Kitten Care
We can help you address behavioral challenges, breed specific health problems and address food related questions. Please bring all pertinent medical paperwork and a fresh (within 8 hours) stool sample with you to your first appointment.
During your first visit, we will discuss:
- Physical exam
- Fecal screen for intestinal parasites
- Spay & neuter recommendations
- Appropriate deworming
- Necessary vaccine boosters
- FIV/Feline leukemia testing
- Flea/tick preventative
- Microchips
Cat Vaccinations
Kittens need a series of vaccines to build strong immunity against common illnesses. The first round of vaccines starts at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters given every 3 to 4 weeks.The kitten vaccination series is usually completed with a rabies vaccine at 4 months of age. At that point, vaccines and wellness bloodwork become an annual event.
Cat Neutering & Spaying
Spaying and neutering is the only effective birth control option for pets. When you choose this for your cat, you help reduce the number of healthy animals facing euthanasia in shelters. Most veterinarians recommend the procedure between 4 and 6 months of age, and most cats are back to their normal routine within 3 to 5 days. Spaying and neutering also reduces the risk of certain cancers and eliminates heat cycles.
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)/FeLV (feline leukemia virus)
These are two viruses that your kitten can get from other cats via blood or saliva exposure. Some kittens are born with them while others are exposed to these viruses via fighting with cats that have either virus. Both FeLV and FIV can be fatal to your kitten. Have your kitten tested before introducing them to any other cats in the household. These viruses are just one reason why an indoor only kitten is a safer and healthier kitten.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks pose a real threat to kittens, especially because kittens are more vulnerable to anemia from flea bites than adult cats. Even a small flea colony can drain enough blood to cause serious problems in a young kitten. Fleas also carry tapeworms and other parasites, while ticks can transmit diseases like Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis. Because cats are aggressive groomers, you may not spot live fleas before an infestation takes hold. Monthly preventatives are the most reliable way to protect your kitten, and we will help you choose the right one during your first visits.
