Kitten's First Visit: What You Should Know Right Meow!

We've taken an in-depth look at what your first puppy visit entails. But what about the first time kitten owners? This is for you! From vaccinations, fecal flotations and FIV/FeLV testing I hope to break down what all of this means to the first time owner.

Now if you're a pro and have owned a kitten before, you know the purpose of FIV/FeLV testing (hopefully it was explained to you by your technician and/or veterinarian). This is probably the FIRST thing that any clinic will want to do to insure safety for other cats you may have and for your new kitten. It involves collecting 2-3 drops of blood and using a "snap test" that will test for the presence of FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: comparable to AIDS in humans) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus: "named because of the way it behaves in the blood cells" (Cornell University). If you're a first kitten owner, the reason we test for this is because it is highly contagious to other cats that come in contact with a cat that is infected.
*FIV/FeLV will be discussed in depth in a future blog!

As with puppies, vaccinations are of utmost importance when it comes to building your kittens immune system and ensuring quality health. Here is a list of the vaccines that are recommended by your veterinarian:
Age                                             Vaccine
6 weeks                                      Testing for FIV/FeLV
                                                   1st FVRCP (Distemper,
                                                   Rhinotrachetitis, Calici,
                                                   Chlamydia)
9 weeks                                      2nd FVRCP
                                                   1st Leukemia if appropriate
12 weeks                                    Final FVRCP
                                                   2nd Leukemia

As stated, all of these vaccinations are recommended by veterinarians to help ensure quality health of your kitten.

A fecal float would be the final thing we would do to your kitten for this visit. This would test for whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms. As we do with puppies, we would give a basic dewormer to your kitten. After the fecal float has been read under the microscope, the doctor will tell you the results and give you any medication needed.

If you get a new kitten friend, please don't hestitate to call and schedule an appointment with Tenth St. Animal Hopsital. We would love to meet you and your new friend!

I'm talkin' to the doctor lady.

I'm a very adventurous kitty

I came in for my first kitten visit today (11/1/14). I was found underneath my owners car. I am a boy but don't have a name yet. My owners want to get to know me first and see my personality. I have gotten off to a good start to become a healthy adult cat!

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

Noelle