Kitten Resources
Bringing home a new kitten is so exciting! But as eager as you may be to get to know your new pal, they might need some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Even if this will be your only animal companion, we highly recommend preparing before welcoming a new feline friend - this is absolutely crucial when you already have established pets at home.
Below are some great resources to help!
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While cats confined to an indoor environment generally live longer and are at less risk for contracting infectious diseases or injuries due to trauma, they are at greater risk for a variety of behavioral problems. These problems include urinating and defecating outside the litter box, anxiety, eating disorders, attention-seeking, aggression, self-injury and compulsive disorders like excessive grooming and scratching.
Regardless of if your kitten will eventually have free roam outside, it is important to keep them indoors until they are fully vaccinated, altered, and have reached social and growth maturity.There are a lot of easy things to do to ensure your kitten is getting an adequate amount of exercise and stimulation indoors!
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Most kittens will begin going to the veterinarian at six to eight weeks of age to begin immunizations, flea preventive treatments, receive wellness and behavior advice, and get permanently identified with a microchip. Each vaccination and exam schedule is tailored for an individual kitten's needs and lifestyle.
The appropriate standard of care means you will be taking your kitten to the clinic every three to four weeks from around 6-8 weeks to 4 months of age for immunizations, health checks, and to touch base with your veterinarian about any issues. Because cats are excellent at hiding signs they are sick or in pain, yearly veterinary visits are an important part of keeping your cat healthy. Even for indoor-only cats who may not need yearly vaccinations.
Your new kitten may come with documentation of up-to-date shots. However, within a few days of your kittens' arrival home, take your kitten to your veterinarian for a full physical and to determine a vaccination schedule and begin a clinical record. Plus, it is a great way to introduce your kitten to a veterinarian for a low-stress, fun visit!
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can cause many types of illness as well as death in infected cats. The virus is transmitted through saliva and nasal secretions, and most commonly affects cats who have access to the outdoors.
The FeLV vaccination is recommended to be started for all kittens regardless of their indoor/outdoor status. After the initial vaccination, it needs to be bolstered within 3-4 weeks and then becomes an annual vaccine if the cat’s lifestyle applies (access to the outdoors).
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/ Calicivirus/Feline Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is also known as Feline Herpesvirus 1, which much like cold sores in humans, can lay dormant in cats until they are stressed, which causes a flare-up of symptoms.
FVRCP is a core vaccination for all cats, this vaccine protects against common feline respiratory viruses that can cause conjunctivitis, sneezing, rhinitis, as well as feline distemper which has a high mortality rate.
This vaccine is started in all kittens around 8 weeks of age, and then continued every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old. After the first annual booster the vaccine is then only due every 3-years.
Feline Rabies (RV)
Rabies virus is most commonly found in wild animals like bats, skunks, and raccoons, and all mammals are capable of catching the Rabies virus through the bite of an affected animal.
In Multnomah County, it is required that all cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies.
Kittens receive their first rabies vaccine at the earliest age of 16 weeks, and the first vaccination is good for a year. After that first Rabies vaccine, you can choose to either receive a 1-year or a 3-year Rabies vaccine for your adult cat at their next appointment.
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We are strong proponents of pet insurance for every pet. There are many providers of pet insurance available today and the best time to sign up for insurance is when your pet is young and healthy with no preexisting conditions. Having pet insurance is peace of mind in light of a major illness or injury that your pet will receive care that is not dependent on finances. Pet insurance can be used at any veterinary hospital or emergency facility.
We offer a 30 day free trial for Trupanion. Just ask us at your next wellness visit!