Microchipping

Microchipping is a legal requirement for cats in NSW when they are registered. Microchips are small implants, about the size of a grain of rice, which are placed under your kitten’s skin behind their neck when they are very young. This procedure is non-invasive and our veterinary staff have years of experience to make it as comfortable for your kitten as possible. The microchip contains a special number registered to your name, which is the best way to identify your pet if they go astray. Vet clinics and pounds can use scanners to access your contact information to get them home quickly. It’s therefore very important that if your contact details change, you update them with your local council so your kitten can always find their way home. 

Preventative care 

Ticks

Paralysis ticks are a significant health risk to your kitten. They are most active during the warmer months of the year (October to March), but we can sometimes see cases year-round. There are a number of preventative products that can be used from 8 weeks of age. There are a variety of spot-on treatments on the market that provide good protection for your kitten. No prevention is 100% effective, so it is vital that you check your kitten daily for ticks. At The Ark we have a wide variety of tick and flea prevention. Our experienced nurses can advice you which one is the best treatment for your pet.

If you think your kitten has a tick, take them to a vet immediately for treatment.

Fleas

Fleas are an annoying parasite that cause itchiness, skin irritations, and spread tapeworm. Our nurses at The Ark Vet can advise you on the right product to use for the prevention of fleas for your kitten, how to use the products correctly and when to apply them. There are a range of products on the market for flea prevention, including spot-on treatments, sprays and environmental treatments. We will help you choose the best product for your puppy and household.

Read more about our preventative care.

Desexing

Desexing is a standard and simple procedure that we recommend you perform when your kitten is 5-6 months old – it is slightly different in male and female cats, but prevents them from both breeding or carrying a litter of kittens. Particularly in males, desexing reduces testosterone levels, which can be linked to behavioural problems in adult life. For comprehensive information on the procedure and its benefits, visit our desexing page, but we’ve put together a quick list of some of the benefits of desexing your kitten:

• Male cats are less likely to wander in search for a mate or fight with other cats in the neighbourhood
• The risk of cancer in the reproductive organs is greatly reduced
• Reduction in anti-social or aggressive behaviours, as well as territory marking in male cats
• Reduction in populations of stray cats in shelters and on the streets – this also means less unvaccinated cats that may transmit diseases through the pet community

A Kitten-Proof House

Kittens are very inquisitive and playful, so it’s really important to remove any potential dangers in your house so they don’t accidentally hurt themselves. We’ve put together a checklist you can use to make sure you’ve set up a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend that will keep them occupied with fun things to do but also keep them out of mischief!

• Keep all electrical wiring and any poisonous substances out of reach. 
• Close off balconies and high decks.
• Remove any plants that might be toxic to your cat. If you’re unsure about a plant, please run it by one of our nurses, who will be able to tell you if it is safe or not. A particular plant to be careful of is the arum lily, as eating any part of the plant can have toxic side effects, especially in a tiny kitten.
• Provide your kitten with a soft bed in a quiet spot. Cats enjoy their privacy and like to feel safe and secure.
• Buy a scratching post. Kittens need to wear down their nails so they don’t get too long. Without a scratching post, they might decide to use your furniture!
• Make sure your kitten has their own designated food and water bowl.
• Provide your kitten with some toys to play with. For a kitten, anything, even a piece of string or crumpled up paper can be a toy! They love to chase things, and playing with your kitten is an important bonding experience. 
• Ensure you have a cat carrier. This makes transporting your pet much easier, and reduces the stress and fear your kitten may feel while travelling

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