Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience! To ensure your furry companion grows into a happy, healthy cat, it’s important to establish good veterinary care and preventive health measures early on. Here are some essential kitten health tips from Animal Medical Center (AMC) in Morgantown, WV.
Feline Leukemia & FIV Testing
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are both tragically common, highly contagious, and potentially fatal diseases. Testing your kitten for these illnesses is a crucial first step at your initial veterinary visit. Until your kitten has been tested, keep them separate from any other cats in your home to prevent potential transmission.
Comprehensive Veterinary Exams
Routine veterinary care is the foundation of lifelong health. Your kitten’s first exam should be scheduled as soon as possible after adoption. If possible, plan to visit AMC on your way home from the adoption center or breeder.
Kittens require multiple veterinary visits to ensure they receive appropriate vaccines and preventive care. In general, they should have exams every three weeks until they have completed their kitten wellness series at 16 weeks of age (or older).
Parasite Prevention: Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms
Fleas and ticks are a year-round problem in Morgantown. Beyond being annoying, they can transmit serious diseases as well as intestinal parasites like tapeworms.
Avoid over-the-counter flea and tick products, as they can be ineffective and potentially toxic.
Start monthly flea and tick prevention at 8 weeks of age.
Begin monthly heartworm prevention between 8 and 12 weeks of age to protect against deadly heartworm disease.
Deworming & Intestinal Parasite Control
Most kittens are born with intestinal parasites, which can be passed from their mother during pregnancy or nursing.
Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until they are three months old, ideally starting at two weeks of age.
After completing the initial series, monthly deworming is recommended, typically using a heartworm preventative that also controls intestinal parasites.
Fecal exams help determine the most effective deworming medication for your kitten.
Spaying & Neutering
Kittens should be spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months of age unless you plan to breed them. This procedure prevents numerous health issues, including certain cancers and infections, while also reducing behavioral problems. Spaying and neutering can add years to your cat’s life expectancy.
Dental Care: Protect Those Pearly Whites!
Good dental hygiene is key to your kitten’s overall health. Get your kitten accustomed to daily tooth brushing early on to help prevent dental disease later in life.
Microchipping & Identification
A microchip, registered with a national database, is a permanent form of identification that greatly increases the chances of being reunited with your pet if they are lost or stolen. While a microchip can be implanted at any time, AMC typically performs this procedure at the time of spay or neuter. Also, don’t forget to use an ID tag on your kitten’s collar!
Final Thoughts
Providing your kitten with proper veterinary care and preventive treatments sets them up for a lifetime of good health. At Animal Medical Center, we are here to help guide you through every step of your kitten’s health journey. Call us today to schedule your new kitten’s first exam and give them the best start in life!
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