What is the most important thing to know about raising a healthy kitten?
Raising a healthy kitten starts young. We want to ensure they have a good environment full of enrichment to encourage their normal happy behaviors, as well as making sure that we protect them from parasites and keep them current on their vaccines.
How soon should I bring in my new kitten to see a veterinarian?
Your new kitten should come in to see us at least by the time they turn eight weeks of age.
What are the right and wrong ways to pick up my kitten?
You should always try to pick up a kitten by wrapping your arms around the front and the back. Never pick them up by their scruff and try not to grab them around their belly as this can be stressful for kittens.
How can I get the most out of my first vet visit with my new kitten?
Make sure you write down all of your questions so we can answer all of them and you don't forget any of them in the stress of coming in to see us.
What will a veterinarian be looking for during my initial kitten visit?
During the first visit with your kitten, we'll do a thorough physical exam to check for any abnormalities, including any birth defects that may have come, as well as checking for external parasites, any abnormalities with the way their teeth are coming in, and making sure their eyes and ears are nice and clear.
What are some early signs and symptoms of health issues in your kitten?
Early signs of health issues can include any symptoms that indicate illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, wobbliness, inability to make it to the litter box, increased lethargy, and not wanting to play or interact with you.
How can I tell if my kitten is happy and healthy?
You can tell if your kitten is happy and healthy if they play, interact, have a good appetite, and use the litter box regularly.
How should I feed my kitten?
Your kitten should be fed on a meal schedule coordinating with its age of life. Please ask your veterinarian for more information during your first visit.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing possible kitten health problems?
It's important to not diagnose your kitten at home because many symptoms can look the same in a variety of illnesses. It's crucial to treat your kitten early in disease, so if you have any questions, call us immediately.
When should my kitten get vaccinations?
Vaccines in kittens start at 8 weeks of age and are given every 3 weeks until they are at least 4 months old.
What do I need to know about kitten behavior?
It's important to know what behaviors are normal and encourage those to keep your kitten happy and healthy. It's also crucial to know what behaviors may indicate illness.
What vaccinations does my cat need?
There are three core vaccines during the kitten stage. These include the feline distemper, upper respiratory virus complex, feline leukemia virus, and rabies.
What are the non-core vaccines for kittens and why does my kitten need them?
There are no specific non-core vaccines during kitten life. As they become adults, there are other options.
What is the recommended vaccine schedule for kittens?
Kittens should come in every 3 weeks, starting at 8 weeks, until they are at least 16 weeks of age during their last vaccine.
Does my kitten need vaccines if they're only going to stay indoors?
Absolutely. Even indoor kittens are at risk for contracting diseases that we vaccinate against.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with kitten vaccines?
All vaccines come with a potential risk for vaccine reactions. However, they are extremely rare. When seen, they can look like facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
What if my kitten misses a vaccination?
If your kitten misses a vaccine, call us immediately and we'll get them back on track.
Can my kitten go outside if not all vaccinations have been given yet?
It's recommended to keep your cat inside only until the entire vaccine series has been completed to ensure they have immunity.
Why is it important to keep my kitten vaccinated by a veterinarian?
Vaccines given by a licensed veterinarian come with a vaccine warranty. That means if your cat gets the disease we vaccinate for, the company will pay for any treatment. This does not come with vaccines obtained from a feed store or pet store. It's important to ensure the vaccines are given by a licensed veterinarian because we can guarantee safety and efficacy and make sure those vaccines were stored correctly to provide good immunity for your cat.
What kind of preventative care does my kitten need?
In addition to the core vaccines, we recommend all cats have intestinal parasite fecal testing, intestinal parasite deworming, and flea and heartworm prevention year-round for the life of your cat.
When should I get my kitten spayed or neutered?
As a general rule, we recommend spaying or neutering your kitten before they reach six months of age. If you have any questions regarding your kitten's care, please call us at the clinic.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (503) 968-2911, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram