Information, advice and useful tips for caring for a new kitten or puppy from the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition.

1. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in
any way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Preparing and caring for your new
kitten or puppy
Dr Sara Kelly
WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition

2. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Overview
• Making the decision to embark on pet ownership
• Responsible sourcing of kittens and puppies
• Preparing for your new arrival
– Home environment
– Considerations for multi-pet households
• Early socialisation
• House training
• Nutrition and Healthcare

3. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Making the decision to embark on pet ownership
Animal type?
Cat? Dog?
Life stage?
Adult?
Kitten? Puppy?
Young? Senior?

4. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Kitten and puppy welfare
Diet
the need for a
suitable diet
1
Environment
the need for a suitable
environment
2
Behaviour
the need to be able to
express natural
behaviours
4
Companionship
the need to live with or
part from other animals
3 5
Health
the need to be protected
from pain, injury and
disease
Five welfare needs
Good welfare should aim to go beyond basic requirements

5. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Responsible sourcing of kittens and puppies
Relationship
quality

6. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Responsible sourcing of kittens and puppies
Careful research is key to identifying a reputable source
Reputable
establishment
Information
Trained
individuals, good
premises
Regular vet
supervision
Information
is
empowering

7. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Top tips for selecting a happy & healthy kitten/puppy
Assess interaction between
mother and litter
Ask to meet parentsEnquire about
socialisation
Assess their general condition
Assess husbandry conditions
Enquire about health checks

8. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Top tips for selecting a happy & healthy kitten/puppy
Not sure……..
Approved
breeder list
Contact National Kennel Club
Consult a vet

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way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Sourcing from rescue centres
Great place to find neutered,
vaccinated and house
trained pets
Provides a secure and
loving home
Creates space for another
animal in need
Ongoing contact and
support

10. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Bringing a kitten or puppy home
Clean, secure,
comfortable
carrier with a
non-slip liner
Establish
similarities
between breeder
& new home
Consider
using a
crate

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way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
The home environment
Optimal
wellbeing,
behaviour and
quality of life
Safe & secure
Place to rest
Place to hide
Hazard free
Preserve scents
Social contact
Individual resources

12. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Considerations for multi-pet households
Basic advice for introductions:
 First introduce the scent of new animal
 Carry out gradually, allowing familiarity
to develop slowly
 On neutral territory
 Supervise the first meeting
 Praise instances of positive interaction
 Provide individual resources

13. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Early socialisation
Appropriate
social
behaviour
4 – 12 weeks
(juvenile period = 3 - 6
months
2 – 7 weeks
(juvenile period =
2 - 4 months)

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way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
House training - Kitten
• Very little toilet training
• Appropriate size
– enclosed / open tray
• Cleaning
– waste removed at least once a day
– litter topped up as required
– Weekly washing & litter
replacement
• Area of earth in the garden

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way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
House training - Puppy
After waking from a nap After eatingIf playing or become excited
‘Be quick’ Positive reinforcement
Verbal cue Treat

16. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Kitten and puppy nutrition
Pet Age when
adult
Cat 12 months of age
Toy and small dogs 12 months of age
Large and giant breeds 18 -24 months
&
• Specific nutritional
requirements
• Requirements
change with lifestage
• Require complete & balanced
specifically formulated diet
• Switching to adult diet
too soon can affect
skeletal development
• Continuous access to water

17. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Preventive healthcare
Can reduce
risk of
developing
several
disorders and
health
problems
Vaccinations
protect pets
from serious,
and deadly,
contagious
diseases from
viruses
Internal or
external
parasites (e.g.
fleas, worms)
Regular veterinary health check-ups are essential

18. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Oral care
Oral disease
60% of cats
and dogs
A committed,
knowledgeable &
proactive owner can
prevent/slow
progression
Home care
Vet dental plan

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way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Tips to keep cat and dog teeth and gums healthy
Start early
Check gums & teeth
Brush teeth
Veterinary dental care plan
Provide dental chews & toys

20. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Healthy weight maintenance
Ask your vet about the WALTHAM
Puppy Growth Charts
Dietary
management
& activity
Obesity =
Joint problems
Diabetes
Lifespan

21. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
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Download WALTHAM Pocket Books
• Puppy care and nutrition
• Essential nutrition for cats and dogs
• Healthy weight maintenance
• Human-animal interaction

22. This document and the information it contains are confidential and the property of Mars Incorporated. They may not in any
way be disclosed, copied or used by anyone except when expressly authorised by Mars Inc. ©Mars 2016
Next talk
Physical activity, dog fouling and tracking
25th May, 2017
5-6pm
Melton Borough Council
Ferneley Room