July 10th is National Kitten Day! With their furry faces, playful antics, and adorable vocalizations, these tiny balls of fur have the power to melt our hearts. Summer can be lots of fun for little Fluffy, but it can also be very dangerous. A vet offers some seasonal kitten care tips in this article from Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON animal clinic.
Keep Kitty In
Kittens will be safer indoors, in climate controlled rooms, no matter what the weather is like. Bring little Fluffy inside when it’s hot out. Better yet: teach her that she’s an indoor pet from day one.
Be Careful With Plants
Kittens are very curious, and they want to investigate, well, everything, Toxic plants are a huge concern. Some of the most dangerous ones include lilies, tulips, and daffodils, but there are actually many types of plants that are unsafe. Check the ASPCA site here for more information.
Provide Lots Of Water
It’s not a bad idea to set out extra water stations in hot weather. You can also offer your little buddy some chilled sodium-free beef or chicken broth.
Cool Treats
Want to get that little motor going? Freeze squeezable cat treats or mousse, and offer small amounts to your little buddy. Ask your vet for more recommendations.
Offer Cool Spots
Your feline pal should always have a cool spot to retreat to. If you’re caring for newborn kittens, you’ll need to make sure they have a cool spot. Baby cats can’t regulate their temperature until they are a few weeks old, which makes them especially vulnerable to heat and cold. Point a fan over their bed, though you don’t want the air blasting directly on the little ones. You can also put frozen towels or cooling mats in the bed on sweltering days.
Ice Cubes
Want to see something really cute? Let little Fluffy play ‘hockey’ with ice cubes. Cats regulate their temperature through their little toe beans, so this can actually keep them cool and entertain them.
Supervise
Your pint-sized pal is going to want to explore her new home. This is cute, but you’ll need to be extra careful not to accidentally lock little Fluffy into a room, shed, or closet. Keep an eye on your tiny explorer.
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact Armitage Animal Clinic, your Newmarket, ON animal clinic, today!
