GENERAL KITTEN CARE

Your new kitten will receive a physical exam making sure all systems are healthy/normal when you first visit the doctor. Each visit will include this complete assessment of eyes, ears, teeth/bite, skin, heart, lungs, conformation and reproductive tract.

Unless you are breeding your cat we recommend spaying and neutering by 6 months of age.

We discuss nutrition. Kittens must eat appropriate, good quality, easy to find kitten food.

We recommend Proplan food made by Purina.

VACCINATIONS

FVRCP–This vaccine protects against panleukopenia, calici, rhinotracheitis, and chlamydia. The first three diseases are caused by viruses and are very contagious. Several of these diseases can be transmitted thought the air, so this vaccine is needed even for inside cats. Cats receive this vaccine in at least 2 doses and then follow an appropriate booster schedule.

Leukemia virus–This very common, fatal disease is transmitted by direct contact between cats. We recommend that all cats over 6 weeks old be tested for this and the related disease, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Leukemia vaccine is given in 2 doses. Annual boosters are crucial to maintain protection. If your cat never goes outside and has no exposure to other cats, you do not need to vaccinate for this disease. There is a vaccination available against FIV, it is given in a series of 3 injections. [A cat that has received this vaccine WILL test positive for this disease].

FIP – Feline infectious peritonitis is not a very common disease, but it is fatal.

Rabies – Rabies has been identified in Harnett County. Vaccination for rabies is required by law in all cats over 4 months old.

PARASITES

Intestinal worms–We test all cats on their first visit for parasites. Not all parasites are worms! All cats have intestinal worms from their mothers, so we deworm cats initially for hookworms and roundworms at least two times. We should deworm other animals in the household on the same schedule as the cat! Some of these parasites can be contagious to humans!

Fleas – Flea control is important for your cat ’s health. Fleas can cause serious blood loss and transmit tapeworms. Your efforts should focus on treating the fleas before they cause problems.

Heartworms – Although an uncommon health risk, there is some concern about exposure and maturation of heartworms in cats, according to the latest research. We RARELY test cats for this condition, but have some very safe and effective preventative products available.

Feel free to ask a doctor or staff member about any of our recommendations

It is impossible to include the answers to all your questions in a simple brochure. If a friend or relative gives you advice about any of these issues and it seems in conflict with our ideas, please allow us a chance to go into more detail about our experiences.