OUR KITTEN PROGRAM

Kitten Wellness Packages
There are two different vaccination packages available for your new kitten. The one you choose depends upon the age of your kitten and how many distemper vaccines it will need to complete its series. Kittens should be vaccinated for distemper starting at weaning, and boostered every 3-4 weeks after until they are at least 12 weeks old. The rabies vaccine is given when they are at least 12 weeks old, usually in conjunction with the last distemper vaccine.

Kitten Plan 2: For kittens 8 weeks old and up to 1 year of age;
Includes 2 Distemper Vaccines.

Kitten Plan 3: For kittens less than 8 weeks of age;
Includes 3 Distemper Vaccines.

Both Plans Include the Following:

• Telephone consultations about medical/behavioral problems for a year
• Kitten Care Kit
• Rabies Vaccine
• Stool examination (and one recheck if necessary)
• Nemex 2 Deworming Medication

A spay, neuter and/or FeLV/FIV blood test may be added at an additional savings to both packages which requires payment in full at the time of purchase.

Also if you purchase a wellness package we are offering the following services at a savings of 10% for the first year.

• Feline leukemia Vaccine
• Monthly Flea and Tick products
• The first year stool sample

What is Felv/Fiv Virus and how can it Affect My New Kitten?

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline lukemia virus (FeLV) infections are major causes of death in cats.

How the Viruses Spread

Both viruses are spread contagiously from cat to cat, and surveys show that up to 15 percent of sick cats are infected with the viruses. But even healthy cats may harbor infection and spread viruses to other cats. In some cats, signs of disease may not become apparent until weeks, months or even years after they first become infected with FIV or FeLV. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline lukemia virus (FeLV) infections are major causes of death in cats. FIV is typically spread when one cat bites another; rarely does an infected mother infect her kittens. FeLV is spread when the saliva or urine of an infected cat comes in contact with another cat. This can happen when cats groom each other, or when they share food and water bowls or litter boxes. It can also be transmitted in utero from mother to kittens.

Why You Should Have Your Cat Tested
Early detection of infection will help you not only maintain the health of your own cat, but will allow you to prevent spreading infection to other cats. Fortunately, it is usually quite simple to diagnose infection. A small blood sample is all that’s needed, and we perform the test right in the clinic. You’ll get the result of our “in-house” test in minutes, allowing you to know the results before leaving the clinic.

Yearly Stool Sample Checks
People can get roundworms and hookworms from dogs and cats. Infections transmitted from animals to people are called zoonotic infections. Having your kitten tested for intestinal parasites (with a stool sample) at an early age is very important. The Center for Disease Control recommends annual stool sample exams on all pets because of the risk of zoonotic infections.

Kitten Care Tips
Kittens are furry bundles of energy, and can bring much enjoyment to your home. There are a few basic things it is important to know about their care.

First and foremost, you need to introduce them to the litter box. This comes fairly naturally for most, but it is important to initially confine them to a small room with the litter box to get them acclimated. The box should be scooped at least daily, with the litter changed weekly, and the box itself cleaned with each change of litter. There are many types of litter available, and some can be very finicky about what kind they will use. If you find one that your cat seems to like, it is best to stick with it, as switching types may cause your kitten to find other places to eliminate.

Gradually allow your kitten more freedom around the house over the first few weeks. If you are have other cats in the house, they may need to be supervised initially and separated when you are away. There will likely be hissing and spitting at first, but most cats eventually learn to tolerate each other, if not play together.

Many kittens do well with free-choice feeding, or having good quality kitten food available at all times. As they get older and the growing slows down, around six to eight months, it is important to start limiting the feedings to smaller amounts. This may mean putting specific amounts down 2-3 times daily. Some cats will eat everything you put in front of them, and have periods where they cry for food. Some cats that are strictly indoors become food-obsessed and are prone to obesity, so restricting the feedings are important to prevent the obesity from setting in. Other ways of preventing obesity include providing plenty of toys, and hiding small bits of food around the house to help enrich the environment and bring out some natural hunting instincts.

Bringing the New Kitten Home
Enriching your kitten’s environment can lead to many behavioral and health benefits for the life of you cat. There has been much research into how simple things like drinking fountains and window perches can help prevent many behavioral and health problems. There is a website that explains ways to enhance your cat’s life and enrich the human-pet bond.
Check out www.vet.ohio -state.edu/indoorcat.hmt for more information.