Guidelines for your new kitten

Vaccination & Deworming

Deworming

• Our kittens are regularly dewormed when they leave. As the new owner, you need to continue deworming at 4, 6, 9, and 12 months, and then two to four times a year thereafter.

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Vaccination

• Kittens are vaccinated at 9 and 12 weeks of age. Vaccination is not mandatory, but it is recommended to prevent unwanted diseases in your cat. After the age of 12 months, this should be done once a year (some vaccinations will only need to be done once every three years, consult your vet about this).

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Socialization

• All kittens leaving for their forever homes will be socialized in a household environment (including with dogs!). However, the kitten will still need a one to two-week adjustment period in its new home.

• Give the kitten time to adjust to any existing pets by first placing the kitten in a separate room. Pet the kitten and then pet the other animals to transfer scents. Give this step a few days.

• The next step is to let them see each other without direct contact, for example, through a door with glass.

• Place a food bowl on each side of the barrier so they learn to eat in each other's presence. Your current pets should be fed first, then bring the new cat just within their sight while they eat.

• Once they are done eating, separate them again. Repeat this procedure until both cats eat normally and seem relaxed. Gradually increase the visual contact duration.

• While doing this, engage one of the cats in play or a silly activity shortly before meal times. This focuses their attention on the owners but also makes them aware of the other cat's presence, associating it with something positive. If tolerated, gradually move the feeding bowls closer together, ensuring both cats are comfortable with each new step. If either cat reacts negatively (hissing, running away), take a step back.

• Once both cats remain relaxed during this period, introduce periods without play distractions. If they ignore each other, pass by each other, or approach and sniff each other, that's good news. You can then gradually extend their time together.

• Sometimes, cats may never become best friends, but as long as they tolerate each other, that's okay.

• Be aware that fights might occur. If this happens, do not pick up either cat as the one being picked up will feel defeated. Try to distract them instead.

• Cats often hide in high places when scared, so ensure such spots are available.

Grooming

Coat

• Cats can groom themselves effectively using their tongues. However, there are some things they can't do, which you may need to help with.

• The British Shorthair is known for its thick coat. Brushing once a week is sufficient. Avoid excessive brushing to prevent damaging the coat; no matter how long you brush, hair will continue to come off.

• There are many types of combs and brushes available. Be cautious with your choice, as not all are suitable. A simple metal comb is most commonly used by groomers.

• Never use a furminator on your cat! This tool can ruin your British Shorthair's coat and skin due to its shearing action rather than combing.

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Eyes, Ears & Teeth

• Clean the eyes with physiological water and a cotton pad if needed. If the cat squints or has red eyes, consult your vet.

• Clean the ears carefully with baby cotton swabs or a tissue. Ear cleaners are also available, ask your vet about these. If the ear is red and irritated, the cat may have an ear infection (consult your vet).

• It's often recommended to brush your cat's teeth once a day to prevent plaque (which cause inflammation). Use a cat toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use regular toothpaste as it contains fluoride, which is harmful to cats. Most cats dislike this, so it is up to you to try. Alternatively, there are powders to mix with food to reduce plaque, which are more agreeable to cats.

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Litter box & claws

• Place litter boxes in various locations around the house. Cats like to have multiple options (at least one per cat plus one extra). Clean the litter box daily and regularly sanitize it with pet-friendly products to avoid odors.

• Cats have sharp claws and need multiple scratching posts around the house. If your cat frequently gets stuck with its claws, consider trimming them with special cat nail clippers.

Food & water

• When leaving Cattery VB-Treasures, your cat will have been fed "c-pro-food kitten & mama" for the first weeks. When they are older, they switch to "c-pro-food kitten". At 12 months, you should transition to the "adult" version of c-pro-food. This is not mandatory, but any change in diet should be gradual: mix the current food with the new one before fully switching.

• Each package of c-pro-food has a feeding table with the recommended daily amount. Preferably, give your cat multiple meals throughout the day. We keep the food bowls available all day, but monitor your cat's weight to prevent obesity!

• Occasionally, we also give wet food. Do not serve the same thing every day! Alternate between chicken, tuna, meat, and fish to ensure your cat gets a variety of nutrients. This will reflect in their health, coat, and teeth.

• Some catteries feed their kittens BARF (raw meat), but this comes with risks! BARF can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, causing severe gastrointestinal issues. Be cautious! If you choose this, use a quality brand and store it properly in the freezer/fridge.

• Feeding bones can be risky as sharp points can puncture the stomach or intestines. It's best to not do this.

• Place food and water bowls in different spots around the house. Keep water and food at least 1 meter apart, as cats do not like their water to be contaminated by nearby food. You can also use a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more.

• Use ceramic bowls for food and water (not plastic). Plastic often harbors more bacteria, increasing the risk of acne (black spots on the chin).