VACCINATIONS
We recommend vaccination against Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia and Chlamydia (FVRCP-C) beginning at 6-8 weeks of age. This vaccine should be boostered every 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Following this initial series, we suggest annual boosters.
Rabies vaccination, which is required by law, is first given at 3 months of age and boostered 1 year later. Subsequent boosters are administered every 3 years.
FELINE LEUKEMIA
Feline Leukemia is a deadly virus which is spread by direct contact (nose to nose) with infected cats. Infected cats can spread the disease even though they appear to be healthy. The virus does not affect other species. We strongly recommend testing any new kittens or cats prior to bringing them into contact with other cats. Testing involves taking a small blood sample from your kitten; the test itself is run in our office and takes approximately 15 minutes to perform. The vaccination for feline leukemia is started around 9 weeks of age and is boostered 4 weeks later. This requires subsequent vaccinations every 2 years. This is strongly recommended for outside cats.
INTESTINAL PARASITES
Kittens are commonly infected with roundworms, coccidia and other parasites which live in the intestinal tract. Occasionally one will see roundworms or tapeworms in the stool of a cat, but in most cases the worms are not visible in the stool. For this reason it is very important to have your kittens stool checked for parasites. We perform a simple test on your kitten’s stool, which will involve microscopic examination for parasite eggs.
SPAYING/NEUTERING
We strongly recommend spaying or neutering your kitten between 5 and 6 months of age. We recommend this for various medical problems. Please ask for more information on these medical complications and an estimate.
MICROCHIPPING
Microchips are the size of a grain of rice, they go under your kitten’s skin and are used as permanent source of identification. In the even that your pet is ever lost they are helpful to be able to to return him/her safely back home.
FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend starting kittens on a high quality kitten food and feeding kitten food for the first year of life. Canned food is ideal for best weight and urinary health. However, we recommend exposure to both canned and dry food.
BEHAVIOR
Kittens should have stimulating toys. Beware of toys that are easily swallowed or that have strings. Toys should be rotated to maintain a stimulating environment. Early exposure to carriers and car rides will help your visits be less stressful for your kitten especially as he/she ages. Please feel free to ask us more about socialization.
