Cat

Cat's Meow

INTRODUCTION

Your cat must be examined yearly. A vaccination program will be tailored to your cat for diseases such as Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia and Feline Leukemia. Once a year an intestinal parasite exam should be performed to detect parasites that can be picked up from the ground outside or from ingesting fleas or wildlife.
Rabies vaccinations are also a key part of your cat's health defense system. The first vaccination lasts one year and should be updated with a booster every one to three years depending upon exposure and type of vaccination. Having a current Rabies vaccine is a state law and is required for all indoor or outdoor cats. Outdoor cats that receive a wound of unknown origin should receive a rabies booster.

Kittens should start their vaccines at 6-7 weeks old, or as soon as possible after this.

2 visits are needed, 3 weeks apart, for full protection, followed by an annual examination with appropriate vaccines.

These diseases are all common, so keep the youngster well isolated until protected. Boosters are needed to keep the immunity high.

Virtually all kennels insist on updated vaccines before admitting any cat for boarding.

A pet in poor health will not respond reliably to vaccinations, so each patient is routinely given a clinical examination first to detect illness or undiscovered problems.

Heartworm prevention for cats should be given once a month to protect against heartworm disease and internal parasites. Some are combined with flea and tick prevention.

At your kitten's exam please take the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have regarding health, diet or training of your pet.

Flea and tick prevention is very important to the health of your kitten and cat. Your veterinarian can recommend the safest and most effective products.

Kitten's Age at 1st Visit	Core Vaccines	Optional Test and Vaccines	Next Visit
6 - 7 weeks old	Distemper-Upper Respiratory Intestinal Parasite Exam *Worming	Feline Leukemia Test	3 Weeks Distemper-Upper Respiratory
8 weeks old	Distemper-Upper Respiratory Intestinal Parasite Exam *Worming	Feline Leukemia Test Chlamydia Vaccine-for boarding 1st Leukemia Vaccine Feline Kennel Cough	4 Weeks Distemper-Upper Respiratory 1st Rabies Vaccine 2nd Leukemia Vaccine
9 weeks old	Distemper-Upper Respiratory Intestinal Parasite Exam *Worming	Feline Leukemia Test 1st Leukemia Vaccine Chlamydia Vaccine-for boarding Feline Kennel Cough	3-4 Weeks Distemper-Upper Respiratory 1st Rabies Vaccine 2nd Leukemia Vaccine
10 weeks old	Distemper-Upper Respiratory Intestinal Parasite Exam *Worming	Feline Leukemia Test 1st Leukemia Vaccine Chlamydia Vaccine-for boarding Feline Kennel Cough	3 Weeks Distemper-Upper Respiratory 1st Rabies Vaccine 2nd Leukemia Vaccine
11 weeks old	Distemper-Upper Respiratory Intestinal Parasite Exam *Worming	Feline Leukemia Test 1st Leukemia Vaccine Chlamydia Vaccine-for boarding Feline Kennel Cough	2-3 Weeks Distemper-Upper Respiratory 1st Rabies Vaccine 2nd Leukemia Vaccine
12 weeks old	Distemper-Upper Respiratory 1st Rabies Intestinal Parasite Exam *Worming	Feline Leukemia Test 1st Leukemia Vaccine Chlamydia Vaccine-for boarding Feline Kennel Cough	3-4 Weeks 2nd Leukemia Vaccine

* Two wormings (liquid medication) 3-4 weeks apart are necessary to control intestinal parasites.

* If the intestinal parasites exam was positive for parasites, additional wormings will be required.

Why vaccinate?

Many serious infectious diseases of cats can be prevented by vaccination. With over 50 million pet cats in the United States and Canada, your cat is bound to come in contact with an infectious disease at some time. Even indoor cats can be exposed to viruses carried in the air, in dust, or on clothing. Vaccination is an inexpensive protection against costly treatment or even the premature death of your cat.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines for cats work just like vaccines for people. Researchers have been able to change viruses so that they are no longer able to produce sickness and disease. When the safely altered virus is given to your cat, he responds by producing antibodies. These antibodies circulate in your cat's blood, protecting him from infection. Booster shots, or revaccination , should be given annually to continue this protection for your cat's lifetime.

Should I vaccinate my kitten?

As soon as you get a new kitten, it should be vaccinated. Although kittens may receive some disease immunity passed along from their mothers, this protection is unpredictable. Because of this, veterinarians recommend a series of vaccinations to guard a kitten through the early, most susceptible months of life. Ask your veterinarian.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT VACCINATING YOUR CAT

	Vaccination is economical protection against a number of costly and often fatal diseases. Many of these diseases cannot be cured, only prevented.
	Even cats kept indoors can be exposed to infectious diseases and should be vaccinated.
	Vaccination is a preventive measure only. It will not cure existing diseases.
	While kittens may receive temporary immunity from their mothers, this immunity is unpredictable and usually disappears by 9 to 12 weeks of age. Kittens should be vaccinated at this time. Kittens vaccinated prior to this age should be revaccinated after three months to ensure protection.
	Annual revaccination is recommended in most cases.
	Your veterinarian is the most reliable source of information for your cat's health. Don't be afraid to ask questions.