Vaccinations

Kittens undergo three series of vaccinations given three weeks apart in their first year, followed by boosters yearly. Pediatric vaccinations are tailored to each kitten’s lifestyle and should begin at 9 weeks. These vaccinations include FVRCP combination (Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus), FeLV (feline leukemia), and rabies.

Feline Leukemia and FIV (feline aids) tests

Feline leukemia and feline aids are highly contagious viruses that can remain latent for years before becoming symptomatic. This in-clinic blood test can be performed anytime, although it should be done as soon as possible. This test is highly recommended for all kittens or cats obtained as strays or from an unknown background, such as a shelter.

Intestinal Parasites

Many intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed from animal to person. This can be easily prevented by practicing good hygiene and having your pet’s feces tested for parasites. A fecal sample analysis (a lab test to detect intestinal parasite eggs using your pet’s fresh feces) will usually detect the most common parasites, except for tapeworms. All kittens will be dewormed at each kitten vaccination visit. The most common intestinal parasites in our area include:

• Roundworms, Hookworms, and whipworms: Transferred through the mother’s milk or contaminated soil. These are controlled by environmental sanitation and treatment of all affected animals.

• Tapeworms: Transferred through ingesting fleas or infected meat (like mice, squirrels, and rabbits). These are difficult to diagnose with a routine fecal analysis and are often seen as “sesame seeds” or “dried rice granules” on the cat’s rear or feces. Tapeworms are controlled with proper flea control and deworming.

• Coccidia and Giardia are transferred through contaminated environments and are controlled by environmental sanitation and treatment of all affected animals.

Flea and Tick Control

Flea and tick control is very important to your cat’s overall health. Fleas and ticks can cause life threatening anemia, allergic skin conditions, and carry potentially fatal blood borne diseases. Fleas can also give your pet tapeworms. Western Veterinary Hospital strongly suggests using a topical parasite control all year round. Many parasites will enter your home and live comfortably throughout the winter.

• Treating the animal:

• Treating the environment:

Advantage Multi is a good choice for indoor cats. This topical product treats fleas, roundworms, hookworms, ear mites, and heartworms. It does NOT treat ticks. Frontline Plus is a good choice for outdoor cats. This topical product treats fleas, flea eggs, and ticks.

For flea and tick infestations, it is highly recommended to treat both the home and the yard with an insecticide. This should be done at least two months in a row to kill all parasite life cycles. You can contact a professional to perform this service for you, or you can ask our staff about Siphotrol Premise Spray and Siphotrol Yard Spray.

Heartworms

Heartworms are deadly. Heartworm disease spreads when mosquitoes bite an infected animal and then bite your pet. Since mosquitoes can come indoors, all cats are at risk. Topical and oral heartworm preventatives are available (Advantage Multi and Interceptor are good examples) and should be given year-round. Unlike dogs, cats do not need to be tested before starting a heartworm preventative.

Routine Surgeries

Cats may be spayed or neutered once they reach six months old. Pet sterilization has many benefits. It eliminates uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancers and significantly decreases the risk of breast and prostate cancer. It prevents unwanted pregnancy and eliminates the heat cycle. It can also reduce the urge to roam or fight and mark territory with urine spraying. A cat may be declawed after three months of age. It is highly recommended that all declawed cats remain indoors only.

Nutrition

Cats can be fed canned or dry food or a combination of both. However, dry food will help contribute to less tartar accumulation on the teeth, leading to less dental disease. Cats can either be fed in allocated meals or be allowed to free feed throughout the day. Kittens require increased protein and nutrients from birth to 9-12 months of age and should be fed a high-quality kitten-specific diet. Adult cats are less active than kittens and should be fed a high-quality kitten-specific diet. The top four food companies we recommended are Hill’s Science Diet, Iams/Eukanuba, Royal Canin, and Purina (e.g., Cat or Kitten Chow, Pro Plan, and Purina ONE).

Hygiene

Food and water dishes should be washed with soap and water regularly. Most cats benefit from a good brushing, which removes loose, dead hair from the undercoat and helps control shedding and hairballs. Kitty litter should be cleaned out daily and completely changed at least once a week to decrease contact with feces and urine. It is recommended to have one litter box per cat, as proper cleaning can deter inappropriate elimination. A healthy diet keeps teeth clean and gums healthy; however, plaque will inevitably build up, so have your cat’s teeth checked regularly by a veterinarian. Between visits, you can brush your pet’s teeth with a special fluoride-free toothpaste made just for cats and a soft toothbrush. Kittens will begin to lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months old. These teeth will gradually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth.