VACCINATIONS:
An adult cat should be vaccinated against Feline Viral
Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, (FVRCP) and Feline
Leukemia Virus (FELV). At 12 weeks of age, the kitten receives a
Rabies vaccine (RV) which is good for one year. All vaccines must
be boostered yearly except the Rabies vaccine, which is boostered
every three years after the second booster is given.
FELINE LEUKEMIA/FELINE IMMUNODEFFICIENCY TESTING:
This test is done on the cat’s first visit to find
Feline Leukemia virus or Feline Immunosuppression virus (FIV)
carriers. A vaccination for FELV is not done if the cat tests
positive, and a vaccination against FIV is not available. Both
diseases are fatal and there is no cure for either virus at this
time.
FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP):
This is a serious viral disease of cats. While cats
of all ages are susceptible, kittens and elderly cats are most
likely to become infected. The virus spreads from cat to cat via
feces, urine or oral and nasal secretions, and is either inhaled or
ingested. Kittens that live in a multi-cat household or that go
outside are at highest risk of infection. Fortunately, a
preventative vaccination is available.
PARASITE CHECKS:
A stool sample is checked on the cat’s first visit
and then every 6 months to insure there are no Hookworms,
Roundworms or other intestinal parasites. Tapeworms in cats may not
be identified on this exam, however, so it is important to report
any worms seen to the veterinary hospital. Any necessary dewormings
will be done by either injection or orally, depending on the
parasite.
FELINE HEARTWORM:
This infection has been found in cats. A monthly
preventative is now available. Please ask us for more information.
NUTRITION:
Cats should be fed a high quality hard food such as
Hill’s Science Diet Feline Maintenance. Hard food helps, along with
routine dental care, to keep the teeth free of tartar and tooth
decay.
TOOTH CARE:
Light brushing or application of a tartar control paste or
liquid should be started to avoid tooth loss and dental disease.
Twice a week application is usually enough. Dental chews are also
available as an alternative to brushing.
SPAYING AND NEUTERING:
Spaying the female and neutering the male should be
done in the 4-6 month old cat. This will prevent any unwanted
pregnancy as well as help to avoid negative behavior such as
spraying or territorial aggression.
DECLAWING:
This is an optional surgery that can be done as
early as 12 weeks of age, but is preferably performed at the time
of spaying or neutering to avoid an additional surgery. Declawed
cats should never go outdoors, as a major defense mechanism has
been taken away.
