Recommended Health Care for Kittens and Cats
 

6-8	Recommended Vaccinations
8-10 weeks	Initial Physical Exam FVRCP Vaccine De-worming Feline Leukemia Test
12 weeks	Progress Physical Exam FVRCP Vaccine Fecal Exam Feline Leukemia Vaccine #1
16 weeks	Progress Physical Exam FVRCP Vaccine Rabies (Pure Vax) Feline Leukemia Vaccine #2
Annual	Complete Physical Exam Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning as Indicated Feline Distemper/Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus Vaccine (yearly booster necessary) Feline Leukemia Vaccine (if exposure is possible) Pure Vax Rabies Vaccine Heartworm Prevention (year round) Fecal Exam (with de-worming if necessary)

Ask the veterinarian for specific recommendations for the procedures that will ensure your pet's health.

Ovariohysterectomy (spaying) is the complete removal of the ovaries and uterus in the female. It is recommended at *2 - 6 months of age to prevent pregnancy, infections, and heat periods (which occur every 3 – 4 weeks throughout most of the year).

 Castration (neutering) is the complete removal of the testicles in males. It is performed at *2 - 6 months of age to help reduce aggressiveness, roaming, and urine spraying later in life.

* (A concept that is gaining popularity with veterinarians across the country is performing spays and neuters on pets as young as 8 weeks of age. Historically the standard recommendation was at 6 months of age. Recent studies have shown that the surgery can be safely performed in the younger pets without any adverse effects on growth rate, urinary tract development, and behavior. In fact several studies have found that early neutering affects puppies and kittens in much the same manner as more traditionally timed surgery. Younger pets appear to heal more quickly with less discomfort. The largest veterinary organization in the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), supports the concept of early spaying and neutering in an effort to prevent animal overpopulation. Most Peninsula area veterinarians are performing these surgeries at 2 months of age for the Peninsula SPCA in an effort to insure that all adopted pets have been surgically sterilized in a timely manner. Based on our experience with this SPCA program over the past year we are comfortable in recommending and performing spays and neuters in these young animals. Our doctors and staff will be able to help you choose the best time to have your pet spayed or neutered. )

Vaccinations are an important part of your cat’s health care program, but even more important is the complete physical examination that we perform at the same time.  It is important that we know that your cat is in good health before we vaccinate.  Our doctor will discuss any findings with you and make recommendations for your puppy’s health care needs.  You will also be able to ask any questions that you may have at this time. 

Feline distemper (Panleukopenia):  a potentially fatal viral disease that affects the intestine, bone marrow, and lymph tissues.

Rhinotracheitis and Calici Virus: severe contagious upper respiratory viruses. Rhinotracheitis is a herpes virus that can can cause lifelong problems.

Feline Leukemia: a viral disease that is very similar to Aids in people. It causes cancer and immune system suppression allowing serious infections. It is transmitted from cat to cat through blood, saliva and other body fluids. There is no cure for feline leukemia once a cat has been infected.

Rabies: a virus affecting the brain of all warm-blooded animals (including humans) that is fatal. All local cities & counties require a rabies vaccination.

Heartworm Disease is transmitted to cats through a bite from an infected mosquito. The larvae are deposited under the cat’s skin and travel through the bloodstream to the heart where the larvae mature into adult worms. The most common symptom of heartworm disease in cats is sudden death! Heartworm testing is not as accurate in cats as it is in dogs. We recommend that all cats receive monthly heartworm preventive medication  year round.

You should choose the form of Heartworm medication that best suits your pet’s needs:
Heartgard: once a month chewable tablet
Interceptor: once a month tablet (also protects against hookworms, whipworms & roundworms)
Revolution: once a month application on skin. Also provides flea control.

Please ask any staff member for assistance in choosing the correct heartworm preventive for your cat.

Intestinal Parasites are common in kittens. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans. Kittens should be checked and dewormed for intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. This is achieved by microscopic examination of a fresh stool sample.

Flea control is important for all cats living in this area.  We recommend Front Line Top Spot or Revolution for all cats over 12 weeks of age.  Please ask any staff member for information about flea control.

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Todds Lane Veterinary Hospital
1309 Todds Lane
Hampton, VA 23666-1930
Phone: 757.826.7602
Fax: 757.838.5714

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