Veterinary Care
What does the vet need to do before I bring my kitten home?
Kittens should be blood tested for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus before they are put in a house with other negative cats or kittens. A fecal test and necessary dewormings should be done for intestinal parasites. Ear mite treatment may also be needed as well as flea treatment.
How often should I take my kitten to the Vet?
All kittens should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, regardless of whether or not they need vaccines. Exams are critical for all kittens at least annually. Remember, kittens instinctively hide symptoms of illness in order to avoid predators.
Does my kitten need vaccinations and dewormings?
Kittens should have their shots beginning at around 6 weeks old, with booster shots being given 3-4 weeks later. Kittens without their mom need vaccines at 4 weeks old. Same for deworming even if fecals are negative.
What vaccines does my kitten need?
A Rabies virus vaccine given at 14 weeks. Then boostered one year later, and every three years because it is required by law. FVRCP given at 4 or 6 weeks and repeated 3-4 weeks later up to 4 times (the last one given around 14 weeks old). FeLV only if kitten is outside in which case give it on same schedule as FVRCP.
Does my kitten need routine parasite tests?
Kittens should be tested for parasites in their stools even if they live indoors and should receive routine flea preventative medication, especially if you have other pets.
How often does my kitten need professional teeth cleaning?
Kittens don’t brush or floss on their own, but generally will not need cleanings until they’re older. However, they will need cleanings regularly, every year to 3 years in most cases.
Should I have my kitten spayed/neutered and/or de-clawed?
Veterinarians often recommend neutering and declawing at the same time. All kittens should be spayed/neutered to prevent accidental reproduction, roaming, aggression, marking, and even reproductive cancers. Declawing, however, can lead to many behavioral and even physical problems and should be avoided at all costs.
Should my pet be micro-chipped?
Microchipping is advised for all pets, and can be done any time. The procedure is quick and painless, but is often done at the time of spaying/neutering for your kitten’s comfort. Microchips will provide a permanent ID for your kitten, since a collar or tag can easily fall off or get caught and ripped off outdoors. Always be sure to update your contact information if you move, get a new phone number, or transfer ownership of your kitten to a new person so the chip tells shelters, animal control, or a veterinarian who to contact to get the kitten back home.
Does my kitten need pet insurance?
Yes! Pet insurance is a low monthly cost and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in a single emergency room situation. Pet insurance can cover routine veterinary care, emergency injuries or illnesses only, or some combination of both. Dental and chronic conditions can be covered by some plans as well. Be sure to evaluate your plan carefully so you know what is covered and what isn’t, and whether any hereditary, genetic, or pre-existing conditions are excluded.
How do I know if my kitten is sick?
Watch for anything out of the ordinary--you know your kitten! Kittens do 5 primary things: eat/drink, urinate/defecate, sleep, play, and groom themselves. If there are any changes in the normal pattern, take your kitten to the veterinarian!
- Signs of Emergencies
- Seizures, collapse, fainting, straining to urinate or defecate, eye injuries, swelling of the face, poisonous bites or bites from other animals, open/bleeding wounds, feeling too hot or too cold, breathing problems
- Signs of Illness
- Losing weight, failure to gain weight, changes in appetite, drinking more or less, urinating more or less, hair loss, behavior changes