Preventive Healthcare
for Cats & Kittens
Complete Physical Exam
New kittens should be examined as soon as possible to be sure they are in good health and started on preventive care to keep them healthy. All pets must receive a comprehensive physical examination prior to vaccination. Just as with people, a physical examination may be the most important component of an office visit, allowing us the opportunity to completely examine your pet and discuss any medical problems. At each visit your kitten will be weighed and we will check your kitten's skin and coat, teeth and gums, eyes, ears, heart and lungs. During the course of your kitten's visits we will discuss diet, exercise, flea prevention, litter box training, kitten behavior and the benefits of spaying or neutering.
Stool Exam
A small amount of fresh stool is needed to check for the intestinal parasites that are frequently found in kittens. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, coccidia and several other species are commonly found in this area. Proper diagnosis can only be made by a microscopic examination of a stool specimen in the laboratory. For kittens, we recommend two stool exams.
Heartworm Prevention
We recommend Revolution as heartworm prevention monthly. Heartworms are parasites that are spread by mosquitoes and they are prevalent in this area. Revolution not only protects against heartworms, but also roundworms and hookworms, which can affect humans, especially children. Revolution also protects against fleas. Revolution should be given monthly year round. As your kitten grows we will prescribe a dose of medication appropriate for their weight. Heartgard is another heartworm preventive, it is given orally.
Nemex or Drontal
We will dispense a single dose of worming medication if your cat is on Revolution to be used between the first and second visit. If your cat is not on Revolution several worming doses will be dispensed.
Distemper (FVRCP) Vaccine
A Distemper Combination Vaccine will protect your cat against:
PANLEUKOPENIA
PANLEUKOPENIA is also called feline distemper. This viral disease is highly contagious and has a very high mortality. Severe diarrhea, depression, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite and fever are the most common symptoms.
RHINO-TRACHEITIS
RHINO-TRACHEITIS is a viral disease, one of the most common respiratory infections in cats. This disease is highly contagious. Symptoms include nasal and ocular discharge, loss of appetite, depression, sneezing and excessive salivation.
CALICIVIRUS
CALICIVIRUS is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease in cats.
In order to establish immunity, we recommend a series of injections. Three Distemper Combination injections are recommended for kittens; the first injection given as early as eight weeks of age, the second four weeks later, the third in the series is given four weeks later. The vaccine used for these injections is a combination of Rhino-tracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. A Distemper Combination booster is recommended for continuing protection of adult cats one year following the initial series and on alternating years.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect animals and humans. We recommend Rabies protection for all cats. The first vaccination is given at about four months of age. Dundee Animal Hospital recommends "Pure Vax", a one year vaccine, for cats. This newly developed vaccine is extremely safe and decreases injection site inflammation.
Microchipping
This permanent identification can be done during any office visit or at the time of your pets spay or neuter surgery (about 6 months of age).
Spaying or Neutering
Spaying of females and neutering of males is recommended for all pets not intended for breeding. Breast cancer and certain undesirable behaviors may be significantly reduced. While this surgery is recommended when your pet is about 6 months old, it can be done at any age. Declawing, if desired, is usually done at the same time.
Other vaccines & tests you should know about:
FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV) is a contagious and fatal viral disease of cats. Leukemia, a blood cancer, is only one of many outcomes of infection with FeLV. Another cancer, lymphosarcoma, is actually a more common FeLV disease. Still more common, though, are "associated diseases" that result when FeLV impairs a cat's immune system. Kittens can be infected with Feline Leukemia virus from their mother, or acquire it from close contact with another infected cat. We recommend that all kittens and new cats have a blood test for Feline Leukemia Virus. Kittens should be vaccinated for Leukemia if there is any chance they may be or may become an outdoor cat or if the cat will go outside or is exposed to cats that go outside. Two injections are required to establish immunity against FeLV; the first injection can be given as early as eight weeks of age, the second four weeks later. This vaccine is then given annually based on the risk assessment.
FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV) is a contagious and fatal viral disease of cats usually acquired through bite wounds. Symptoms are similar to Feline Leukemia Virus. We recommend that all kittens and new cats have a blood test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. A vaccine is available however, this vaccine is not recommended.
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