Your New Kitten
A new kitten is a bundle of energy, ready to play with just about anyone and anything. To keep your new kitten healthy and happy, it is important to visit your veterinarian in a timely fashion to assure that the kitten is properly vaccinated and dewormed.
First Visit: At 6 to 8 weeks your kitten should recieve a complete physical exam including a 10-minute blood test to screen for Feline Leukemia virus (FELV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). If your kitten's tests are negative then it will receive its first FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis,Calicivirus, Chlamydia and Panleukopenia virus) vaccination. These disease agents are potentially life-threatening and by vaccinating your pet you are assuring adequate immunity against them. If your kitten is going to go outdoors, it should receive its first Feline Leukemia vaccination as well. An oral deworming agent will also be given at this visit.
Second Visit: Three to four weeks after the first visit, your kitten should receive a FVRCP booster and, if it is an outdoor pet, a Leukemia booster. A second deworming will also be done.
Third Visit: When your kitten is approximately 16 weeks old, it should receive its first Rabies vaccination. We recommend that a stool sample be brought in for analysis at this time.
Yearly Visits: After the initial series of vaccinations, your cat should come in yearly for a wellness exam. At one year of age FVRCP, rabies and leukemia vaccines will be boostered. FVRCP will then be boostered every three years. Rabies and leukemia (for outdoor cats) should be boostered yearly. Outdoor cats should also receive a yearly dose of deworming agent. If possible bring in a sample of stool for analysis.
Spaying and Neutering: We recommend spaying or neutering your kitten at 6 months of age.
Feeding: Your kitten should be fed a growth-formulated diet until approximately 9 months old. It should then be gradually introduced to an adult or maintenance diet. Dry food is preferred over canned as it is less likely to cause dental problems as your cat matures. The staff at the DMVC recommends and sells the Hills Science Diet.