Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have a new kitten . What age do I have to start vaccinating?

A. Your new kitten will need a course of 2 vaccinations. The first part of the vaccine is given at 9 weeks of age and the second part of the vaccine is given 3-4 weeks later when your kitten is 12-13 weeks old. We recommend that you keep your kitten in for 7 days after the second vaccine has been given to ensure that they have full immunity before they go out. Once vaccinated your cat will need yearly booster vaccinations.

Q. I am letting my kitten out for the first time, what is the best way of introducing my new kitten to its new environment?

A. Once your new kitten is familiar with its new home, is fully vaccinated and has been neutered then you can allow it to go outside. We recommend that you with hold food before letting your kitten out for the first time, so they are hungry and will return to the house for food when called. Supervising the first few trips outside is also advisable as this will help to build confidence. Continue to supervise the trips outside, allowing your kitten to go further away, calling them back for food. When you are satisfied that your kitten is ready to be left outdoors on its own, it is advisable to fit a cat flap. A cat flap will provide access to outdoors when you are not at home and is the safest way to allow your kitten the freedom it needs.

Q. I have a new kitten. What is the best way to litter train?

A. Most kittens instinctively know how to use a litter tray, but if they do need a little help training is quite easy. Place the litter tray in a quiet corner, that is easily accessible for them. Show the kitten where the litter is by placing them in the tray. Watch closely after eating and waking up and when the kitten looks as if it is ready to go to the toilet - crouching with its tail raised - place in the litter tray. A natural instinct will tell the kitten to cover up its faeces and urine with the litter. If the kitten relieves itself outside the tray, carry them quickly to the litter tray and don't punish them.While you are toilet training it may be better to confine them to just one room until you are confident they are trained.

Q. I have a new puppy. What age do I have to start vaccinating?

A. Your new puppy will need a course of 2 vaccinations. The first part of the vaccine is given at 8 weeks of age and the second part of the vaccine is given 2 weeks later when your puppy is 10 weeks old. We recommend that puppies should not be taken into public places until 7 days after the second vaccine has been given to ensure that they have full immunity before they go out, although it is safe for them to exercise within your own garden as long as no other dogs have access to this area. Once vaccinated your dog will need yearly booster vaccinations.

Q. I have a new puppy. What is the best way to toilet train?

A. One of the easiest methods of toilet training is to 'crate train' your puppy i.e. confining the puppy when you are not watching, so that they only have the chance to go when you can control the situation. This will make the signs, e.g: crying, circling, pawing at cage etc more obvious as your pup will not want to mess its living area. We advise that you take your puppy outside after eating, sleeping, drinking or playing as this is when they are most likey to need to go.

Take your puppy to the same spot each time so familiar smells remind them of what they are supposed to be doing there.Do not tell your puppy off for 'accidents' after the event as this will not help and may make things worse as they may avoid going to the toilet anywhere near you! Praise your puppy when it has successfully been to the toilet as this will encourage good toileting habits.

Q. What age should I neuter my new puppy/kitten?

A. We recommend that both male and female cats and dogs are neutered from 6 months of age. This prevents unwanted pregnancies as well as having many long-term health benefits for your pet.

Q. How often should I treat my new puppy/kitten for fleas and worms?

A. We recommend that you treat your puppy/kitten for fleas on a monthly basis. Effective flea control is available at the surgery. New puppies and kittens should be treated for worms on a monthly basis until they are 6 months of age, after which routine worming is recommended once every 3-4 months. We recommend veterinary worming products as they are highly effective and have minimal side affects.

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