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Kittens
During your kitten’s wellness visits we will:
- Provide a complete physical examination to uncover potential problems.
- Perform an intestinal parasite exam and do the appropriate treatment.
- Test your new kitten for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
- Administer necessary vaccines.
- Provide information regarding diet, training, exercise, and behavior issues.
- Answer your questions.
We use the safest and latest vaccines incorporating recombinant technology with genetic encoding of specific antigens. These vaccines replace the older modified live and killed antigen vaccines. The new vaccines are extremely safe and have a minimal risk of reactions,while providing excellent protection and duration of immunity.
Kittens require a series of vaccinations to ensure they have adequate immunity against common diseases. Completing these vaccinations properly is critical to protect your new kitten against life threatening diseases such as feline leukemia.
Kittens receive the following vaccinations:
FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia ) First vaccination to be given when the kitten is 7-8 weeks old. Repeat every 3 to 4 weeks, final vaccination needs to be given after 12 weeks of age.
Feline Leukemia– To be given twice, 3 to 4 weeks apart, generally on the second and third visits.
Rabies vaccination– To be given once when the kitten is 16 weeks old, or older.
Kittens will continue to receive an annual rabies vaccine, but the FVRCP will go to once every third year. Feline Leukemia revaccination will vary depending on risk factors. Some cats will need it every year, other cats less often or not at all.
Virus Testing:
Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are fatal diseases spread to cats by other cats. All kittens should be tested for FeLV and FIV infection. This is particularly important for cats in multiple-cat households, but it is also important for cats in single-cat households, because either of these infections will impact a cat’s health status and long-term management. Article on feline leukemia and FIV
Spaying or neutering
We generally recommend spaying or neutering your kitten around five to six months of age. Spaying is the term applied to altering female cats. It refers to the removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus, thereby making her sterile. It is recommended that the procedure be done by six months of age to eliminate the chance of pregnancy. Neutering refers to the alteration of male cats, specifically castration and complete removal of the testicles. This renders him sterile. It is also recommended to have this procedure done by six months of age in order to avoid urine spraying.
Parasite control
Fleas can cause flea allergies, anemia, and infect your cat with tapeworms. Ticks can cause infected bites and spread tickborne diseases. We have several excellent products to treat and control fleas and ticks on cats. We carry Frontline, Seresto collars, Cheristin, and Advantage Multi. Frontline and the Seresto collars are the only safe and effective products for killing ticks as well as fleas on cats. It is crucial that all outdoor cats be treated with one of these products to reduce their risk of the tickborne disease Cytauxzoonosis, which is often fatal in cats.
Most kittens will be dewormed on their first visit. The most commonly prescribed dewormer is a tablet called Drontal, which treats roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. We also carry Profender, a spot-on formula that treats the same worms and Strongid, a liquid dewormer for roundworms and hookworms.
Ear mites are fairly common in kittens. The doctor will carefully check your kitten’s ears for mites, and treat if needed.
Nutrition
We recommend feeding most kittens a combination of high quality dry and canned food. Feeding canned food is very important because the extra water content helps to maintain renal and urogenital health. Fresh water should always be available. Iams, Nutro, Purina, Eukanuba, Science Diet and Wellness are only a few of the many good brands available. A dental kibble such as t/d or Science Diet Oral Health is also a good idea to help prevent the build up of dental tartar.
Adult Cats
Adult cats need to be seen at least once a year for the following services:
- Comprehensive physical examination to detect signs of disease, illness, or aging concerns.
- Intestinal parasite examination and appropriate treatment.
- Vaccinations – rabies (yearly), FVRCP (every third year), FELV (as needed depending on risk.)
- Yearly wellness bloodwork is an excellent idea for your cat, especially as they approach their senior years
Virus Testing:
If you adopt an adult cat we recommend virus testing, especially if the new cat is going to be around any cats you currently own. Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are fatal diseases spread to cats by other cats. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infection. This is particularly important for cats in multiple-cat households, but it is also important for cats in single-cat households, because either of these infections will impact a cat’s health status and long-term management. Virus testing is sometimes necessary on an adult cat that you’ve owned for a while if the cat goes outside and has signs that indicate testing should be performed. Article on feline leukemia and FIV
Parasite control
Fleas can cause flea allergies, anemia, and infect your cat with tapeworms. Ticks can cause infected bites and spread tickborne diseases. We have several excellent products to treat and control fleas and ticks on cats. We carry Frontline, Seresto collars, Cheristin, and Advantage Multi. Frontline and the Seresto collars are the only safe and effective products for killing ticks as well as fleas on cats. It is crucial that all outdoor cats be treated with one of these products to reduce their risk of the tickborne disease Cytauxzoonosis, which is often fatal in cats.
Nutrition
We recommend feeding most cats a combination of high quality dry and canned food. Feeding canned food is very important because the extra water content helps to maintain renal and urogenital health. Fresh water should always be available. Iams, Nutro, Purina, Eukanuba, Science Diet and Wellness are only a few of the many good brands available. A dental kibble such as t/d or Science Diet Oral Health is also a good idea to help prevent the build up of dental tartar.
Be sure not to overfeed your cat, obesity is very common in domestic cats and can lead to numerous health issues. If you think your kitty needs to go on a diet, please consult with your veterinarian. Cats should never be put on a “crash diet” and we can help you with the best weight loss plan for your cat. Article on weight loss in cats
Senior Cats
Senior cats (8 plus years) need to be seen at least once a year for the following services:
- Comprehensive physical examination to detect signs of disease, illness, or aging concerns.
- Intestinal parasite examination and appropriate treatment.
- Vaccinations – rabies (yearly), FVRCP (every third year), FELV (as needed depending on risk.)
- Blood and urine tests are very important for the senior cat.
Common Health Problems of Older Cats
Periodontal disease is the most common problem of senior cats and can lead to kidney, liver and heart problems.
Obesity increases your cat’s risk of diabetes and liver disease and can lead to serious arthritis and back problems.
Endocrine diseases including diabetes and high thyroid can have very profound affects on all major body systems.
Kidney and liver disease can lead to serious chemical imbalances, anemia, poor immunity, bleeding and altered mental function. Kidney disease is a major problem in older cats.
Heart disease can lead to weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue and an inability to exercise. Cats get several forms of heart disease.
Arthritis and spinal diseases are very common and cause stiffness, pain, lameness and altered bowel and bladder function.
Loss of vision and hearing are quite common.
Many of these conditions are very treatable if detected early. Please don’t avoid having your cat examined and screened for health issues because you are afraid of getting bad news. Cats can live for many years with thyroid or kidney disease, diabetes, etc., as long as they are treated appropriately.
Virus Testing:
If you adopt an adult cat we recommend virus testing, especially if the new cat is going to be around any cats you currently own. Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are fatal diseases spread to cats by other cats. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infection. This is particularly important for cats in multiple-cat households, but it is also important for cats in single-cat households, because either of these infections will impact a cat’s health status and long-term management. Virus testing is sometimes necessary on an adult cat that you’ve owned for a while if the cat goes outside and has signs that indicate testing should be performed. Article on feline leukemia and FIV
Parasite control
Fleas can cause flea allergies, anemia, and infect your cat with tapeworms. Ticks can cause infected bites and spread tickborne diseases. We have several excellent products to treat and control fleas and ticks on cats. We carry Frontline, Seresto collars, Cheristin, and Advantage Multi. Frontline and the Seresto collars are the only safe and effective products for killing ticks as well as fleas on cats. It is crucial that all outdoor cats be treated with one of these products to reduce their risk of the tickborne disease Cytauxzoonosis, which is often fatal in cats.
Nutrition
We recommend feeding most cats a combination of high quality dry and canned food. Feeding canned food is very important because the extra water content helps to maintain renal and urogenital health. Fresh water should always be available. Iams, Nutro, Purina, Eukanuba, Science Diet and Wellness are only a few of the many good brands available. A dental kibble such as t/d or Science Diet Oral Health is also a good idea to help prevent the build up of dental tartar. Some senior kitties will need a special prescription diet to help manage health issues such as kidney disease, diabetes.
Be sure not to overfeed your cat, obesity is very common in domestic cats and can lead to numerous health issues. If you think your kitty needs to go on a diet, please consult with your veterinarian. Cats should never be put on a “crash diet” and we can help you with the best weight loss plan for your cat. Article on weight loss in cats
