Pediatric Cat Care
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. At the Cat Doctor, S.C. we would like to work with you to give your new kitten the best care. With good medical care, proper nutrition and lots of love, your kitten can become your faithful companion for years. We want to establish a preventative medicine program to help avoid diseases, parasites, and behavioral problems. We would like to see your kitten be a fun and loving companion with whom you can share many happy years together.
Vaccinations
When kittens are first born, protection (immunity) from disease is provided by nursing. As the kitten reaches the age of 8 to 12 weeks this immunity is lost, and the kitten’s body now becomes responsible for providing immunity from disease. Your kitten will need a series of two to three vaccinations depending upon the kitten’s age at the first visit.
Vaccinations are given against Feline Panleukopenia (feline parvo or enteritis), which causes a sever and often fatal vomiting and diarrhea in kittens, and two respiratory organisms – Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus – which cause severe respiratory disease as well as chronic illness. These vaccinations are given as a combination similar to DPT vaccinations for children. Vaccinations are also given against Rabies Virus.
Feline Leukemia is a disease caused by the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). The disease is fatal once clinical signs of illness appear. Kittens can be exposed to this virus from the queen at birth or shortly after birth. A test for FeLV should be performed on all kittens during the first few months of life. If other cats are already present in the home, the test should be done before the new kitten is allowed exposure to the other cats. Kittens that are going outside unattended, or who live in households where other cats are allowed to go outside unattended, should be vaccinated against FeLV. This vaccination is separate and is not part of the routine kitten vaccination program.
Worms (Intestinal Parasites)
Kittens can be infected with a number of different types of worms. These worms can be contracted either in the womb or after birth from exposure to worm eggs. Infection is detected by examining a stool sample for the presence of worm eggs. Treatment is necessary for elimination of worms and generally involves administration of oral medication.
Neutering and Spaying
Neutering and spaying are recommended after 12 weeks of age to help prevent diseases and undesirable behavior such as spraying, roaming, and fighting. It also helps decrease the numbers of homeless and unwanted kittens.
Declawing
Declawing involves the surgical amputation of the toes at the first joint. Declawing may be done if you plan to keep your cat indoors. Alternatives to declawing are nail caps (Soft Paws), training your kitten to use a scratching post or trimming the nails regularly (we will be glad to demonstrate). If you decide to declaw your kitten, it is better to do this when the kittens are young. We recommend declawing at the time of spay or neuter, when possible. Only declawing of the front paws is also recommended.
Tips to “Kitten-proof” your House
The following items are potentially fatal to your kitten:
• Anti-freeze
• Cleaning supplies
• Rat killer/bait and other poisons
• Poisonous plants – Amaryllis, Azalea, Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), Easter Lily, English Ivy, Philodendron, and others
• Aspirin – unless under the direct supervision of your veterinarian
• Tylenol
• Strings, coins, rubber bands, balloons
• Electrical cords
