Kitten Wellness

A new kitten!  Congratulations!  A kitten is a lot of fun! 

Kittens are very vulnerable to contagious diseases during their early weeks. Until your kitten has completed his or her series of kitten visits and vaccines, please keep him or her at home as much as possible and do not allow your kitten to go outside if at all possible. And, of course, make sure that any other pets in your home are up to date on their wellness care!

Exams

Comprehensive Veterinary Exams are the foundation of good health. Your kitten's first exam should take place as soon as possible after adoption.  Your kitten should have exams every three- four weeks until he/she has completed his/her kitten wellness series at 16 weeks of age (or older). * Up to four exams may be needed if your kitten is very young at the time of adoption. 

FIV & FeLV Testing

It is recommended that all kittens should be tested for the deadly Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses before or at the time of adoption. We do this with a simple blood test that gives results in minutes.

Vaccines

FVRCP Vaccine

FVRCP (Feline Viral  Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia combination) vaccines should be administered every three-four weeks starting as young as 8 weeks. At least two boosters are needed, ending at 16 weeks or older. *Up to four boosters may be needed depending on your kitten's age at adoption.

Feline Leukemia Vaccine

The Feline leukemia vaccine is recommended if your kitten will be indoor/outdoor, strictly outdoor, or have exposure to foster cats or any cats that may go outdoors.  The risk factor for your kitten will be assessed at your first visit.  If it is determined that your kitten is at risk for leukemia, then we will begin that vaccine at 12 weeks of age and with a booster 3-4 weeks later.

Rabies Vaccine

One rabies vaccine is needed at 16 weeks of age.

Fleas & Ticks

Flea and tick prevention is recommended year round and can be started at 8 weeks of age.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are transferred to kittens from their mother through pregnancy and nursing.  Therefore, it is extremely common for your kitten to be affected. 

There are many different types of intestinal parasites so it is recommended that a fecal sample is examined at your kitten’s visit so we are able to determine the type of parasite and treat your kitten with a dewormer that is effective against that particular parasite.  Your kitten will receive a dose of heartworm and flea prevention (Revolution) at their first visit which also acts as a dewormer for the most common parasites.  After the kitten series is complete, we recommend checking a fecal sample annually.

Spay or Neuter

We recommend that every kitten by spayed or neutered at approximately 6 months of age.  . Timely spay or neuter prevents many serious medical (cancers, infections, etc.) and behavioral problems (spraying, etc.) and can adds= years to your pet's life expectancy.  

Dental Care

It is a good idea to brush your kitten's teeth daily. Begin by using your finger to simply rub the teeth until the kitten becomes accustomed to your finger in the mouth. Then use a toothbrush and some "kitty" toothpaste.  The toothpaste we carry is poultry flavored and generally well liked by our patients.  Healthy teeth will be your reward for your hard work!

Microchip

Permanent identification with a microchip helps ensure that your kitten will be returned to you if he or she is ever lost or stolen. A microchip can be implanted at any time, but we usually do it at the time of spay or neuter. We use the PetLink microchip.  Animal shelters nationwide routinely scan pets they receive.  We've heard of many happy reunions!