Congratulations on your new kitten! Thank you for choosing us to help protect and care for your new addition to your family.
Our kitten wellness program is designed to help get your kitten started on the right path to a long and healthy life. The first few months are a critical period in your kitten’s development, and we can give you the support and tools necessary to help him or her grow into a well-mannered, healthy cat, including information and advice on nutrition, litterbox training, and behavior.
Schedule your kitten for his or her first exam as soon as possible. Until your kitten has received a series of vaccines, he or she is susceptible to many serious but preventable diseases. We will make sure your new pet is protected against rabies and panleukopenia (distemper). Depending on your cat’s risk, we may also advise vaccinating him or her against other diseases, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV). In addition, your kitten will need to be tested and treated for parasites, which are common in young cats.
Most kittens have roundworms, which are intestinal worms that can cause coughing, weight loss, and a potbellied appearance in cats (although they may not cause any symptoms). It is important for kittens to be treated for roundworms, not only to help rid them of the infection but also to prevent you and the rest of your family from becoming infected. Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite, which means they can be transmitted from pets to people. By ensuring that your kitten is properly treated, you can keep your entire family safe.
We highly recommend screening kittens for Feline Leukemia virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus. A simple blood test performed while you wait will help us ensure your cat has not been exposed to these deadly viruses. Feline Leukemia and FIV are transmissible to other cats. We recommend separating new kittens from existing cats until this test has been performed.
Typical Vaccination Schedules for Kittens:
Kittens should be vaccinated beginning at six to eight weeks of age and every three to four weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age. After one year, annual vaccination is recommended.
- Rabies: Kittens are generally vaccinated against rabies with a one year vaccination when they are around 16 weeks of age. Following initial vaccination, the vaccine should be administered every one to three years, depending on the product’s labeling, patient health and County Licensing regulations.
- Feline distemper Combo (RCPC): The Rhinotrachetis-Calici-panleukopenia-Chlamydia Psittaci vaccination is typically administered as a combination vaccine and is often referred to as the RCPC vaccine. The initial vaccine is usually given around 6-8 weeks of age followed by two booster vaccines each given about 3-4 weeks apart.
- Feline Leukemia: Vaccination for feline Leukemia is recommended following a negative feline leukemia blood test. For kittens, the first dose of vaccine is recommended at 8 to 10 weeks of age, a booster is given 3 to 4 weeks later for a series of 2 vaccines.
We look forward to meeting your new kitten! Schedule your appointment today.
