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Kitten Care Information

Kittens are probably the cutest things you can come across, which makes it very tempting to get one without further thought. But with the kitten come serious responsibilities. It is important to fully understand what you are taking on by adopting one. Please read below a list of all your new kitty's health requirements.

Vaccinations

What should your kitten be vaccinated against? We routinely vaccinate against Herpesvirus and Calicivirus (Cat Flu) and Feline Enteritis (F3). We also recommend vaccinating against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) if there is any chance that your cat will be allowed outdoors.

 

When should this be done?

1st F3  vaccination at 8 weeks of age

2nd F3 vaccination at 12 weeks of age (+/- FIV) (+/- FIV at 14 weeks)

3rd F3 vaccination at 16 weeks of age (+/- FIV)

A YEARLY BOOSTER is required to maintain immunity.

 

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Parasite control

There are many different products available, that cover various parasites. More information about each of the parasites is below, but here is a summary of the simplest combination of products to cover intestinal worms, heartworm, fleas and ticks: 

  1. For kittens under 12 weeks, worm with an oral wormer such as Milpro, every fortnight from 2 to 12 weeks of age.

  2. For adult, indoor cats that don’t need tick prevention: Revolution monthly + Popantel (tape wormer) every 3 months.

  3. For adult, outdoor cats: Bravecto Plus every 2 months and Nexgard Spectra monthly (covering ticks, fleas and heartworm), + Drontal or Milpro wormer for intestinal worms every 3 months. Hunting cats, including indoor cats that eat geckos, may need additional tapeworm cover for Spirometra every 3 months.

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Intestinal worming

Roundworm, Hookworm, Tapeworm. Spirometra is a tapeworm that we see in cats who hunt lizards, frogs, insects, or geckos. It may cause vomiting, weight loss and ill thrift. The dose rate for this four times the usual tapeworm dose. Talk to a health care team member if you suspect any of these signs.

Fleas

With a replication rate of up to 50 eggs per day per flea living on your pet, prevention is much better than having to deal with fleas once they are present. If your cat has fleas, your house has fleas! Note that all cats and dogs in the household must be treated for flea control to be effective.

 

Products: Bravecto every 3 months, Bravecto Plus every 2 months, Revolution and Nexgard Spectra monthly.

Ticks

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Ticks can be a real and life-threatening problem all year round. We recommend protection against paralysis tick if your cat spends time outside. Tick prevention has become much easier for cats recently, with the introduction of long-acting spot-on products. It is still a good idea to check your cat over by hand each day – any ticks found can be pulled out. If the ‘head’ is left behind, it will fall out by itself.

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Signs of tick paralysis include:

  • Wobbly back legs

  • Change in voice

  • Gagging/vomiting

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Depression

  • Distress

  • Total collapse

Seek veterinary attention immediately!

 

Products:  Revolution PLUS every month or Bravecto every 3 months, or Bravecto PLUS every 2 months (which also covers for heartworm).  Note that some dog tick preventions for dogs can be LETHAL to cats – if you are not sure, check with one of our staff.

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Desexing

This is performed at 5-6 months of age. Female cats can come into season as early as 5 months of age and are highly fertile! Desexing can help control problems such as fighting, spraying, roaming and unwanted litters. Desexing before the first season also reduces the chance of mammary cancers later on in life, which in cats are usually malignant. There is no advantage for your cat to have a season or a litter before desexing.  Entire male cats will spray urine to mark their territory, wander, fight and are at high risk of contracting FIV - all issues which are significantly reduced in desexed male cats.

Feeding

Use a good quality kitten commercial food (not adult) as these are balanced in all vitamins, minerals and nutrients your growing kitten needs. We recommend premium quality foods such as Hills and Royal Canin. Diet is very important to maintain lifelong kidney health and freedom from bladder problems. The type, frequency, and quantity of food will vary greatly with the age and activity level of your cat. Ad lib feeding (having food available all the time) leads to fussy and overweight cats.

Diet plan:

Up to 3 months old ……3 meals/day

3-6 months old …… 2 meals /day

Over 6 months old …… 2 meals/day

Microchip Implant

It is a legal requirement of Redlands City Council that all cats are microchipped and registered with the council. If your cat has identification, their chances of being reunited with your family are much higher – a collar and tag are important but may be lost, but a microchip is for life! Ask our healthcare team about the simple microchipping procedure.

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Insurance

No matter how much love and care we provide our pets, accidents and illness are beyond our control. We recommend Pet Health Insurance to take the worry out of paying pet health care bills when the unexpected happens. With some procedures and illnesses now costing in the thousands for specialist treatment, having insurance can certainly lead to substantial savings and peace of mind, knowing that you can do the best for your pet should the need arise. Always read the product disclosure statement when deciding which insurance is best suited to your pet and family.

If you have any questions or problems with your new kitten, please do not hesitate to give us a call!

Vaccinations
Ticks, Fleas, and Worming
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