CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW KITTEN!
Welcome to Christian County Veterinary Service! Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your new pet. We hope to provide you with complete and progressive care for the lifetime of your kitten! Please use this guide as a reference for the information we will be discussing over the next few visits.
VACCINATING
Many feline diseases can be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule can greatly contribute to good health & a longer life span for your cat. The diseases for which we currently recommend vaccinating for are outlined on the back. We recommend that kittens start vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age. Repeat booster vaccines are necessary for the body’s immune system to develop immunity to the disease itself.
VACCINATIONS:
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6 Weeks -- FVRCP, Deworming
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9 Weeks -- FVRCP, Deworming
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12 Weeks -- FVRCP, RV
Feline Leukemia
may be given based on your pet's environment.
DEWORMING - FELV/FIV - FLEA/TICK PREVENTION
Deworming - Frequent deworming is recommended for kittens, as they are ideal hosts for parasites. Based on your cat's exposure and environment, we can advise as to the frequency of deworming adult cats. Inside cats may need to be dewormed less often than those that live outside, especially hunting cats.
Feline Leukemia Virus/Feline Immunodeciency Virus - Knowing the presence of either of these viruses can be crucial for the health of your cat. Both diseases are widespread & can cause a compromised immune system, making infected cats more susceptible to secondary infections.
For the majority of cats we recommend testing for FeLV/FIV. Testing can best be done at 12 weeks of age or older, & negative tests may need to be conrmed weeks later. It is also important to understand that a positive diagnosis may not cause your cat to become sick. Both viruses can be dormant for months to years, allowing your cat to live a perfectly healthy life. We do discourage infected cats from outdoor contact with other cats, realizing that they can infect others via direct contact & by bite wounds.
Fleas & ticks are not only a nuisance to you & your pet, they can also carry some harmful diseases. We recommend starting your kitten on a monthly prevention & will discuss which products may work best for your cat’s environment and lifestyle.
EMERGENCY
We currently do not offer after hours small animal emergency services. If an emergency
were to arise, please contact the Emergency Clinic of Southwest Missouri.
417-890-1600
400 S Glenstone Ave
Springfield, MO 65802
www.evcspringfield.com
KITTEN VACCINE SCHEDULE
FELINE VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS
FVR is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type-1. It is a major cause of upper respiratory disease and conjunctivitis in cats. It is transmitted via direct contact with infected cats.
PANLEUKOPENIA
Panleukopenia is a disease caused by a parvovirus. A similar but distinct virus aects dogs. Symptoms vary but can include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cats can become infected through all secretions, particularly feces.
CALICIVIRUS
Calicivirus is another common cause of upper respiratory disease in cats. Additionally, it can cause oral ulcerations. Severity of infection can vary widely due to the many dierent strains of the virus. Mode of transmission is mostly by airborne secretions and saliva.
FELINE LEUKEMIA
FeLV is one of the most important viruses aecting cats. It attacks and suppresses the immune system. Immunocompromised animals can become anemic and develop several types of cancer. Infected cats can transmit the disease through prolonged direct contact, and kittens can also contract the virus in utero or through the milk.
RABIES
One of the world’s most publicized & feared diseases, rabies is always fatal. Rabies virus attacks the nervous system, & is transmitted chiefly through the bite of an infected animal.
RECOMMENDED: Spay/ Neuter at 5-6 months
MICROCHIP: If lost, a microchip recovery system ensures the best possible chance of getting your dog back home to you. Ask our staff for more information!