Raising A Healthy Cat
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Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting time and we are here to help you give them the healthiest start possible. This quick guide covers the basics of vaccines, parasite prevention, spaying or neutering, and early wellness care so you know what to expect in your kitten’s first year. Our team at Westland Veterinary Hospital is here to support you with clear guidance every step of the way.
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Finding The Right Cat For You |
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Bringing a new companion into your family is an exciting experience and choosing the right match requires thoughtful consideration. Some families choose to adopt, while others choose to work with a breeder. This is an individual choice and both should be carefully researched to avoid supporting unethical practices. Organizations and breeders should be transparent about health testing, standard operating procedures, and the environment where their animals live.
Consider what type of cat will fit best with your lifestyle including their expected size, energy level, personality, grooming requirements, and potential health concerns. Some breeds may require professional grooming or more physical and mental stimulation than others. Think about your daily routine, activity level, living situation, and whether this is the right time in your family's life.
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Welcome Home: Your First Days Together |
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Preparing your home before your kitten or cat arrives can help them feel comfortable and safe. Have the essentials ready: food and water bowls, appropriate kibble and/or wet food, a comfortable resting area, toys, a litter box, scratching surfaces, and a quiet space where your new companion can adjust. Cats often feel more comfortable when they have a safe area to call their own. Give them time to explore their new environment gradually and allow them to approach new experiences at their own pace. If there are easily accessible toxic plants or non-friendly animal items, you will thank yourself later by securing them beforehand.
Before their arrival, discuss household expectations and boundaries with everyone involved. Decide where your cat will eat, where litter boxes will be located, what areas of the home they can access, and how everyone will help with their care. If you are located within Calgary, you will need to register your cat through the city and familiarize yourself with the city bylaws and outdoor cats. Remember that every cat adjusts differently. Some kittens may immediately explore their new home, while others may hide or take longer to feel comfortable. Patience, consistency, and gentle interactions help build trust during this important transition. |
Feeding And Diet |
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Choosing the right diet for your kitten or cat can feel overwhelming with the variety of options and opinions available. For most families, pre-made diets such as kibble and wet canned food are reliable choices because they are designed to provide the nutrients cats need when selected appropriately for their age, size, and life stage.
Homemade diets can also be an option, but they require proper education and careful planning to ensure your cat receives the correct balance of nutrients. An incomplete or unbalanced diet can negatively affect long-term health. 
Including wet food as part of your cat’s routine is often recommended throughout their life. Cats naturally have a low thirst drive and maintaining good hydration is important because kidney disease is one of the most common health concerns seen in older cats. Your veterinarian can help create a feeding plan that supports your cat’s individual needs. A healthy diet is one of your first forms of defence in supporting your cat’s long-term well-being and is an important foundation for lifelong health.
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What To Expect At Your First Vet Visit |
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Before your appointment, we invite you to complete our pre-exam questionnaire.
Your first visit to Westland is an important opportunity for us to get to know you and your companion. Please call ahead or email our team to schedule your visit. If you are a new client, be prepared to answer a few questions or complete some new client paperwork before your appointment. While we do our best to help when we can, we cannot guarantee walk-in availability. Before your visit, write down any questions or concerns you have and bring them with you. Bring any paperwork provided by the rescue organization or breeder including medical records, vaccine history or other important information. If your companion has a favorite toy, blanket or treats that help them feel comfortable, consider bringing those along as well.
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After the examination, you will return to the reception area where our front desk team can assist with food or product recommendations, answer any remaining questions, help process insurance information, and provide a copy of your invoice by paper or email. Our goal is to make your first visit informative, comfortable, and a positive experience for both you and your new family member.
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Keeping Your Kitten Protected |
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Vaccines are an important part of protecting your kitten from preventable diseases. Most kittens follow a similar vaccine schedule unless there are underlying health concerns that require a different approach.
A licensed veterinary professional administers the vaccine(s) through a subcutaneous injection. Your veterinarian will help determine the appropriate timing based on your kitten’s age, health, and lifestyle. The feline vaccines offered at Westland are: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP); Feline Leukemia (FeLV); Rabies. After your kitten completes their initial vaccine series and receives their one-year booster, ongoing vaccine recommendations should be discussed with your veterinarian annually. These recommendations can be personalized based on your cat’s activities, environment, and individual health needs. |
Local Parasite Protection |
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Parasite prevention, or commonly known as "dewormer", is an important part of keeping you and your companion healthy. It is recommended for kittens to receive deworming treatments monthly until at least 6 months of age.
Cats can carry and shed certain parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated feces. Your veterinarian can help determine the most appropriate prevention plan based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors. |
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Pregnant women and young children are more susceptible to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, making proper litter box hygiene, regular veterinary care, and preventative recommendations like dewormer especially important for the entire family's health.
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When To Spay Or Neuter |
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Spaying or neutering is an important part of responsible animal care and should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for your companion. Keeping an animal intact increases the risk of certain health concerns including reproductive diseases and some cancers, while unplanned breeding also contributes to the ongoing burden rescues face of overpopulation.
In many cases, these procedures are performed between six months and one year of age, but the ideal timing can vary depending on the individual cat. These procedures require full sedation under anesthetic. The most important recovery period is the first 14 days when activity may need to be restricted and the surgical site monitored closely. Your veterinarian can help determine the best timing for your cat and answer any questions you may have before the procedure. |
Building Good Habits |
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The early months with your kitten or cat are an opportunity to create healthy habits that support their well-being for years to come. Consistent routines, appropriate enrichment, and positive experiences help your cat feel comfortable and confident in their environment.
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Small steps early on can make a big difference in your cat’s long-term health and happiness.
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