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Kitten Preventive Care
Welcome Visit and Preventive Exam
Your initial welcome visit with your new kitten will include your kitten's Annual Preventive Care Exam. At this visit ,our team will take a detailed history (where did your new baby come from, what does he or she eat, how long have you had him or her, etc). Your veterinarian will do a complete nose-to-tail physical exam and discuss the exam with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. At this visit, an intestinal parasite exam (sometimes called a fecal) will also be performed (don't worry - this doesn't hurt!) to make sure your new baby isn't carrying any unwanted guests! Your veterinarian will also discuss vaccines with you and their recommendations based on your kitten's needs, as well as dental hygiene and cleaning and what to expect during a spay or neuter surgery.
Each new kitten receives a kitten gift from our staff at their first visit as well as an outline of what to expect during your first year of care.
Internal and External Parasite Screening
Did you know that most new kittens come to their new owners with some unwanted hitchhikers? The most common parasites we catch in kittens are intestinal worms. Intestinal worms can cause problems with growth for your new kitten, not to mention diarrhea and vomiting. Many intestinal parasites can also be spread to humans - YUCK! During your kitten's welcome visit, we will perform an intestinal parasite screen as well as carefully check for any external parasites that may be hiding!
Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Screening
Two viral diseases that are highly contagious in cats and kittens are Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV). These diseases are spread through bodily fluids and bites and can be deadly. Before introducing your new kitten to other household cats, they should be tested for these diseases first! Testing is done by taking just a few drops of blood and can be performed right at Family Pet Hospital during your exam - no waiting required!
Kitten Vaccination
Rabies (Lyssavirus)
Vaccination against rabies.
This is a fatal disease that can be passed by wildlife including bats. Rabies is also dangerous to your human family and for that reason, Family Pet Hospital requires all cats and kittens in our care to be vaccinated.
When: 1 vaccine AFTER 12 weeks of age
Next Booster Needed: Booster vaccination at 1 year
FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, and Panleukopenia viruses)
This vaccine is often called the "Feline Distemper Vaccine." These viruses are highly contagious and often cause upper respiratory (severe cold) symptoms. Panleukopenia can also lead to intestinal and neurologic symptoms and in some cases is fatal.
When: Vaccination starts as early as 8 weeks of age.
Boosters Needed: 2 vaccinations are needed at 12 weeks and older for complete protection
Next Booster Needed: 1 year of age
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Vaccination against the highly contagious and fatal Feline Leukemia Virus. All kittens should receive this vaccine due to their high exposure level. As your cat ages into adulthood, you and your veterinarian should discuss exposure levels and may chose to discontinue this vaccine in future years.
When: Vaccination can be given as early as 8 weeks old
Booster Needed: 2-4 weeks after initial vaccine
Next Booster Needed: 1 year of age
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV is sometimes called Feline AIDS. This vaccine is not recommended unless exposure levels are high (a known FIV positive cat is in the household for instance). To receive this vaccine, your kitten must be microchipped because the vaccination will cause a false "positive" reading when testing. Your veterinarian can discuss the with you in detail whether or not this vaccine is recommended for your kitten.
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
FIP is a fatal disease in kittens and cats that you may read about online or in kitten books. There used to be a vaccine for this disease; however, the vaccine was not considered effective and has for the most part been discontinued. We do not recommend this vaccine for your kitten.