Veterinary Services | new kitten
Congratulations on your new Kitten!
Please bring your new kitten in as soon as possible after you bring him/her home. Your investment in good basic care will reward you with the companionship and affection of a healthy cat for fifteen years or more.
Your kitten will need to be vaccinated at around age two months, three months and four months. We strongly recommend an annual wellness visit so that your kitten's health and vaccination schedule can be maintained. Remember that vaccines are not a treatment, they are a prevention. If your kitten is unwell because she has not been vaccinated, the vaccination shots should be given after recovery. Vaccines are not 100% effective, but will give your kitten a good degree of protection against feline leukemia, respiratory diseases, flu type viruses, feline panleukopenia, feline rabies and others.
In general, we recommend all young kittens receive the 2 shot series of FeLV (feline leukemia) vaccine. Cats are extremely susceptible to feline leukemia at an early age, and even if you do not plan on letting your cat outside, the FeLV vaccine will protect your cat during if he or she accidently got out and was exposed. High risk cats (indoor/outdoor and outdoor cats) should get the FeLV vaccine boostered annually to prevent infection with the leukemia virus.
What to bring with you:
- The completed new client form
- Your kitten in a pet carrier
- Any previous medical history, i.e. vaccines, deworming, etc.
- Fecal sample less than 24 hours old
The initial exam will include:
- Complete physical exam
- Flea/tick control
- Heartworm preventative as needed
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites and appropriate deworming
- Necessary vaccine boosters
- Testing for Feline Leukemia Virus FIV and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is highly recommended
Vaccination Schedule:
- FVRCP (prevents Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus infection and Panleukopenia)
- Administered every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.
- Cats over 12 weeks of age with an unknown vaccination status will be given 2 vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart.
- Rabies vaccine will be administered at 12 weeks of age or older.
- Additional vaccines such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) will be discussed with you and given based on your kitten's lifestyle and risk.
