Kitten Veterinary Care at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital
Between 9 and 12 weeks of age, kittens lose the disease protection they received from their mothers and develop the ability to form their own immunity. It is important to have your kitten vaccinated to help prevent infection and to keep him or her healthy.
Physical exams—The doctors at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital will give your little one a complete physical exam. Kittens should have three to four exams between the ages of 8–16 weeks in order to assess your pet’s overall health and to administer vaccines.
Vaccinations—Kittens must receive a series of properly staged vaccines. We tailor our vaccination recommendations based on lifestyle, breed, and according to AAHA’s suggested guidelines.
Diagnostic testing—We recommend that kittens be tested for intestinal parasites as well as feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at their first visit.
Additional recommendations—We will also discuss and recommend other services, such as spaying, neutering, and microchipping that can lead to a longer and healthier life.
Vaccination Recommendations for Cats
| VACCINATION | CLINICAL SIGNS | INFO | VACCINE IS GIVEN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panleukopenia (feline distemper) | Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, compromised immune system | A debilitating, often fatal virus, highly contagious among unvaccinated cats | See below |
| Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) (upper respiratory virus) | Fever, sneezing, eye discharge, mouth ulcers, and decreased appetite | Very common, especially in areas where there are a lot of cats (example: animal shelters) | See below |
| Calicivirus (upper respiratory virus) | Sneezing, fever, eye discharge, mouth ulcers, and decreased appetite | Very common, especially in areas where there are a lot of cats (example: animal shelters) | See below |
| The above three vaccines are grouped together as FVRCP. The vaccine series begins at 8 weeks of age and is boostered every three weeks until 14–16 weeks of age. Kittens must receive two vaccines to be protected if under 6 months of age. | |||
| VACCINATION | CLINICAL SIGNS | INFO | VACCINE IS GIVEN |
| Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) | Signs are varied, and may include sneezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, recurrent fevers, anemia, and non-healing wounds | A highly contagious virus found mainly in saliva; spread from cat to cat by grooming, sneezing, biting, and sharing bowls | Given to all kittens as a series of two vaccines, starting as early as 11 weeks, three weeks apart. It can be given as early as 8 weeks of age. After the first year, the vaccine is boostered for any cat that will spend time outdoors or have contact with a cat that goes outdoors. Must receive two vaccines to be protected. |
| Rabies | Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, neurological signs | Fatal virus that affects the nervous system | Vaccination is required by Virginia state law given between 12 and 16 weeks of age. As long as the owner has proof that their pet has had a rabies vaccine in the past (record from a vet), any vaccine we give will be considered a three-year vaccine. |
