What to expect with a new kitten!
We’ve created this page to help you understand the usual protocol for new kitten exams and vaccines and provide some other helpful information:
Between the ages of eight and ten weeks, you will start a series of vaccinations, given three to four weeks apart, to protect them against the following: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. If your kitty will be visiting the great outdoors we will also vaccinate for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). A rabies vaccine will be administered when your kitten reaches 14-16 weeks of age.
At the first visit, we may also test your cat’s blood for the Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV) viruses. These viruses can be fatal and are easily transmitted between cats.
Your kitten will receive a full physical exam at the first visit. Subsequent “booster” visits can be scheduled with a technician as long as you don’t have any concerns. We strongly recommend bringing a fecal (stool) sample to check for any intestinal parasites such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and coccidia and giardia. Your cat will be treated with an appropriate de-wormer, as needed.
At the age of four to six months to 1 year, we recommend that your kitten be neutered (ovariohysterectomy or castration) if you are not planning on breeding the cat.
Throughout your cat’s life, we recommend year-round protection against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks.
We recommend either Revolution Plus or Feline Bravecto Plus, which both protect against heartworm, ear mites, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks. We also carry Credlio Cat which is an oral flea/tick preventative.
One year after the last kitten vaccination, you will need to bring your cat in for an annual exam and adult vaccinations. We will send you an email or post card reminder. We also recommend testing a fecal sample once a year.
Going forward into adulthood, plan on bringing your cat in at least yearly for a physical exam and any needed vaccines. A yearly exam is required to allow us to dispense prescription medications if your cat is on them, including preventatives, and/or prescription food.
Below are some helpful links on topics such as destructive scratching, inappropriate urination, worms, fleas and other topics every cat owner should know about!.
Please feel free to call the hospital should you have any questions or concerns about your newest family member.
