So you’ve got a new furry, frolicking kitten. How exciting! It can’t be all fun and games, though. You’ve got to take care of your new kitten’s medical needs. What you do now can have a great effect on your kitten’s continued health and longevity in the future.
Basic Medical Care Plan for a Kitten
Depending on where you get your kitten, the organization may help you out with some of this early care, like we do here at Atlanta Humane. The specifics you want to cover are core vaccines, vaccine boosters, deworming, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. So, let’s take a deeper look to understand the importance of all of these.
Core Vaccines and Boosters
Kittens need two core vaccines – rabies and FVRCP. Yes, even if you plan on keeping your kitten inside 100% of the time, these two vaccines are essential to their health.
Most (if not all) states require a rabies vaccination, and the best time to give this is around 3-4 months old. Speak with your vet care team to decide the best route. Some veterinarians will administer a vaccine every year, while others prefer the three-year vaccine. Even indoor cats need rabies vaccines, so don’t overlook this one.
The other core vaccine is FVRCP. This one vaccine provides protection for your kitten from three contagious, life-threatening feline diseases:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1)
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)
Kittens have weak immune systems after their initial antibodies from birth and their mother’s milk have worn off. They’re susceptible to disease and, because of their fragile state, these diseases can be fatal. A vaccine given at the right time can be lifesaving.
Your kitten should get their first FVRCP vaccination at around 6 to 8 weeks old. They’ll need a booster shot every 3-4 weeks until they’re 16-20 weeks old. After that, they’ll need one in about a year, then again every three years. It’s crucial to follow the vaccine schedule to gain the most protection.
Deworming
When kittens are nursing, they are getting antibodies and protection from their mom’s milk. But when they stop, they become susceptible to disease and parasites. Deworming needs to begin when they’re 4-6 weeks old, with follow-up at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and every 4 weeks until they’re 6 months old. This schedule mimics the lifespan of worms, so both parasitic larvae and adults are killed.
It’s important to know that deworming kills active infections. Once your kitten is old enough, you’ll want to begin preventative care for worms and parasites.
Spay and Neuter
Kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as 8 weeks old. If you are adopting your kitten, many organizations either complete this for you, provide a certificate for a discounted service, or require that you sign a contract promising to take them at a later date when the organization sets it up for you. With the high number of homeless and unwanted animals, it’s crucial to spay and neuter.
You can read more about the reasons to spay and neuter your pet here. Not only does it prevent unwanted kittens and puppies, but it can also add to your pet’s health and well-being throughout life. This is a safe procedure with a relatively easy recovery.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a simple process that can help you locate your cat if they ever get lost. A rice-sized chip is typically inserted between your kitten’s shoulders and is then connected to a number in a database, which you’ll register with the agency. This small chip can save your pet’s life if they slip out of your home or get lost. The database houses all of your contact info so once the cat is scanned, you can be contacted. If you move, don’t forget to follow up on a change of information.
Kitten care for a lifetime
It may seem like your new kitten is always needing this vaccine or that procedure. But it’s your job as a pet owner to help your new friend have the healthiest, happiest, and safest life possible.
You can often find low-cost clinics to help out with this, or you can talk to your vet for an even more specialized care and financial plan. The basic medical plan will set your kitten on the right path for a healthy life. Then the fun can begin!