Congratulations, on taking the first step to having a wonderful companion and friend. It is important to do everything you can to ensure they grow up strong, healthy and happy in order to have your faithful companion around as long as you can. Health care is essential through the entirety of your pet’s life. The information below is basic health care for the first year of your pet’s life.

It is essential that your kitten have several examinations within the first year of its life. Examinations will address many different areas to ensure the health of your kitten is excellent. During these examinations the doctor will discuss such issues as micro-chipping, spaying/neutering, pre-op bloodwork, behavior and nutrition. Micro-chipping your pet is an effective tool in finding your kitten if it ever gets lost. The blood test is recommended because it will show any kidney or liver abnormalities that could effect how the anesthesia is processed. This helps the doctor determine if the anesthesia needs to be adjusted. Also, the veterinarian will discuss the first year examination schedule with you based on the first kitten exam.

Kitten Vaccinations:

Just like children, kittens need regular vaccinations to keep them healthy. It is very important that you keep to the vaccination schedule set by your doctors as closely as possible. The timing of the vaccines is critical to the effectiveness of the vaccines. If they are given too early the may be ineffective due to the mother’s antibodies in the kitten’s system. If not given correctly your kitten may be unprotected. It is important that your kitten receive their vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian. Buying vaccines and administering them yourself is highly discouraged. The vaccines may not have been handled or administered properly and may be ineffective. Most grooming and boarding facilities will not accept any vaccinations given by anyone but a licensed veterinarian.

FV (Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, and Panleukopenia):

Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calici, and Panleukopenia given at 6, 9, and 12 weeks. It is very important to keep on track with this vaccination. Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a very serious and often fatal disease affecting kittens that are either not vaccinated or ineffectively vaccinated within the first year.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia):

Given at 16 weeks.

Rabies:

Given at 16 weeks.

Parasite Control:

Fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and mosquitoes (which transmit heartworm) are the most common parasites that affect our pets. Many of these carry serious diseases that can be transmitted not only to cats (especially kittens), but to humans as well. It is very important to have your kitten tested for these parasites and start prevention immediately. The doctor will discuss the many different options in controlling all types of parasites that may affect the health of your pet as well as you and your family.

Pre-op Bloodwork

Though the anesthetics we use are safe for your kitten, potential complications can still arise if your kittens’s internal organs are not functioning properly. The anesthetics are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys as long as they are functioning properly. A normal physical exam does not give the total picture of the function of internal organs. For these reasons we recommend doing pre-op bloodwork. The bloodwork will show the functioning capabilities of the kidneys, liver and a complete blood count. With the information that the blood tests provide the doctor can form a baseline of kidney and liver health, modify the anesthetic regimen, forgo or postpone the surgical procedure to ensure your kitten’s safety.