Congratulations on your new kitten! Here is some information we wish to cover during your initial kitten visits.

Vaccinations/Viral Diseases

FVRCP: (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, and Panleukopenia):  This vaccine is commonly referred to as the "distemper/ upper respiratory complex" combination vaccine. We recommend the first dose be given at least 6-10 weeks of age and then repeated in 3-4 weeks.  

Rabies:  Rabies vaccine is recommended for all cats. Most exposure to the Rabies virus in this area occurs indoors from bat bites. The first vaccine is given when the kitten is at least 12 weeks of age, boosters are annual.

Feline Leukemia Virus:  This contagious retrovirus is a leading cause of death in cats. It is transmitted from cat to cat by licking or biting and may be passed from the mother cat to her kittens during pregnancy. We recommend all cats be tested for FeLV. Strictly indoor cats do not require FeLV vaccinations. The FeLV vaccine is first given around 9 weeks of age, repeated in 3-4 weeks.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):  This is also a retrovirus, and is in the same class as the human AIDS virus. We recommend all new cats be tested for FIV. This virus causes an immune deficiency syndrome in cats and is primarily spread by bite wounds. FIV vaccine is available but is not recommended. NOTE: THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT EITHER FELV OR FIV POSE A HUMAN HEALTH RISK.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):  FIP is a viral disease of cats that, once contracted, is almost invariably fatal. A nasal drop vaccine is available but its efficacy is controversial. We do not recommend FIP vaccination.

Diet

It is becoming increasingly apparent that dry kibble diets may not be as beneficial to feline health as we once thought. In fact, eating canned cat food may be preferable. Whatever form of diet is fed, it is best to meal feed. Cats fed dry food free choice frequently become obese, and obesity may have serious health consequences. As far as brands are concerned, we would recommend selecting major recognizable brand names like Science diet, Purina one and Iams which can be purchased at pet food stores or at most supermarkets. Science Diet Oral Care is helpful in preventing dental disease in adult cats.

Litter Box

Most kittens take to the litter box naturally. Either scoop type litter or clay litters are acceptable. With the scoop litters both urine and feces are scooped away and disposed of daily. With clay litters you need to completely change the litter every few days as the urine will saturate the litter. We don't recommend the scented litters because some cats are sensitive to the chemicals they contain. Do not use the scoopable cat litters if your cat or kitten is inclined to eat the litter. It may be necessary to experiment with different types of litter as some cats may have preferences. The litter box should be located reasonably close to where the cat spends his/her time. There should be one litter box per cat up to a reasonable number.

External Parasites (fleas)

Most of the cats and kittens we see being adopted have at least a few fleas. For cats that will go outdoors or live in a househod with dogs we recommend monthly treatment with the prescription spot on treatment Revolution. The advantage of Revolution over other spot on treatments is it is also effective against ear mites, scabies, and the most common internal parasites (worms). Comprehensive flea control includes treatment of the environment (house) as well as the cat. In cases of significant home infestations we recommend Knockout area treatment spray for the home in addition to topicals for the pets.

Internal Parasites (worms)  

We recommend routinely worming your kitten for roundworms (ascarids). This is done at the time of the initial vaccination visits. A fecal analysis should also be done to check for other parasite eggs. Tapeworms can be picked up at any time through the ingestion of an infected flea or rodent. The rice-like or sesame seed-like segments are usually noted by the owner. Tapeworms are treated by either pill or injection.

Almost all cat owners neuter male cats to help prevent spraying, roaming, fighting etc. Feline AIDS (FIV virus) is quite common in free-roaming un-neutered male cats because this virus is transmitted in saliva via bite wounds. We recommend male cats not intended for breeding be neutered at 5-9 months of age.

Onchyectomy (declaw)  

If you desire to have your cat declawed (front claws only), the ideal time to do this is at 3-4 months of age. There are many misconceptions concerning declawing and we would be happy to discuss this issue with you.

Dental Care 

Many veterinarians feel that "appropriate dental care is the most important thing you can do to enhance quality to and lengthen your pet's life." Certain diets such as Science Diet Oral Care and t/d may be helpful in preventing periodontal disease and cavity-like lesions called FORLS. Periodic professional cleanings are necessary for most cats.  We will check the condition of your cat's oral cavity and recommend appropriate care at your regularly scheduled exam.

Cat Toys  

There are many varieties of commercial toys available for cats, and most of the time these are fine. Ribbons, needles with thread attached, and other linear objects can cause serious problems when ingested by your cat and should be avoided.

Training  

Cats are very intelligent animals but enjoy their independence and are therefore not as eager to please as are most dogs. This does not mean they cannot be taught! Cats usually respond to repeated enforced messages like "get down!" (for a cat on the table) or removing the cat. Loud noises like banging on the table help. Repetition and consistency are the keys here as these things are a battle of wills. Put your food away so there will be no added incentive to get on the table. Positive reinforcement with verbal praise and petting for desired behavior helps. Food treats can be helpful. Cats do not respond well to physical punishment; this is likely to cause more problems than it solves. Some cats respond to being squirted with water from a squirt gun. It is important that the cat not associate you with the water, so don't let it see you doing this if possible. Scratching posts should be introduced immediately, as your cat must scratch on something. Catnip and positive reinforcement encourage this natural requirement.

Identification

We recommend some kind of identification for all pets. We offer AVID microchip permanent identification given by a simple injection during an office visit.

Carriers

We strongly encourage you to always bring your cat here in a carrier. Traveling is unnatural to cats; they are very insecure outside of their personal territory and can become frightened and get lost. There are many excellent carriers, ones with top-loading features are best.