Animal Medical & Surgical Center

We would like to welcome your new kitten to our hospital, and pass along some advice that will make your kitten’s arrival in your home a happy experience for the entire family.

SOCIALIZATION: Normally, a new kitten receives much attention from all members of the family. This attention helps it socialize during the period of transition from the mother and littermates to the new home and family.

During this time it is important to avoid frightening situations and punishment of any source. If young children are handling the kitten, they should be made aware that the kitten is fragile and can be frightened or hurt. We recommend supervision of children and your kitten so that neither will be injured.

VACCINATIONS: Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your kitten healthy and can be lifesaving. We advise a series of vaccinations that will increase your kitten’s immunity and provide protection against common and very serious diseases.

Rabies vaccines are required by law in Georgia. We recommend the Rabies and FVRCP vaccines be given to all adult cats every 3 years, and the Feline Leukemia vaccine be given annually to outdoor cats.

Kitten Health and Vaccination Schedule Kitten Health and Vaccination Schedule

• 1st Visit (6 to 9 weeks) - Health examination, FVRCP #1 (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis-Calici Panleukopenia Vaccine), Intestinal Parasite & Giardia Examination (stool), Deworming, Feline Leukemia blood test, Start Heartworm Prevention

• 2nd Visit (9 to 12 weeks) - Health examination, FVRCP #2, Feline Leukemia Vaccine #1

• 3rd Visit (12 to 16 weeks) - FVRCP #3, Feline Leukemia Vaccine #2, Deworming

• 4th Visit (16 weeks and older) - FVRCP #4, Rabies, Intestinal Parasite & Giardia Exam

• At 6 months - Spay or Neuter

• Every 6 months - Intestinal Parasite Exam, Deworming Every 6 months if necessary

• One year after - FVRCP, Rabies, Feline Leukemia vaccine boosters if an outdoor cat, Intestinal Parasite Exam, Deworming if necessary

When your pet has received the FVRCP and VRCP and VRCP and Rabies vaccines between 12 and 16 and then again one year later, they can begin they can begin receiving 3-year vaccines thereafter.

INTESTINAL PARASITES: 98 to 100% of all kittens are born with intestinal parasites. Kittens are normally checked for parasites and de-wormed twice between the ages of 6 - 16 weeks. Thereafter, the stool is checked regularly for infection. It is important to know that intestinal parasites can be detrimental to your kitten and contagious to your family with serious consequences. Roundworms are of particular concern for your family, especially children. After cats reach adulthood, the CDC recommends testing for intestinal parasites every 6 months.

HEARTWORMS: The incidence of heartworm disease in cats is on the rise. Unlike dogs, there is no treatment available for cats once the disease is contracted. Unfortunately, this results in a high death rate for heartworm-positive cats. We recommend monthly heartworm prevention be given all year long.DIET: Feeding your new kitten a balanced diet is very important. Kittens need kitten food until the age of one year. By the time most kittens are weaned from the mother, a quality, name-brand dry food will meet all nutritional requirements. Milk and table scraps are not necessary, and are not recommended. Fresh water and dry food should be made available at all times.LITTERBOX TRAINING: A clean, fresh litter box should be provided for your kitten. Once a kitten has used the litter box, most have no problem developing good housetraining habits.

SPAY OR NEUTER: At approximately 6 months of age, your kitten should be spayed (female) or neutered (male). In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, it will also eliminate undesirable behaviors and some health risks. Your pet will be more content and possibly even live longer.

FLEA CONTROL: Recent advances in technology have made flea control products available that are much safer and more effective than in the past. The “old days” of using flea collars, flea sprays, and flea dips are considered out-dated. We recommend Revolution for flea control in all cats. Why not use a product that takes care of fleas and prevents heartworms too!