot. Aspacenearaheatsource(heatingvents,sunnywindow, etc.) is best. Being close to you isalwaysimportant,sothekitten’sbedshouldnotbetoofarawayfromyourlivingarea.However,yourbedroommaynotbetherightplaceunlessyouintendtohavethemstaytherealways.Youwillnotbeabletotakeawayfromyouradultcatwhatyouallowedthemtodoasakitten.

Introducethekittentothenewbedormakethetransportcarrieraccessiblewiththesamebeddingforfamiliarity.


Your kitten’s

ACTIVITIESExercise is essential for your kitten’s well being. It provides a means to channel energy into toning muscles, rather than using that energy for destructive purposes. Favorite exercises are those which allow them to climb, perch, jump, sharpen the claws and play with toys (ball of paper, toy mouse, hard ball with bell, etc.)

Play Playingisamajorpartofthekitten’ssocialization.Playing encourages exploration of theirsurroundingsanddevelopsphysicalcapabilities.Playingisalsoanantidotetoisolation.

Forthecat,playingandhuntingaretwocloselylinkedactivities,andatoyisoftenidentifiedastheprey.Yourkitten’snaturalhunting instinctmayleadtoaggressivebehavior.Don’thesitateto reprimand the kitten and make sure theyunderstandsuchbehaviorisnotacceptable.

Roosting Your kitten loves being up high.Beingatthesameheightasyourface makes them happy. Theycan rub against you, as withanequal.Ifyourhomedoesnot have enough placesthat are high and safe, trytomakesomebychangingyoursurroundingsalittleorbyprovidingacattree.

Exercise can

keep your kitten away from

destructive activities Adult cats

sleep 16 hours a day on average

Never wakeyour kitten from

deep sleep

SleepAkittenhastwodistinctsleepphases,deepandlightsleep.

Deep SleepUntilthekitteniseightweeksold,theyareinastateofdeepandcontinualsleep,aphaseduringwhich the hormones essential to growth aresecreted.At twomonthsold, thecontinuityofsleep decreases and your kitten alternatesbetweenlightanddeepsleep.

Light SleepFromtwomonthsold,thesleepingrhythmwillgraduallychangetowardsthatoftheadultcat,i.e.16hoursadayonaverage,splitintoseveralperiodsthroughout theday.Duringthisphaseof light sleep, your kitten sleeps with one earlisteningandisattentivetotheslightestnoise.Thisfirstlightsleepisgenerallyfollowedbyadeepsleepinwhichyourkitteniscompletelyrelaxed.


IMPORTANCE OF WHISKERS

Nevercutthewhiskers.Acatusestheirwhiskersforthetactileexplorationoftheirsurroundings.Theirwhiskersarealsousedtocommunicatewithotheranimals.

These tests are simple and quickly help you to become familiar with your kitten’s personality.

Aluminium Foil Ball TestRollaballofaluminumfoilinfrontofyourkitten.Iftheyareslowtoreact,theymaybeexpressingfearorgreatindifferencetooutsidemovement.

Noise TestClap your hands loudly with the kitten seeingyou.Iftheyactcuriouswhilestayingcalm,yourkitten has been brought up in a full andstimulatingenvironment.Ifthekittenrunsaway,you must very quickly expose them to thenoises of everyday life, so they may becomeaccustomedtothesoundsofyourhousehold.

Socialization TestObserveyourkittenfromadistance:

Ifyourkittenrunstoplaywithyourshoelacesor rubs up against you, they have been wellsocialized.

If your kitten is nervous and tries to runaway when you approach, they may not havebeen properly socialized or has a more timidpersonality. It is essential to start this phaseagain,providetoysandplaywithyourkitten.

Dominance TestA kitten that easily allows their tummy to bestrokedwhilelyingontheirbackhasperfectlyassimilatedyourparentalauthority—theywillbedocileandgoodtempered.Ifthekittenstrugglesor tries to scratch, they have not acceptedyourauthorityandhandlingthemmayprovokeunexpectedreactionslikebitingwhenstroked.

Your kitten’s

PERSONALITY

Your kitten’s

COMMUNICATIONThe image of solitary feline in no way reflects the kitten’s ability to communicate with fellow pets or with people. The kitten demonstrates extraordinary talents of communication. They also use different methods of communication depending on whether they want to make them-selves understood to people or other animals.

Languagewithpeople

While your kitten does not understand yourlanguage,apartfromcertainwords,theyare

verysensitive toyourbody languageandpostures.Theycanunderstandwhatyouarefeeling(sorroworjoy)andevenanticipatewhatyouaregoingtodo.

Yourkitten iscontinuallycommunicatingwith you through a full and explicit body

languageofgreatvariety.

Facialexpressions

Theshapeoftheeyesandthepositionoftheearsareaccurateindicatorsofwhattheywanttoexpress.

Neutral catEarsuprightandopen,eyesround.

Angry catEarsstraighttwistedtothesides,eyespuckered.

Aggressive catEarsdown,pupilsroundanddilated.

Happy catEarsopenandforwardupright,eyeshalfclosed,pupilsinslits.

Kittens

communicate with their bodies and facial

expressions

Kittens use their whiskers to

communicate with other animals

Kittens can understand what you are feeling


Movement

Rubbing Against YouTheyareconnectingwiththeirterritory.Withthismovement,thekittendepositshormonalsecretionsfromtheglandsundertheearsagainstyourankles.Thisactofsharingscentshowsyou thatyourkittenfeelsgoodandincludesyouintheirterritory.

KneadingWhenthekittenkneadstheirpawsatyouforlongperiods,theyareexpressingintensepleasure.Yourkittenisrevisitingthejoytheyfeltwhenfeedingfromtheirmother.The same push-pull movement wasused around the mother’s breast tostimulatetheflowofmilk.Thecopiedmovement indicates that the kittenidentifiesyouwiththeirmother.

Rolling on the GroundWhenthekittenrollsonthegroundassoonastheyseeyou,theyareshowingsubmission.Thispositionisonlypossiblewithpeoplearoundwhomthekittenistotallyrelaxed;thisisanactofsubmissionassociatedwithanearliermomentofrelaxation.

Tail WavingWhen the kitten moves their tail, they areexpressingirritation.Ifyouarestrokingyourkittenandtheystarttowavetheirtail,stopimmediately.They are telling you that they don’t like whatyou’redoing.

BODY language

Sounds

PurringKittensstarttopurrwhenfirstfeedingfromtheirmotheranditexpresseshugesatisfactionaswellastotaldependencyonthemother.Whenyourkittenpurrswithyou,theyareshowingsubmissionandcontentment.

Growling and HissingThisisintimidationandcanbeusedinanattack.

MeowingThereisahugevarietyofmeows,eachwiththeirownmeaning.Youwilllearntorecognizethembyobservingyourkitten.

Territorymarkings

Yourkitten’shabitofmarkingterritoryisanaturalbehavior and means of communication. It ismadebydepositingscents,hormonalsecretionsorscratchmarks.

Scent DepositsMarking with urine and/or feces is by far themostcommon.Mainlymalesdothis,afterstress(transport,intrusionofanotheranimal,etc.).Thisterritorial marking is intended to inspire fearand make any intruder go away. The spray ofurineishorizontalandpowerfulandgenerallymarksaverticalsurface(baseofwall,etc...).

Hormonal SecretionsSpecifichormones,knownaspheromones,playamajorroleinakitten’ssexualandterritorialbehavior.Thekittenmarksaplaceanotheranimal(dog or cat) has rubbed against. This gestureisaninvitationtoshareterritoryandasignofacceptancewhichcanonlytakeplacewhenthekittenfeelscompletelyconfident.

Scratch MarksThesemarksthatyourkittenmayleaveonyourfurnitureorwallshavenopreciseexplanation.Itisnotknownifthescratchmarksarecombinedwithpossiblesecretionscomingfromglandsnexttothepawpads,regardlesstheymarkterritory.Suchmarkings,whichmayalsobea formofexercise,cansometimesturncatastrophicwhenthecatisafraidandbecomesanxious.


A kitten may identify you with

their motherThere are many types of meows, each expressing

something differentMarking

territory is a natural behavior

Kittenguide

HEALTHCARE

Caring for your Kitten Preventive Measures

Vaccinations Internal Parasite Prevention External Parasite Prevention

56 57 58 59 60

CARINGFOR your kitten

The first visit to the veterinarian is not a simple consultation, but an in-depth examination.

Thiscomprehensivehealthcheck-upwillevaluateyourkitten’sphysicalconditionandwilladdressanyhealthconcerns.

Intheeventyourkittenwasgiventoyou,thismaybethefirstvisit,andatimeforallthenecessaryvaccinationsandchecks.Yourveterinarianwillcomplete your kitten’s health record and willgiveyouusefuladviceongroomingandspecificbehaviorscommontotheirbreed.

Askyourveterinarian ifyouneedtobring inastoolsampleoranypaperworkfromthepurchaseoradoption.

PREVENTIVE measures

Consult a veterinarian if

your kitten’s nose is dry or snotty

Touch the ears as little

as possible

Microchips can help reunite

lost pets

Careofnoseandears

Cleaning Your Kitten’s NoseSomecatsmayhavedrynasalsecretionsinthecornerofthenostrils.Youcaneasilyremovethesewithawarm,wetcottonballortissue.

Important:Adryorsnottynoseindicatesyoushouldconsultyourveterinarian.

Cleaning Your Kitten’s EarsThebasicrule istotouchtheearsaslittleas

possible.Ifthereisanobviousandunpleasantlookingdischarge,youneedtoconsultyour

veterinarianforaprecisediagnosis.Heorshewillrecommendtheappropriatetreatmentandearsolution.

Important:Whencleaningtheears,neverusecotton

swabs,norawateroralcoholbasedsolution.

Permanentidentification

Cats may be identified by the insertion of atinymicrochipundertheskin. Identifyingyourkittenwillaidinfindingthemiflostorinvolvedin a natural disaster. Qualified veterinariansinsert microchips, which contain informationonboththecatandtheownerandcanaidinaquickreturnhome.

Spayingorneuteringyourkitten

Theseoperationscanbeperformedfromtheageof6months(andsometimesevenearlier)andprotectkittensfrommanyinfectiousdiseases.Consultyourveterinarianformoreinformation.


VACCINATIONSVaccinations help prevent contagious and sometimes fatal diseases. Some are mandatory, while others are only recommended, and may vary according to the location, age, lifestyle and immune status of the kitten or cat. Vaccinations are most effective when they are given at fixed dates with booster vaccinations at specific times. The feline vaccines include:

•Distemper(FVRCP)• FelineLeukemia(FeLV)• FelineInfectiousPeritonitis(FIP)• Rabies

Generally speaking, kittens arevaccinated starting at eight to nineweeksofage.Foroptimalimmunity,thesevaccinesshouldbeadministeredat intervals of three to four weeksuntilkittensare16weeksold.

Any adult cat or kitten older than 16weeks of age receiving an initialvaccination should be administered twodoses of vaccines at an interval of three tofour weeks apart. Adult revaccination occursone year after the end of the initial series,then follows the protocol recommended byyourveterinarian.

Rabiesvirusvaccinesareusuallyadministeredbetween12and16weeksofageasasingledose,with revaccination occurring one year later.Adultrevaccinationmaybeannuallyoreverythreeyears,dependingonlocalandstatestatutes.

INTERNAL parasite prevention

Internal parasites, such as worms and protozoa, affect kittens more often than adult cats because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Your veterinarian will advise you on deworming and necessary treatments.

Protozoa

Only your veterinarian can identify theseparasites and prescribe the appropriatetreatment. There are two micro-organismsthatcommonlyinfectkittens:

GiardiaFix onto the mucous membrane of the smallintestine,causingdiarrhea,incompletedigestion,andagraduallossofbodyweight.

CoccidiaArealsoparasitesofthedigestivesystem.

Worms

Your kitten should receive regular dewormingtreatments during their initial vaccinationseries. Your veterinarian can make specificrecommendationsforroutinedewormingbasedonyourcat’slifestyle(indoor,outdoor,etc.).

Twotypesofwormsarefrequentlyfoundinkittens:

Round Worms Thesewormslodgeinthekitten’ssmallintestine,wheretheyformballsandcancauseintestinalobstructions.Theycanbedetectedbythepresenceofeggsinthekitten’sstooloronanalareas.

Tape WormsTapewormsfixontothewallsoftheintestineandcausebloating,diarrheaandsometimesdamagetothecoat.Theirpresencecanbedetectedinthestool.Theylooklikegrainsofrice.


Vaccinations help prevent the

spread of contagiousdiseases

Booster vaccinations

are necessary for optimal protectionInitial

vaccinationsshould begin

between 8 and 9 weeks of age

EXTERNAL parasite prevention

External parasites found most commonly on kittens are fleas, ringworm, ear mites and ticks.

FleasThepreventionoffleasisamucheasiertaskthantreatment.Fleapreventioninvolvesusingeitheroralortopicalmedicationsrecommendedbyaveterinarian at regular intervals. Preventionshould be all year long, but most importantlyduringthespringandsummermonths.Kittensandadultcatscanbesensitive tomanyover-the-counter medications, some of which maybeveryharmful.

Ifyourkittenalreadyhasfleas,they,aswellas their environment, may need to betreatedinordertoresolvetheproblem.Treatmentoftheenvironmentincludesvacuuming; treatment of the kittenmayincludetopicalmedicationstokill fleas and oral medications totreatparasitesthefleascancarry.Please seek veterinary advice forpropermedicationsandotherproductsforenvironmentalcare.

RingwormInspiteofthename,ringwormisnotaworm,butacontagiousfungalinfectionwhichaffectstheskin.Ringwormisdifficultto diagnose because of the numerous signsitcaninduce.Itisresistant,widelyspreadandcontagious.Ringwormcanaffecthumansandalmost all animals. Treatment is long andcomplexandyoushouldfollowyourveterinarian’sadvicecarefully.

Ear MitesThisearinfectioniscausedbymiteslivingintheearcanal.Thepresenceofanabundant,blackishandwaxydischargeandtheshakingoftheheadorrubbingwiththepawisusuallyasignofearmites.Treatment:followyourveterinarian’sadvice.

TicksTicksarepickedupalmostexclusivelyoutdoors.Ifyouhaveacatthatgoesoutside,checkyourcat regularly for ticks. They prefer to attachthemselvesaroundtheneckandears.Tickscancause inflammatory reactions where they areattached.Whenremovingatick,beverycarefultoremovethetick’shead.

For advice on removal and prevention, pleasecontactyourveterinarian.


Flea preventionis easier than

treatmentIf your kitten goes outside,

check regularly for ticks

Ringworm is a fungal infection

Kittenguide

FIRSTAID

First Aid for CatsEmergency Action Steps

Poisonous Substances Toxic Plants

My Pet’s Information

64 66 68 69 70

Even if you provide your cat with everything they need — regular grooming and veterinary check-ups, an appropriate diet, lots of love and care — accidents can still happen. It’s important to be prepared for these situations. Knowing what to do may save your cat’s life. Read this section carefully and review it periodically. Keep this guide handy in the event of an emergency.

Checkingvitalsigns

• Userectal,notoral, thermometersforcats.Newerhumandigitalthermometersarebest.

• Heartratecanbecheckedbyplacingahandoverthecat’schest.

• Respiration can be measured by observingtheflanks.

• Measure both rates for 15 seconds, thenmultiply by four to get the rate per minute.Makesurethecatisinacalm,restingstatetoensurenormalrates.

Handlingandtransportation

• Don’tassumeacatwon’tbiteorscratch.

• Don’ttrytocomfortaninjuredcatbyhuggingthem.Don’tputyourfaceneartheirhead.

• Wrapthecatinatowel.

• Performanyexaminationsslowlyandgently.Stopifthecatbecomesagitated.

Normal Vital SignsHeart rate: 160 – 240 beats/minuteRespiration: 20 – 30 breaths/minuteTemperature: 101° – 102.5° F

FIRSTAID for cats

Supplies for a Kitten First-Aid Kit• Alcohol-based disinfectant • Antibiotic cream• Antiseptic solution• Bandaging materials:

gauze pads and rolls, self-adhesive elastic wrap, tube socks for slipping over an injured paw

• Cotton balls• Eye dropper• Extra blankets, towels

and pillows• Hydrogen peroxide• Petroleum jelly• Rectal thermometer• Blunt end scissors• Towels• Transport crate• Tweezers

Remember to call your veterinarian immediately for any medical emergency.


Bleeding Heat Stroke Limping VomitingUnproductive Urination

EMERGENCY action steps

Possible causes: Broken limb or digit; acute arthritis; injury to footpad; dislocation; sprain; muscle soreness

Observeyourpetandattempttolocalizeinjury.

Callyourveterinarian.

Coveranywoundswithacleancloth.SeeBleeding.

Examinevomitforbloodorothercluesastocause.

Ifpoisoningissuspected, bring a sample of the suspected poison, preferably in its original packaging, to the veterinarian.Abdominalpain,enlargedstomachandunproductivevomitingareserioussigns.Callyourveterinarianimmediately.

Applyacleanclothorsterilegauzetothewound.

Ifthebleedingdoesn’tstopcallyourveterinarian.

Don’tapplyatourniquetunlessinstructedbyyourveterinarian.

Placeincoolshadedareawithafan.Takerectaltemperature.Ifover104°immediatelycallyourveterinarian.

Transporttoapethospital.Continue to monitor temperature.

Possible causes: Urinary crystals or stones; mucus plugs; bladder inflammation; stress

Repeatedstraininginthelitter box and inability to urinate is a true emergency.

Callyourveterinarianor emergency clinic.

Proceedimmediatelytoveterinarian.

Thefollowingsituationsgenerallyrequireveterinaryattention.Theseactionstepsaredesignedtohelpyoustabilizeyour

petwhileveterinaryhelpisbeingobtained.Callyourveterinarianimmediatelyforanymedicalemergency.

Possible causes: Excessive heat and/or lack of shade; overexertion; lack of water

Possible causes: Poisoning; abdominal injury; motion sickness; disease; overeating; fear; brain injury; parasites

1 1 1 1

23

1

2 23

3

22

Call your veterinarian immediately for any medical emergency.Kittenguide 66 • 67

Signs Common Poisonous Household Substances

Systems Affected by Toxic Plants

POISONOUS substances

TOXIC plants

Vomitingiscommonlycausedbytheingestionofharmfulsubstances.Therearemanyitemsthat are known poisons to cats. Just like with children, make sure these items are lockedupsoyourkittencan’tgetintothem.Formoreinformationonpoisonoussubstances,orforan itemthat isn’t listedhere,pleaseconsult thePetPoisonHelplineat1-800-213-6680orwww.petpoisionhelpline.com.

•Acetaminophen(Tylenol)•Antifreeze•Anticoagulants•Aspirin•Bleach•BoricAcid•BrakeFluid•Chocolate•DandruffShampoo•Deodorants•Deodorizers•DietPills•Disinfectants•CarburetorCleaner•DrainCleaner•Dry-CleaningFluid•Dye•FireExtinguisher•Fungicides•FurniturePolish•Pills(Coumadin)•Gasoline•HairColoring•Herbicides•Insecticides•Kerosene

•Laxatives•Lead•Lye•Phenol•Matches•MetalPolish•MineralSpirits•Mothballs•NailPolishandRemover•Foam•Paint•PaintRemover•RatPoison•At-HomePermSolution•PhotographicDevelopers•Pine-OilDisinfectants•RubbingAlcohol•De-IcersforMeltingSnow•ShoePolish•SleepingPills•SnailorBugBait•SuntanOilwith

CocoaButter•Tar•Turpentine•Windshield-WiperFluid

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•Difficultybreathing

•Abnormalurine(color,aromaorodor,frequency)

•Salivation

•Weakness

Ifyourcatshouldingestsomethingharmful,contactaveterinarianorpoisoncontrolcenterimmediately.

Upper G.I. Tract•Caladium•CallaLily•ChristmasRose•DumbCane•ElephantsEar•FourO’clock•Jack-in-the-Pulpit•Philodendron•SkunkCabbage

Cardiovascular System•AlmondPits•AppleSeeds•ApricotandCherryPits•Foxglove•Hydrangea•Larkspur•Lily-of-the-Valley•Monkshood•Oleander•PeachPits•YellowOleander

Removeallindoorplantsthatareinreachofyournewkittenasmanyhouseholdplantsaretoxictocats.Alistofcommonharmfulplantsisbeloworyoucanaskyourveterinarianforacompletelist.

Lower G.I. Tract•Alfalfa•Amaryllisplantandbulbs•Beech•BirdofParadise•BlackLocust•Box•CastorBean•CrownofThorns•Daffodilplantandbulbs•Daphnia•EnglishIvy•Euonymus•Honeysuckle•Hyacinthplantandbulbs•Iris•JerusalemCherry•Nightshades

(includingtomatoes)•PencilCactus•Poinsettia•Potato

(greenpartsandeyes)•PrecatoryBean

(RosaryPea)•Snow-on-the-Mountain•Spurge•Tulipplantandbulbs•Wisteriaplantandbulbs

Nervous System•Belladonna•BleedingHeart•Buckeye•CardinalFlower•Chinaberry•Coriaria•Datura•GoldenChain•Henbane•IndianTobacco•Jessamine•Jimsonweed•Marijuana•MescalBean•Moonseed•MorningGlory•Periwinkle•PoisonHemlock•Rhubarb•Tobacco•Yew,allvarieties•WaterHemlock

Call your veterinarian immediately for any medical emergency.

Highly Toxic, Possibly Fatal Toxic Plants•Daylily •Easterlily •Yew, all varieties


My pet’s

INFORMATIONInformation

Pet’sname:..........................................................

Breed:...................................................................

Sex:.......................................................................

Dateofbirth:........................................................

Feedinginformation

Formulaname:............................Changetoadultfoodat:..........months

Foodportions:...................................... Cups/Grams:........ Timesperday

Provideclean,freshwateratalltimes

Medicalinformation

Allergies:.......................................................................................................

Specialmedications:....................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................

Specialconditionsorinstructions:..............................................................

.......................................................................................................................

Emergencycaregivers

Name:............................................... Name:...........................................

Address:........................................... Address:.......................................

........................................................... .......................................................

Phone:.............................................. Phone:..........................................


© Copyright ROYAL CANIN SAS 2013. All rights reserved. Credits photos : Y. Lanceau, F. Duhayer, J.-M. Labat-Rouquette September 2013 M310741

For45years,RoyalCaninhasbeenresearchingand formulating nutrition that puts cats first.But just because we’ve been successful in thepastdoesn’tmeanwearen’tconstantlylookingto the future. Through constant study andobservation, we work hard every day to createinnovative nutrition formulated specifically foryourcat.

STAYCONNECTED

1.800.592.6687 www.royalcanin.us

Documents

KITTEN - Hudson Veterinary Hospital · Balinese, Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Turkish Angora. Along with sleep, grooming is one of the kitten’s top priorities. Kittens will start