Fluffy's First Summer

Have you recently adopted a kitten? If so, this is going to be a pretty important year for little Fluffy. It’s her first summer! You’re certainly in for some adorable moments. However, you’ll need to take precautions, as your little furball will be quite vulnerable to heat and other hazards. An Ashburn, VA vet discusses summer care for kittens below.

Weather

Cats crave warmth, and they love snuggling up in warm places. Little Fluffy will probably appreciate having some beds in warm, sunny spots. However, there’s a thin line between being warm and comfy, and being dangerously hot. Make sure your feline pal has plenty of fresh water, and watch for signs that she is overheating. On really sweltering days, offer her a frozen towel or cooling mat to snooze on.

Hazards

One of the best things you can do to keep little Fluffy safe is to ground her. Kittens are very small, and they’re extremely vulnerable to hazards such as traffic, wild animals, insects, chemical exposure, and temperatures. Don’t let your fuzzy buddy wander!

Plants

Kittens are very curious about, well, everything. Toxic plants are another big concern here.  Many popular plants are poisonous to cats. Some, like lilies, can even be fatal if ingested. Adult kitties often—though not always—seem to avoid plants that are dangerous to them. Baby felines, however, are sometimes much more reckless. Be sure to keep only safe plants within paws’ reach. Check the ASPCA site here for more information. 

Water

As mentioned above, it’s very important for you to keep your little buddy properly hydrated. Little Fluffy may appreciate a kitty water fountain. If you have a large house, set out more than one water station for her.

Veterinary Care

That first year is a crucial time in your feline buddy’s life. Make sure that your tiny furball has been fixed and microchipped, and is current on her vaccines and parasite control. While fleas and ticks are dangerous for any animal, they can be particularly dangerous for kittens.

Purrs

That adorable toddler phase won’t last long, so enjoy it while you can. Get little Fluffy’s motor going by offering her lots of cuddles, affection, and lap space. Don’t forget to take lots of cute pictures!

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Ashburn, VA veterinary clinic, we are here to help!