Kitten Care
Congratulations on your new kitten! Kittenhood is the purrfect time to build healthy habits and routines.
Below are the most recent vaccine guidelines for kittens. Discuss with your veterinarian the recommended vaccines based on your cat’s lifestyle:
Distemper and Upper Respiratory Vaccine (FVRCP)
At least two doses every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is at least 16-20 weeks old. This vaccine requires a booster in one year and then repeated every 3 years.
Leukemia Vaccine
Two doses 3-4 weeks apart when the kitten is at least 8 weeks old. This requires a booster every year to two years. Check with your veterinarian for their recommendation.
Rabies Vaccine
Given when your kitten is at least 3 months old. A booster is needed every year to three years depending on the vaccine used at your practice. Ask your veterinarian what they recommend for your cat.
Cats are genetically programmed to hide illness and injuries.
Cats and kittens have very subtle signs of illness and injury because they are the only companion animals that are solitary hunters, as well as being both predators and prey. Your veterinarian should check your cat whenever you see subtle and more obvious signs including:
- visible limp
- frequent vomiting
- new lump
- subtle changes in grooming
- behavioral changes
- sleeping more
- appetite changes
- change in elimination of urine and stool
- personality changes
- weight loss
- increase in water consumption
- increased coughing