Just like babies, kittens require a couple trips to the vet during the first four months of life to be sure that they stay healthy. At these visits we have the opportunity to get you started on the right track and to answer all of your kitten questions.
Expect to come see us every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16 weeks old
Why? Your kitten’s mother provided antibodies to help protect him from several viral and bacterial infections during the first few weeks of life. Sometime between 6 and 16 weeks those antibodies will deteriorate and your kitten will be able to generate his own antibodies. Since we do not know exactly when this will happen in each individual kitten, we must vaccinate every 3-4 weeks to catch that point when mom’s antibodies are gone and he can start to generate his own antibodies. The maternal antibodies are largely gone by 16 weeks of age.
Expect to talk about poop – and to bring some along to each visit!
Kittens are often infected with hookworms and roundworms during gestation and when nursing. Therefore we deworm kittens every 4 weeks and also evaluate the stool microscopically to look for other intestinal parasites. We need about a tablespoon for testing.
Expect to discuss your kitten’s lifestyle as an adult!
Envision the activities and travel plans you may have for your kitten over the next few years. Will he be allowed outside? Will he need to be boarded or go to the groomer? We will help plan the vaccination and preventatives you may need to keep your kitten healthy for all those things!
Expect to start MONTHLY LIFELONG flea, heartworm, and intestinal parasite protection!
Many new pet owners do not realize that most preventatives are given on a monthly basis and doses are based on weight. We will start you on the right track and will send home the appropriate doses as your kitten grows.
Expect to discuss whether you plan to spay/neuter, or breed.
We will go over the benefits and risks, appropriate age for surgery, and answer any other questions you have.
Kittens are often a highlight in our day and we can’t wait to meet your new family member! Make sure you come prepared with all of the questions you have!
