Everything You Need to Know About Kitten Care
First things first, congratulations. It's tons of fun when you get that first little new kitten; they're running around crazy, but they are so darn cute. Congratulations. Now, I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to keep them nice, happy, and healthy as they start growing a little bit older.
How old should my kitten be when I first bring them to the vet?
We always say about 6 to 8 weeks of age is a good time. At 6 to 8 weeks, they should be weaned off of mom, eating on their own, no longer nursing, and using the litter box. This is the age we want to start priming their immune system to work on its own and ensure we take care of some other things.
On that first visit, we often give a little deworming medication because many kittens are born with worms from their mom. The mom may have them lying in her system, and during the stress of pregnancy and giving birth, some worms or immature ones can pass directly to the kitten, either through the milk or directly to the fetus. We provide deworming medication when they first come in, and we also start them on their first vaccine.
What vaccines does my cat need and what is the vaccination schedule for kittens?
The first one we use is called the FVRCP, a combination vaccine. Each initial stands for a different virus we help protect against. Sometimes you'll hear it called just the feline distemper vaccine. It covers feline viral rhinotracheitis, which causes upper respiratory issues like sneezing and eye gunk. There's also the calicivirus, another upper respiratory tract infection, and the P in FVRCP is for panleukopenia, which is very similar to the parvovirus in puppies. It can cause really bad GI issues. So, the first vaccine, FVRCP, includes the feline distemper one and a deworming medication.
Another vaccine we consider is the rabies vaccine, typically started at 12 to 14 weeks of age. At the first visit, they're probably too young for it. However, it's mandatory by state and federal law that all dogs and cats are vaccinated for rabies to keep them and people safe because there's no treatment for rabies in people or animals. Rabies starts around 12 weeks of age, and FVRCP at the first visit at 6 to 8 weeks.
Another recommended vaccine for all kittens and outdoor adult animals is the feline leukemia vaccine. Feline leukemia is an immune cell or white blood cell cancer that can develop and makes such cancers more likely in cats. It's far more beneficial to get this vaccine as a kitten than starting later in life. We like to give it to all kittens when they first come in, and we can start it as young as 8 or 12 weeks.
They get their first booster, another booster 3 to 4 weeks later, and then they're good for the year. The FVRCP, the feline distemper, is boostered once a month until they're 16 weeks old or about four months of age. So, if you think about it, when they're two months of age, they'll be coming once a month until they're more like four months old.
Before doing the feline leukemia vaccine, it's smart to ensure they don't already have that virus, which they could have gotten from mom. It can be transmitted from the mom in utero or right after birth. We do a small blood test that takes about 10 to 12 minutes, requiring only a couple of drops of blood. We ensure they're negative before starting their vaccines.
How can I protect my kiten from fleas and ticks?
We always consider fleas and ticks, along with heartworm disease. Heartworm disease, as explained in our other videos, is different in cats than dogs, but cats can still get it, so we like to protect them. A common product we use is called Revolution or Revolution Plus, which can be started at six to eight weeks of age. It's a topical application between their shoulder blades, protecting against fleas, some ticks, heartworm prevention, intestinal parasites, and even ear mites.
How do I know if my kitten is healhty?
If you've never had a kitten before, a couple of things to watch at home include their behavior. Are they acting like a normal, crazy kitten running around most of the day? They love to play hard and sleep hard, so ensure they're playful and energetic. Ensure they have a good appetite.
You can also use a small scale to monitor their weight, ensuring they're gaining weight day by day or week by week, a good sign they're growing as expected. Check their stool in the litter box. Is it normal looking, or are they having diarrhea or loose stools? If they're having very loose stools, you might want to bring them to the vet.
Check their breathing, as some kittens can get upper respiratory infections, just like humans. If there's a lot of snot, drainage from the nose, or crusting around the eyes, it might be a warning sign to visit the vet. We can handle vaccinations, wellness, and preventative care.
If they're very sick, we may recommend a full-service clinic to better address those issues, but we'll do everything we can to ensure we have a good plan for your kitten.
Again, congratulations on the new addition to your family! If you’re searching for veterinary care you can rely on, we’re here to help. Call (704) 288-8620 or email info@cvpet.com to schedule your pet’s appointment. Our team is committed to keeping them healthy.