6 months check up
Your kitten's 6 month check-up
At six months, it is advisable to make a vet's appointment
for your kitten so that he or she can give her a thorough
health-check. Your vet will want to make sure your kitten is on
track with her development and growth, so will check her weight
and provide a general health assessment.
Calm kitten
If your kitten has been used to
travelling in her pet carrier, she should be happy to hop
in. A cosy blanket and a favourite toy will help settle her. If
she seems particularly agitated, a squirt of special calming
pheromone spray in her carrier can work wonders too.
By now,
grooming and
playing with your kitten will have encouraged your kitten
to enjoy being handled, but take along some tasty treats to
encourage her to behave at the vet's. This will reassure her
and help her learn that a trip to the vet can be a positive
experience.
What to expect
Your vet will weigh your kitten to ensure she is growing at
the correct rate and advise you if any changes to her feeding
amounts is required. During the check your vet will look
carefully at your kitten's eyes, ears, paws and teeth. By this
age your kitten's adult teeth should be coming through. Her
baby teeth will usually fall out naturally to make room, but if
this is not the case your vet will make a recommendation on
what needs to be done. Your vet will also check with you what
de-worming and flea control regime you have in place, and
will recommend any future treatments that might be
necessary.
What should I be feeding?
Your vet will be interested in what food you are feeding
your kitten and will advise you on any changes that may be
necessary or recommended. He or she may recommend products like
Hill's Science Plan NeuteredCat if your kitten has already
been neutered.
Feel free to ask questions
The 6 month check-up is a great opportunity to ask your vet
any burning questions you might have. You could talk to him or
her about
neutering, as 6 months is just the right age for the
operation. Neutering is one of the best things you can do for
your kittens health. If you have a male kitten any territorial
habits should disappear once he has been neutered, such as
spraying. He'll also be less likely to roam or fight with
other cats. In female cats neutering helps reduce the risk of
womb infections and mammary tumours.
Something else that you might consider is
microchipping. This tiny, invisible device is easy to fit
and will give you the peace of mind that she will be easy to
find if she gets lost.
Pet insurance
If you haven't already, now's a good time to consider pet
insurance. It can be reassuring to know you're covered for any
health problems your cat might have in the future. Just make
sure you read the small print before you buy, and check it's
the right policy for you.