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VACCINATIONS:
All kittens should recieve a series of vaccinations starting at 8 weeks of age and every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. This provide your kitten with a good foundation of immunity in the event it is exposed to these viruses later in life. Adults cats with an unknown history of vaccinations should also recieve a 2 sets of vaccines to have proper protection. The typical core vaccines given to all kittens includes the FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia) vaccine, Feline Leukemia, and Rabies. Other vaccines that your kitten will need are determined strictly on a risk assessment questionairre. This questionaire is asked every time your bring your cat in for the annual physical examination. It lets us determine, based on life style and risk of exposure, which vaccinations your cat needs in order to prevent over-vaccinating your cat. No two cats are alike and therefore might not need the same vaccinations.
FELINE LEUKEMIA/FELINE IMMUNODEFFICIENCY TESTING: This test is done on the cat’s first visit to find Feline Leukemia virus or Feline Immunosuppression virus (FIV) carriers. A vaccination for FELV is not done if the cat tests positive. Both diseases are fatal and there is no cure for either virus at this time.
FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP): This is a serious viral disease of cats. While cats of all ages are susceptible, kittens and elderly cats are most likely to become infected. The virus spreads from cat to cat via feces, urine or oral and nasal secretions, and is either inhaled or ingested. Kittens that live in a multi-cat household or that go outside are at highest risk of infection. Fortunately, a preventative vaccination is available.
PARASITE CHECKS: A stool sample is checked at each of your kitten's visits and then every 12 months to insure there are no Hookworms, Roundworms or other intestinal parasites. Tapeworms in cats may not be identified on this exam, however, so it is important to report any worms seen to the veterinary hospital. Any necessary dewormings will be done by either injection or orally, depending on the parasite.
FELINE HEARTWORM: This infection has been found in cats and is typically fatal. There is currently no treatment for heartworm disease available for cats. A monthly preventative is now available. Please ask us for more information.
NUTRITION: Cats should be fed a high quality hard food such as Purina Proplan, Royal Canin, Iams, Eukanuba or Hill’s Science Diet. Hard food helps, along with routine dental care, to keep the teeth free of tartar and tooth decay.
TOOTH CARE:
Light brushing or application of a tartar control paste or liquid should be started to avoid tooth loss and dental disease. Twice a week application is usually enough. Dental chews are also available as an alternative to brushing.
SPAYING AND NEUTERING: Spaying the female and neutering the male should be done in the 4-6 month old cat. This will prevent any unwanted pregnancy as well as help to avoid negative behavior such as spraying or territorial aggression.
DECLAWING: This is an optional surgery that can be done as early as 12 weeks of age, but is preferably performed at the time of spaying or neutering to avoid an additional surgery. Declawed cats should never go outdoors, as a major defense mechanism has been taken away.
Click on the links below to get more information on kitten care
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