Adopting a new kitten can be very exciting for individuals and families. However, while welcoming a new furry companion into your home can be fun, it also comes with many new responsibilities. In this guide, we will walk you through all of the preventative care your puppy needs to start their life healthy.
Core Vaccines
We recommend starting with an initial exam starting at 6-8 weeks of age for them to begin receiving core vaccines. Afterward, they can receive general exams every 6-12 months of checkups and additional preventative care.
There are many vaccines that your kitten needs to remain healthy. Below is a list of the core vaccines that are recommended for all cats:
Rabies: Recommended for all
Initial Vaccine at 12 weeks of age
Booster 1 year later, then every 3 years (option for yearly vs 3 years)
FeLV: Feline Leukemia virus
Start 8-10 weeks of age
Booster in 3-4 weeks, then once a year
FVRCP+CH: Rhinotracheitis, Calci Virus, Panleukopenia, Chlamidia
Start 6-8 weeks of age, up to 3 vaccines
Vaccinate every 3-4 weeks, until 16 weeks of age
Booster one year later, then every 3 years
Additional Preventative Care
In addition to vaccines, other forms of preventative care are recommended for your kitten to receive. These include:
Deworming: Roundworms and hookworms are common parasites that kittens are born with. It is recommended to administer 2 doses of dewormer 2-3 weeks apart initially and then as needed. Some parasites can be transferred to humans
Fecal: Performed after deworming is done or when any concerns for intestinal parasites arise
Monthly Parasite Prevention: We recommend starting your Kitten on Revolution Plus, which is a once-a-month topical treatment that prevents Fleas, Ticks, Heartworms, Roundworms, and Hookworms.
Microchipping
In addition to these preventatives, it is also recommended to microchip your puppy. This will give hospitals and shelters a way to contact you if they ever go missing and are returned to a facility. Each microchip has a unique ID number that will be associated with your contact information.
Conclusion
While this may seem like a lot, your local veterinarian will help guide and assist you through each step of your new kittens’ healthcare journey. Call us at 559-434-5470 today if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment for your new puppy.
Comments