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Health Care for Kittens
General Information
We would like to see you and your kitten get off to a good start. The first
year of a pets life is very intense from a preventative health standpoint,
and the following recommendations are made to ensure that your kitten has
as few problems as possible. Physical Examination
A complete exam can detect birth defects, physical abnormalities, parasites
(such as ear mites) or illness. Lab Tests
Feline Leukemia Virus
A small blood sample and a 15 minute test done in the hospital will determine
if your kitten is carrying the feline leukemia virus. It is critical to establish the presence or absence of this fatal, often hidden, contagious
disease. For more information, please ask us.
Fecal Examination
This lab test can detect the presence of worms, as well as protozoan parasites
that are not visible to the naked eye. Please bring a small, fresh (less
than 1 hour) stool sample in an airtight bag or container. A fresh sample
may be refrigerated up to 12 hours before examination. Vaccinations
Kittens are very susceptible to viral diseases such as distemper (a highly fatal disease characterized by vomiting, diarrhea and severe
dehydration), Rhino and Calici Viruses (causes "cold" and pneumonia symptoms often with a high fever);
chlamydia; and feline leukemia (a contagious, untreatable and fatal virus causing immune suppression and
a wide variety of symptoms). Rabies, although not required by law is just as important for cats as it is dogs,
due to their nocturnal and curious nature which increases their risk of
exposure to rabies carriers.
A kitten is usually started at 6-8 weeks and would receive the following
three vaccinations:
- 6 - 8 weeks - FVRCPC #1 (distemper, Rhino, calici virus, chlamydia)
- 10 - 12 weeks - FVRCPC #2 and Feline Leukemia #1
An FeLV blood test is strongly recommended prior to vaccination.
- 16 weeks - FVRCPC #3, FeLV #2, and Rabies
- These vaccinations must be repeated annually for the lifetime of the cat.
- Spay or Neuter (4-6 months)
Overpopulation
Pet overpopulation in Maricopa County and nationwide is a serious problem.
Unfortunately, thousands of homeless or unwanted animals (purebreds as well
as "alley cats") are destroyed every year. Unless you are a serious full
time breeder, we strongly recommend that you have all your pets spayed and neutered. Disease Prevention
Neutering a male cat has many benefits which include: a deceased tendency
to spray or mark territory, a reduced likelihood of roaming and fighting
which lowers the incidence of injuries and fight wound abscesses.
Spaying a female cat not only spares her the physical stress of pregnancy,
delivery and nursing kittens, but also lowers the incidence of mammary tumors
and completely eliminates uterine and ovarian disease.
Nutrition
Cats have high protein requirements and should always be fed a high quality
diet formulated specifically for cats. Cats that are fed dog food will suffer
from deficiencies that may lead to blindness or cardiac disease. Milk must not be fed as it frequently causes diarrhea. Obesity
While many cats can be fed "free-choice" and maintain proper body weight
there are a significant number of cats that will become obese if fed in
this manner. These cats have increased risk of developing many serious problems
including diabetes and fatty liver syndrome. We recommend two measured feedings
per day. Bladder Stones
Approximately one out of 10 cats will develop bladder infections due to
the presence of numerous tiny bladder stones consisting of "crystals." This occurs
equally in male and female cats, but can be life threatening in the male
cat due to a tendency to become completely "blocked" and unable to urinate.
Symptoms include: frequent trips to the litter box, straining or crying
while urinating, or urinating outside the litter box on carpet in sinks
or tubs. Feeding a low magnesium diet is very helpful in preventing the occurrence of this problem.
Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet for short or long term control
of the crystals or cystitis. If your cat has been prescribed a
prescription diet for the control of stones and/or crystals, over the counter
diets are not appropriate and feeding over the counter diets, even those labeled
for urinary care, may cause further formation of crystals and stones.
Always check with your veterinarian before switching to a different diet.
If your cat doesn't seem to like the special diet your veterinarian
prescribed, there are several brands of prescription diets, so your veterinarian
can find an alternate for you. It's also nice to know, and reassuring to
owners of finicky cats, that all prescription diets are 100% money back
guaranteed by the manufacturers, no questions asked. Scratching
Post Behavior
When you teach your cat to scratch on carpeted cat scratching posts or
furniture, the cat will probably also scratch on the carpet in your home, not
only the cat furniture. Teach your cat to scratch sisal rope scratching posts.
It is healthier for their nails and for your carpet, sofa and curtains.
Shop for cat trees, condos, and cat furniture with sisal coverings at Mouthful
of Moonlight.com Home Decor!
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