Giving your kitten the best start in life

Join us online at www.hillspet.com If you d like more information and advice, visit www.hillspet.com where you ll find everything you ll ever need to know about caring for your kitten, from articles on healthcare to fantastic online offers on the Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development Range. Giving your kitten the best start in life Register for email newsletters To help keep up to date with all your kitten s needs as she grows, you can also register on the website for our email newsletters. Packed with really helpful information, tips and advice, the newsletters will also let you know about Hill s special offers and online promotions. vets no.1 choice Trademarks owned by Hill s Pet Nutrition, Inc. 2009 Hill s Pet Nutrition, Inc. 221110 GB (GB) 90300 vets no.1 choice The power of precise nutrition

PREPARING for your kitten 5 Dedicated to the loving care of pets At Hill s, we are dedicated to helping pets reach their full potential through quality nutrition and healthcare. Our unrivalled devotion to healthy, happy pets drives everything we do. We support programmes that transform the lives of pets, saving nearly 1 million cats and dogs worldwide every year. Our experts carry out continuous nutritional research to ensure that our foods are the very best a pet can eat. And we re a leading sponsor of continuing veterinary education to help improve the care of pets everywhere. Hill s Pet Nutrition Ltd, Suite 5, Sherbourne House, Hatters Lane, Croxley Business Park, Watford WD18 8YL Hill s free helpline 0800 282 438 1-800 626002 (ROI) www.hillspet.com CHOOSING the right product FEEDING your kitten CARING for your kitten PLANNING for the future 11 27 33 41 vets no.1 choice

Congratulations on becoming a new pet owner This is a magical time, when your kitten first starts to steal your heart and becomes a real part of the family. Right from day one, you ll want to give her the care and attention she deserves to enjoy life with you to the full. That s why we ve put together this handy guide, full of useful advice and tips, all designed to help you care for your kitten and be the best owner she could ever wish for. So read on and get ready to give your kitten the best start in life. PREPARING for your kitten PREPARING for your kitten The power of precise nutrition 4 5

Kitten-proofing your home Just like young children, kittens are inquisitive, fearless and agile. Even before your kitten comes home, you ll need to take some basic precautions to prevent accidents. Poisons Store all poisonous or dangerous materials out of reach. Toilets and bins Keep the lids of your toilets and waste-bins down so your kitten can t climb or fall in. Electrical appliances For the same reason, keep the door of the washing machine and the drier closed when not in use. Plastic bags Store your bin bags, supermarket bags etc. in a safe place so they pose no threat of choking or suffocation. Odds & ends Keep easily swallowed household items like string, needles, thread, rubber bands and paper clips well out of harm s way. Electrical cables To remove the temptation of chewing, keep live electrical cables secured to the wall or tightly wound up. Curtain cords Keep cords from curtains and blinds tied up and out of reach to avoid the risk of strangulation. Additionally, you need to be aware that certain plants can be hazardous to cats. Here s a list of the most common varieties you ll want to keep away from your kitten: Lilies (all kinds) Azaleas Daffodils Tomato plants (leaves and stems) Foxglove Hydrangea Philodendrons Mistletoe & Poinsettia Taxus/Yew PREPARING for your kitten 6 7

Bringing your kitten home When your kitten comes home, the fun really begins! So make sure you get the most out of your relationship with her by giving some thought, in advance, to these topics: Name This is an important decision, because from the first moment she meets you she has to learn to recognise and respond to the name you give her. So choose a name that s short and simple and stick to it! Identification In case she gets lost, include your name and phone number on an easily readable identity tag and ask your vet about getting her microchipped and listed on the nationwide database. It s painless and lasts a lifetime. Collar and lead A collar with an identity tag proves that your kitten belongs to you and is not a stray. It should fit snugly, with a finger s width of space between the neck and collar. Loosen the collar as she grows and, until she s fully trained, always keep her on a lead when you re out and about. Cat flap Once your kitten is allowed to venture outside, after her vaccinations, a cat flap is a convenient way to give her independence. Show her how to enter and exit and reward her when she manages it by herself. Pet carrier For bigger adventures outside, cat carriers are the safest and most comfortable way for your kitten to travel. Make sure you choose one that s easy to clean, with a removable base. A cat carrier is also a cosy and safe place for your kitten to sleep when she s away from home. PREPARING for your kitten 8 9

Food and water bowls Ceramic or stainless steel non tippable bowls are recommended, with one set available for use away from home. They must be durable and cleaned daily. Remember to keep her water bowl topped up at all times. Bedding Give your kitten soft, washable bedding like towels or blankets, placed in cosy corners to encourage her to sleep there. Toys You ll have even more fun playing with your kitten if you get her some toys, and you ll be helping her learn. Make sure they re big enough not to be swallowed or chewed! CHOOSING the right product CHOOSING the right product The power of precise nutrition 10 11

Selecting the best food The first year of your kitten s life is very important, with three main factors contributing to her future health: her genes, her environment and her nutrition. You can t do anything about her genes, but the environment you create for her and the food you choose to feed her could have a direct effect on her future growth and development. So as well as providing a safe, comfortable home for her, it s important also to ensure that her food is formulated with all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients she needs as a growing kitten. Nutrition has a big impact on your pet s health 1 Genetics 2 Environment 3 Nutrition Both these factors you can influence very effectively CHOOSING the right product Many cat foods are labelled complete, meaning that a food should provide enough of every nutrient (such as protein, fat, minerals or vitamins) for a kitten to live on without the need for supplements. But not all complete pet foods are created equal. 12 13

The power of precise nutrition Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development Your kitten needs to be taking in the right amount of several different nutrients, each of which is important in maintaining good health. The amounts of each of these nutrients must be precisely balanced, because too much can often be as harmful as too little. Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development is a complete and precisely balanced food made with high quality ingredients and no unnecessary fillers, formulated to concentrate on immunity, the healthy development of vital organs and digestive health in kittens. It s enhanced with clinically proven antioxidants to maintain a strong immune system, the natural fatty acid DHA which helps with her learning and behavioural development and the correct balance of key minerals to ensure that she also develops strong teeth, bones and muscles. Let us take care of her nutrition, so you can enjoy having fun with her and watching her grow from a healthy kitten into a healthy adult cat in optimal fitness. CHOOSING the right product Too much Kidney disease Obesity leading to diabetes Hypertension Heart condition Skeletal deformities Struvite Bladder stones Constipation or flatulence Hypercalcaemia (vit. D) Skeletal deformities (vit. A) Protein Fat Sodium Calcium & Phosphorous Magnesium Dietary Fibre Vitamins Too little Poor growth Flaky skin Inability to maintain water balance Anorexia Fatigue Poor growth Spontaneous fractures Anorexia Retarded growth Muscle weakness Constipation Anorexia Poor growth Rickets (vit. D) 14 15

What makes our nutrition so special? Take a closer look at the precise balance of nutrients in Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development and you ll see why it s the best choice for your pet. CLINICALLY PROVEN ANTIOXIDANTS FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM Nowadays, we hear a lot about the importance of antioxidants in our food and how they help neutralise free radical compounds found all around us. And the same is true for animals too. Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining health. Because kittens are particularly susceptible to sickness, they need to develop good immunity quickly that s why they are vaccinated so early. The antioxidants in Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development are clinically proven not only to mop up free radicals but also to help support the effectiveness of those vaccinations. So you can be sure that her nutrition is helping your kitten build strong defences and grow into a healthy adult cat. Natural DHA for better vision, better reactions and better behaviour The expression look and learn is as true for kittens as it is for human babies. Your kitten discovers the world around her in a visual way, taking in information and learning more every day. A key element in her healthy development is the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA which occurs naturally in mother s milk and is a key ingredient in the development of brain and visual functions and in promoting a healthy immune system. By feeding her Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development enhanced with natural DHA from high quality fish oil, you can be sure you re helping your kitten become more receptive and better able to develop her full potential. The faster she learns, the better behaved she ll be during her kitten stage, and that s a recipe for a happy, contented and secure life as an adult cat. For more information on kitten behaviour and development, visit our website. CHOOSING the right product 16 17

Optimal levels of Omega-3 and 6 Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development contains the ideal levels of the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and 6 to enhance the development of mobility in your kitten, to help maintain her immune system and to help promote a radiant, glossy coat and healthy, smooth skin. Optimal levels of minerals Your kitten needs to grow a lot of extra bone in order to develop into an adult. For this to happen, her diet needs to include the correct balance of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. High quality ingredients for gentle, healthy digestion CHOOSING the right product Because only the best is good enough for your kitten, we only use the highest quality ingredients and totally natural colourings, flavourings and preservatives to make Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development pet food. 18 19

A precise balance of nutrients for the very best start in life There is a range of Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development pet foods. But whichever product you choose, you can be sure that it contains the precise balance of 50 nutrients (and no excess salt) that your kitten needs to grow big and strong. NUTRIENT Protein Fat Carbohydrate Fibre Moisture FUNCTION an essential nutrient needed to build all tissues and organs, including muscles supplies energy and essential Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for nerve function and a glossy coat supplies energy promotes bowel movements and helps regulate healthy digestion water is in itself an essential nutrient, making up 70% of the body CHOOSING the right product Calcium for strong teeth and bones Phosphorus also for strong teeth and bones Sodium to regulate fluid balance Potassium also for fluid balance and muscle function Magnesium for healthy bones and metabolism Vitamin A for good vision and healthy skin Vitamin D to regulate absorption and use of calcium Vitamin E a major antioxidant that neutralises free radicals and, if added to food at the proper level, helps maintain a strong immune system Vitamin C a key antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and regenerate vitamin E Beta-carotene a natural antioxidant that works with vitamin E and vitamin C to neutralise free radicals and maintain the immune system For more details on the precise balance and percentages of each nutrient present within specific products, please refer to your bag of food or visit our website. Taurine an essential nutrient for cats, especially important for the eyes and heart 20 21

Precise nutrition delivers the best value With a food as nutritious and highly digestible as ours, kittens don t need to eat much to be satisfied and get all the nutrition they need for healthy development. For that reason, you ll find that a bag of Hill s Science Plan will last longer than you might think, making it even more cost effective to give your kitten the very best start in life. For example, a 2kg bag of Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development food will feed a kitten weighing 2kg for up to 29 days. That equates to a feeding cost per day of the price of a packet of crisps!* 29 Days Días Dage Dagar CHOOSING the right product *Based on product sold at Recommended Retail Selling Price and on the observed cost of a packet of crisps. 22 23

The Hill s Science Plan Healthy Development Range Kitten Healthy Development Precisely balanced nutrition for strong immunity, digestive health and healthy growth in kittens. With clinically proven antioxidants and DHA from fish oil FLAVOUR Kitten with Precisely balanced nutrition, formulated for kittens in a wet pâté format FLAVOUR 85g 156g CHOOSING the right product 400g 2kg 5kg 10kg FLAVOUR Tuna 400g 2kg 5kg Kitten Tender Chunks in Gravy Precisely balanced nutrition available in individual pouches FLAVOURS Turkey Ocean Fish 100g 12 100g MULTIPACKS 24 25

Your kitten will love it guaranteed Hill s Science Plan is made with only high quality ingredients for a great taste, so your kitten is sure to be looking forward to every meal. FEEDING your kitten In fact, we re so confident that our Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development range tastes delicious, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Quite simply, if your kitten doesn t like the taste or isn t satisfied, we will give you your money back. FEEDING your kitten For more information, you can call our helpline on 0800 282 438 / 1-800 626002 (ROI). And remember, when you choose Hill s for your kitten, you re not only choosing the best possible nutrition but also the brand that is the number one choice for vets to feed their own pets worldwide. The power of precise nutrition 26 27

Correct feeding is important Switching to Hill s Even if you ve already started feeding your kitten with another pet food, it s never too late to switch her onto superior Hill s nutrition, and it s so easy. Gradually introduce Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development into your kitten s diet over a 7-day period by mixing her former food with increasing proportions of the new food until only Hill s is being fed. Quality over quantity At Hill s, we will never compromise on the quality of our ingredients or on the level of scientific expertise that goes into our products. Just as important as feeding your kitten the right food is giving her the correct amount of food, as recommended on our packaging. The portion sizes we recommend that you serve are the optimum in respect of your kitten s age see table in the following section. So you can rest assured, she will be very full and satisfied after every meal! Watch her weight To help keep your kitten healthy, Hill s recommends that you: weigh her regularly monitor her physical condition using our growth tracker chart, either on our website or in your kitten s Health Record Book adjust the quantity of her meals according to the pack recommendation as she grows As a guide, if your kitten is at her ideal weight you should be able to easily feel her ribs and she should look sleek with no sagging around the stomach. If you are concerned about your kitten s weight, consult your vet for nutritional advice. Top up her water Just as important as providing food for your kitten is ensuring that she always has easy access to a freshly topped-up bowl of water. In fact, not having water to drink for a sustained length of time will harm her health. In hot weather, it s a great idea to add a couple of ice cubes to her water bowl to help her keep cool. FEEDING your kitten 28 29

How much should you be feeding her? This easy-to-use chart lets you match the age and weight of your kitten to your chosen format of Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development food to show the recommended feeding quantity per serving. Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development should be fed from weaning to maturity at 1 year old. Kittens can usually be fed an unrestricted amount of Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development, although the following feeding guide can be used as a starting point for 2-4 meals per day and the amount adjusted to achieve/maintain optimal bodily condition. Daily feeding amounts for kittens FEEDING your kitten 1½ 3 MONTHS 4 6 MONTHS 7 12 MONTHS Body weight kg Pouches 100g Cans 85g Cans 156g Cans 370g Dry Grams Pouches 100g Cans 85g 0.5 1½ 1¼ ⅔ ¼ 30 1 2⅓ 2 1 ½ 50 2 1⅔ 1 ⅓ 40 1.5 3¼ 2¾ 1½ ⅔ 65 2⅔ 1¼ 1¼ ½ 55 2¼ 1¾ 1 ½ 45 2 4 3⅓ 1¾ ¾ 80 3⅓ 2¾ 1½ ⅔ 70 2⅔ 2¼ 1¼ ½ 55 2.5 4 3⅓ 1¾ ¾ 80 3¼ 2⅔ 1½ ⅔ 65 3 4½ 3¾ 2 ¾ 95 3⅔ 3 1⅔ ⅔ 75 3.5 5 4¼ 2⅓ 1 105 4 3½ 1¾ ¾ 85 4 4½ 3¾ 2 ¾ 90 4.5 5 4¼ 2¼ 1 100 5 5⅓ 4½ 2½ 1 110 Cans 156g Cans 370g Dry Grams Pouches 100g Cans 85g Cans 156g Cans 370g Dry Grams 30 31

Treats Treat your kitten with the occasional treat and tidbit, as long as it is just that occasional! Although it s tempting to give her scraps from the table, too many treats can lead to fast weight gain and to nutritional imbalance. A Hill s Science Plan kibble is just as much of a treat, and much better for her. CARING for your kitten CARING for your kitten The power of precise nutrition 32 33

A cared-for kitten is a happy kitten Grooming Your kitten loves all the fuss of being groomed. Choose a brush that s suitable for her coat length and comb in the direction of hair growth at least once a week (daily for long-haired breeds). You can also wash the coat with a mild kitten shampoo. The grooming process not only helps to maintain her overall well-being, but also gives you the chance to examine her coat and skin for problems, such as fleas or lice, tangles or skin irritation. Oral care It s easy to brush your kitten s teeth ask your vet for advice. Check that her gums are pink and healthy and that her teeth are clean and tartar-free. Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development dry food will also help, as the kibbles wipe the teeth clean of debris and plaque as your kitten bites into them. Trimming nails Keep your kitten s claws neat and tidy with nail trimmers specially designed for kittens once again, ask your vet for advice. Cleaning ears Her ears should be clean of discharge and odour-free. Use damp cotton wool to gently wipe inside the ear, but never use cotton buds as these can damage the eardrum. Eyes Her eyes should be bright and clear and any discharge should be gently removed using a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water. Use a new pad for each eye and wipe from the inner corner outwards. Baths Cats rarely need a bath because they clean themselves so efficiently. If you need to, use a mild cat shampoo to wash the fur and remove tangles with a comb. Rinse her clean, dry with a towel and then leave her to dry naturally in the air. Never use a hairdryer as you can easily burn your kitten s skin. Nose You shouldn t need to clean her nose if you notice any discharge or sores, contact your vet for advice. CARING for your kitten 34 35

Exercise and training it s never too early to start Kittens are naturally active and should be encouraged to play and exercise to prevent obesity and avoid the associated health risks. Winter exercise alert In winter, take extra care to supervise your kitten s exercise. Keep her paws free of snow and snow-melting chemicals like salt, as they can irritate footpads and the mouth. For some reason, all cats love the smell and taste of antifreeze, but it s extremely dangerous and can be fatal if ingested, even in small amounts. Breaking bad habits The key to success is praise the good, ignore the bad. Never hit or shout at your kitten. Instead, if she misbehaves, try shaking a can filled with pebbles to catch her attention and interrupt the bad behaviour. Scratching post Kittens scratch to sharpen their claws and mark their territory, and this can sometimes include your furniture and curtains! Make sure you give your kitten a scratching post to use and give her lots of praise when she uses it. Pouncing on counters and furniture If you find your kitten jumping on areas you d rather she didn t, remove her from that area. Place her in an area that you have approved and give her plenty of praise. Toilet training litter tray Fill her tray with cat litter and place it somewhere that provides privacy and is away from her food, yet is within easy reach for your kitten. Place her in it in the mornings and evenings and she ll soon get the idea, especially when you give her lots of praise for using it. Urinating Cats are very hygienic and will happily use the litter tray you provide unless it s not clean enough. So make sure you change the litter regularly. Urinary accidents around the home can be an indication of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a condition which can be managed effectively if caught during the early stages. If your kitten does not pass urine within two days, contact your vet immediately. CARING for your kitten 36 37

Talk to your vet Your vet is the best source of healthcare information and your relationship will become very important throughout your cat s life. Vaccination Your vet will usually recommend a combined vaccine given in 2 shots at around 8 and 12 weeks of age to protect against Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Infectious Enteritis (also called Panleucopenia), Cat Flu and Chlamydia. A fortnight or so after the second injection your kitten will be safe to mix with other cats. Ask your vet about boosters. The antioxidants in Hill s Science Plan Kitten Healthy Development are clinically proven to help neutralise free radicals and support the effectiveness of vaccinations, helping to build strong defences. Worming Regular worming with a good quality preparation will kill any parasites in your kitten s intestines. If the problem is in the advanced stages, you may notice a pot-bellied appearance, dull coat, diarrhoea and a slow rate of weight gain. If your pet shows any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. Tapeworms live in the gut, attached to the wall of the intestine, and are often passed as small segments that look like grains of rice. You may be able to see them on your pet s fur around the tail or bottom. Fleas can spread tapeworms, so controlling them will help avoid the problem. Flea prevention Fleas are small and dark brown in colour and live close to your kitten s skin. Warning signs include black specks of flea dirt in the coat or bedding, frequent scratching or nibbling the fur and even small insect-type bites on your own body. Fleas are common but modern flea preparations are very effective follow the manufacturer s guidelines and reapply the spot-ons or sprays at the correct intervals to maintain protection. CARING for your kitten 38 39

Spaying & neutering Unless you plan to breed from your kitten, spaying or neutering early in life is a responsible decision as it helps address the problem of pet overpopulation and unwanted animals. Research has also shown that sterilisation reduces the risk of certain types of cancer and other health or hormone-related behavioural problems. There s absolutely no need for a neutered kitten to put on weight just remember to adjust the amount you feed her, in line with her levels of activity. Talk to your vet for advice. PLANNING for the future Insurance Veterinary treatment can be expensive, so pet insurance is well worth considering. Take time to make sure you choose the right insurer as their terms, conditions and costs can vary. Pet insurance will not cover the cost of routine healthcare such as vaccinations, neutering or worming; however, it can prove invaluable for accidents or illnesses. The power of precise nutrition PLANNING for the future 40 41

Hill s Science Plan best for kittens, best for adult cats When a kitten reaches adulthood, owners often switch to grocery store pet food brands that may not adequately meet their cat s requirements to keep her in optimal fitness. Optimal Care Precisely balanced nutrition to support optimal fitness. With clinically proven antioxidants, high quality proteins and enhanced with omega-3. Although as an adult her nutritional needs will certainly be different, she ll still need a food that will provide her with specific nutrients, vitamins and minerals in a balance that s correct for her age and weight. Oral Care Precisely balanced nutrition, clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar. With antioxidants and advanced oral care technology. FLAVOURS 400g 2kg 5kg 10kg 15kg FLAVOUR 250g 1.5kg 5kg Lamb & Rice Rabbit 400g 2kg 5kg 10kg Tuna Adult FLAVOURS Beef Salmon & Liver Ocean Fish Turkey (Can) 85g 156kg Sensitive Stomach Precisely balanced nutrition to promote gentle digestion. With clinically proven antioxidants, highly digestible protein and gentle fibre. Adult Tender Chunks in Gravy FLAVOURS Turkey Beef Ocean Fish 100g 12 100g MULTIPACKS FLAVOUR 400g 1.5kg 5kg Hairball Control Precisely balanced nutrition to reduce hairball formation. With clinically proven antioxidants, high quality proteins and enhanced with omega-3. FLAVOUR 300g 1.5kg 5kg Sensitive Skin Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid dry, flaky and itchy skin. With clinically proven antioxidants and omega-3 and 6. FLAVOUR 400g 1.5kg 5kg Light Adult Precisely balanced nutrition to help maintain ideal weight. With clinically proven antioxidants and reduced fat levels. FLAVOURS 85g 156kg 300g 1.5kg 5kg 10kg Indoor Cat Precisely balanced nutrition for indoors cats. With clinically proven antioxidants, high quality proteins and enhanced with omega-3. FLAVOUR 300g 1.5kg 4kg PLANNING for the future Tuna 1.5kg 5kg 42 43