Kitten Information
Buying and raising a kitten is an exciting time which can be quite involved and demanding. In the next few paragraphs we have put together some points to help you raise a healthy and energetic cat.
This is one of the most important things that has to be done for your kitten. Core vaccinations cover Feline Enteritis and the two viral components of Feline Respiratory Disease. There are also vaccinations available for Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline “Core” Vaccines
Feline Respiratory Disease - this infection is known as “cat flu” and is caused by a number of viruses and other pathogens, however the majority of infections are due to Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and/or Feline Herpesvirus (FHV). The symptoms of infection can include sneezing, coughing, discharge from the eyes and nose, a loss of appetite and sometimes ulcers on the tongue and eyes. This can lead to severe dehydration and debilitation and in severe cases pneumonia and death. These viruses are easily spread through direct contact between cats, or through contaminated food bowls, bedding or a person’s hands. After recovery the infected cat may become a carrier of the virus and infect other cats for months afterwards. We recommend vaccination against both FCV & FHV for both indoor and indoor/outdoor cats.
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Enteritis) - Onset of this disease is very rapid; symptoms include high temperature, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea and rapid weight loss. Fatalities are common. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing disease. We also recommend vaccination for both indoor and indoor/outdoor cats.
Feline “Non-core” Vaccines
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) - this virus causes serious illness. The initial clinical signs include fever and gastrointestinal signs of vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus also attacks the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infection and prone to developing certain types of cancers. We recommend vaccination against FeLV for any cat that is not exclusively kept indoors.
Feline Chlamydia – is a bacterial infection that causes mild prolonged symptoms of conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. Chlamydia can be treated with medications but can be difficult to clear completely. We only recommend Chlamydia vaccinations in those in high risk environments (i.e. regular cattery visits, multi-cat households)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - this blood borne viral infection interferes with the immune system, and initial symptoms such as fever, sores, lesions and diarrhoea, progress to severe chronic infections as the immune system is overcome. There is no treatment or cure for the virus itself. Vaccination is available and may be recommended by your veterinarian if your cat is considered to be at risk.
Intestinal worms can be a significant cause of your kitten not growing as well as it could and may also be a significant cause of blood loss in your kitten that will make him/her weak and more susceptible to disease.
We recommend you use Felex Plus Worming Paste or Troy Puppy & Kitten Worming Syrup, once a week until 6 weeks of age and then once fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. It is then recommended that you use Drontal Allwormer tablets or Felex Plus Worming Paste once a month to 6 months of age. After this you cat should be wormed every 3 months, for life.
Heartworm is now recognized as a cause of death in cats. As yet there is no easy way to diagnose or treat heartworm in cats, so the best way to deal with the situation is to prevent them from ever getting the disease. Revolution or Advocate spot on used once monthly as a preventative, starting from 6 weeks of age, and given for life.
- FEEDING
Your kitten should be fed a well balanced diet. We recommend a premium commercial diet such as Royal Canin. It is not recommended to feed your kitten raw meat or dairy products.
Unless you are serious about breeding you should have your kitten sterilized when it is between 5 -6 months of age. This will prevent a lot of unwanted kittens and possibly large medical expenses. Sterilisation at this early age may also help to prevent nasty habits, like spraying, in male cats. It will also help to prevent you cat from straying away from home in search of a mate later in life. Female cats are spayed and male cats are castrated. Cats can be dropped off first thing in the morning, at the clinic and are ready to be picked up the same evening.
Fleas can be a constant cause of irritation and discomfort to your kitten or cat if they are not treated. If left untreated they can cause the development of flea allergy dermatitis and even anaemia through blood loss. There are a myriad of different products available to treat fleas, however you must be sure that whatever product you use is safe for use on young animals.
For further information on these or any other topics, please phone either clinic, or ask at reception the next time you are at the clinic.
In Western Australia, all cats are now required by law to be microchipped, sterilised and registered with your local council.
Microchipping is a common, safe procedure which is routinely performed at our clinic. A microchip is a tiny Radio Frequency Identification Device, which can be implanted in an animal for identification purposes. They resemble a small, metallic grain of rice in appearance.
Each microchip contains a unique number, which is linked to the owner’s information and contact details on a computer database. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters and animal control officers are able to scan this number to identify an animal.
Our Midland & Drovers Vet Hospitals are both accredited ISFM Cat Friendly Clinics.
The Cat Friendly Clinic programme is an internationally recognised assessment accreditation scheme which is open to any veterinary practice that cares for feline patients. There are certain requirements regarding design, equipment and facilities within the clinic, which must be met to achieve the standard. The clinic must also demonstrate that a high quality of care is provided to cats and that all staff understand cats and their needs in a clinic.
The benefit to the clinic is that not only will the scheme help to improve the clinical care of feline patients but may also increase the number of clients who are actively seeking a cat friendly clinic for their pet.