Getting a
New Kitten?

How exciting! Taking a new kitten into your home is very exciting but also a big responsibility and commitment. It’s vital to think and plan this through before you choose your ‘furever’ friend.

Researching your chosen breed is so important. Do you want a lap cat (Ragdoll) or an active highly intelligent cat (Bengal)? Do you want to rescue a single senior cat that can spend its twilight years in a quiet comfortable home, or get a pair of rescue kittens for a busy family home? Whatever you decide, it’s essential you choose correctly for your lifestyle and can provide them with everything they need.

It’s also important to be aware of any common medical conditions that are associated with the breed;

For example Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in Persians, cartilage and joint disorders in Scottish Folds, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Maine Coons. And remember a young kitten is active and inquisitive – a bit like a toddler, they are prone to accidents and mishaps, and they will test anything in their mouth to see if it’s edible!

For these reasons alone we cannot stress enough the importance of being financially prepared for both the expected and unexpected conditions they may suffer with. Having pet insurance can be a literal life saver and can lessen the financial aspect of decision-making during times of difficulty for your pet.

A kitten’s socialisation period to introduce them to new things is actually very early, between 2 - 8 weeks of age, and this period should be spent with their mother. There is still plenty you can do to help your new kitten settle into their new home and set them up for a quality life. We are happy to have in-depth discussions with you around all your pet’s health care needs at their first health check.

Some of the services available at Marshall and Pringle for getting your new fur friend all set up and ready for a healthy life include:

  • Kitten vaccinations – cat flu and feline enteritis from 8 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. FIV vaccine is also available, and we can talk you through the pros and cons of this extra vaccine.

  • Microchipping – usually performed at desexing; great for secure cat doors and to help reunite you with your lost cat. A one-off fee puts your pet on the NZ Companion Animal Database so you can be reunited if your pet is lost anywhere in New Zealand.

  • Worming and flea treatments – worm every 2 weeks from 6 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age, and then worm monthly until 6 months of age. Then every 3 months thereafter.

  • A range of life stage diets and nutrition advice – Babycat mousses, weaning and growth stage diets.

  • Desexing – castration and spay from 16 weeks onwards.

  • Insurance advice – 3 weeks free insurance in-clinic; a variety of different ongoing policies are available, ask a team member for advice.