first time cat owner. what do i have to do? vet care?

Question

i just got a kitten, already learned about the litter box.

(just a bit of info on his background)
his mother suddenly rejected him so my friend gave it to me.

hes about 6-7 weeks old.

what should i do about his health care?
what should i ask for when i go to the vet for the first time?
do i need to do some sort of overall checkup besides the vaccines?

i worry because i think he breathes really fast as he sleeps(am i overeacting?)

any help would be apreciated.
thanks.

one more question....
about how much will it cost?

and i kind of remember seeing some sort of health care plan for cats that you pay monthly.
whats that for?

Answer 1

Congratulations on your new kitty friend. You can take the kitten to the vet right now. When you call to make the appointment you can inquire how much it's going to cost. Be prepared to shop around because their charges can vary greatly. It's always good to have the vet look him over before the vaccines.

Get yourself a book about kitten care. They should be available at PetSmart, or Petco or any other pet store or online booksellers. This way you'll have a reference for when you have questions.

If your financial situation is tight, the vet might let you make payment arrangements. Most plans you read about are pet medical insurance. Read the information carefully before you sign up for anything. Some are not as they seem.

Answer 2

Well, each vet is different. The kitten should get some shots about now. DOn't delay. 6 weeks is usually when it should get it's first round of shots. It will probably need another round at weeks 9, 12, and maybe 15. Then it's good for a year. Neutering/speying should be done at 5 or 6 months

Vet cost: plan around 30 dollars for examination + 10$ or so for the vaccines, for each "round" the kitten needs. Yes, the vet will automatically give the kitten an "exam" with each vaccine visit.

plan around 60 for neutering at 5-6 months old (at least you got a few months to save up for it!)

Find a reputable vet and talk to him about prices, payment plans, and vaccine schedule. He'll give you all the information you need. Just tell him you're a newbie, and he'll be sure and inform you throuroughly of what the kitten needs at that age, healthcare wise.

Good luck with your new kitty! It may be kinda pricey at first, but they're worth it :) And remember, after week 15, doesn't need anymore shots for about a year. And you got time to save up for the neutering. Please do it for the world and your home!

Answer 3

Also...it's probably anywhere between $30-$60 on an average month. For a single kitty that size...he won't use too much litter or eat too much food. When you take him to the vet to get shots and stuff it will be more..and when he is about 5-6 months you'll need to get him fixed (or he will start spraying...gross!!) and that will be between $75-$100 at a vet. If you are close to an SPCA check with them they will often perform the surgery for $35 :)

Answer 4

I got my kitty when he was 5 weeks old. You might need to bottle feed him. If you go to a pet store, you can get some kitten formula and a bottle.

I don't think I would worry about the fast breathing, my cat did that too.

Answer 5

take to vet for a health check sounds like a normal healthy kitten get a book about kittens at the library or go to Barnes and noble or borders you can sit there and read the whole book for free

Answer 6

dont worry the cat feeds it self(rats) and cleans it self(outside)just sit-back n relax