VETERINARY CARE
FOR CATS
When should my kitten see a vet
You should schedule a visit to the vet by 6 to 8 weeks of age, or if you are rescuing an older kitten /cat, as soon as you get the cat home. On your first visit, the veterinarian will give your kitten a general examination to make sure they are healthy.
The doctor will check the cat’s teeth, ears, eyes, and listen to the heart and lungs. At this point, it is your opportunity to ask questions you may have about your new animal companion!
Your kitten will be given initial vaccinations and also be put on a deworming program at the time of the first visit. This is important to protect your pet against internal parasites.
Cats can get spayed/neutered anytime after 8 weeks as long as they are 2lbs or greater.
Vaccinations
When kittens are born, their immune systems are not mature enough to make antibodies until approximately 8 to 12 weeks of age. Nature provides for temporary immunity in the form of colostrum, which is very rich in antibodies.
Kittens which fail to suckle colostrum from their mother in the first few days of life, will be extremely susceptible to diseases until their own immune systems mature and they can make their own antibodies.
We assume that a healthy kitten did get its mother’s colostrum. Now at the age of 8 weeks, it is our responsibility to protect our new pet by putting him or her on a vaccination schedule.
Vaccinations are safe and effective agents that protect your kitten from major viral and bacterial diseases.
Cat Vaccination Schedule
First Visit at 6 to 8 weeks: FVRCP+FeLV ( feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia + feline leukemia virus)
Second Visit at 12 weeks: FVRCP+FeLV ( feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia + feline leukemia virus)
Third Visit at 16 weeks: Rabies + FVRCP+FeLV ( feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia + feline leukemia virus)
Declawing
Declawing is a painful procedure for your cat similar to removing part of a finger as well as the nail. There are some great alternatives to declawing. We encourage clients to trim nails often, or use nail caps, such as Soft Paws.
When should my adult cat see the vet
Healthy adult cats should see your veterinarian at least once a year for a full physical and discuss behavior, grooming, and nutrition. Cats need certain vaccination boosters throughout their lives, and the annual exam is a perfect time to administer these. If your cat goes outside, we will de-worm them, have exposure to fleas, or eat raw meat. We will assess dental health and make recommendations for care.
We will customize an examination and recheck schedule for adult cats with chronic diseases that are on medication and/or need monitoring.
Senior Cats
At the age of 9 or older, we like to start screening for certain geriatric diseases. Cats are living longer than before, but early intervention of any warning signs is a really great way to make sure your senior cat makes the most of those extra years.
