To give your kitten the best chance at a long and happy life, you should have them tested and examined by one of our amazing veterinarians.
Having a new kitten is an exciting time that comes with a lot of responsibility. To give your kitten the best chance at a long and happy life, you should have them tested and examined by one of our amazing veterinarians. This will allow our team to evaluate your kitty for any concerns or issues and get your feline friend started with its preventative care.
FeLV and FIV Testing
Regardless of how your new kitten came into your life, medical testing is necessary. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are serious illnesses that will damage your kitten’s immune system. With a simple blood test done during your first visit, we are able to diagnose FeLV and FIV in your kitten as early as possible.
Fecal Screenings
As with most physical examinations for your pet, we will perform fecal screenings. Fecal screenings look for intestinal parasites that may have infested your kitten. This allows us to treat your baby as necessary to avoid illness.
When Should Your Kitten Receive Their Vaccines
Vaccines are key to keeping your kitten healthy and happy for a long time. Vaccination schedules for kittens and puppies can seem overwhelming but remember, they are new to this world. They need as much protection as we can give them. A vaccination schedule for your kitten will look something like this:
FVRCP is a vaccine for rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. It should be administered every 3-4 weeks, from 8 weeks old until 16 weeks old.
Rabies is required by law and can be given once your kitten is at least 16 weeks old. Your cat will need a booster a year later. Fortunately, they only need a booster every three years after that.
FeLV is a disease that is easily spread among cats. Cats that go outside and are exposed to other kitties should be vaccinated. Your kitten will receive its first vaccine at 12 weeks and then a booster 3-4 weeks later. After that, your cat will need a yearly booster.
Should You Spay or Neuter Your Kitten?
In short, the answer is yes! With the overpopulation of cats in America, spaying or neutering your pet is a great idea. BARCS alone takes in nearly 10,000 cats every year! Spaying or neutering your kitten has multiple health benefits and can prevent many unwanted behaviors. Females that are not spayed are at a much higher risk of developing mammary cancer. They are also prone to ovarian cancer and pyometra (an infection of the uterus). Intact cats tend to wander, which can put them at risk for getting lost, hit by a car, or attacked by something. Male cats that are not neutered can also be more aggressive and will urinate on objects and around the home to mark their territory. This aggression can lead to bite wounds and infections as well as expose them to diseases such as FIV. Talk with our veterinarians about the best health plan for your kitten. Generally, kittens are fixed around six months old.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!