The most dangerous diseases of cats, resulting in thousands of deaths annually are:

·         Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - vaccine series recommended for all kittens, then boosters for cats that go outside at any time, even briefly.

·         Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) - vaccine is available but not recommended.

·         Feline AIDS (FIV) - most commonly passed via bite wounds, vaccine is available but not recommended.

·         Feline distemper (Panleukopenia) - kitten series of 3-4 doses, 1st annual, then every 3 years (part of FVRCP)

·         Rhinotracheitis (Herpes virus) - kitten series of 3-4 doses, 1st annual, then every 3 years. (part of FVRCP)
Calici Virus Infection - kitten series of 3-4 doses, 1st annual, then every 3 years.  (part of FVRCP)

·         Rabies - annual vaccine, required by law.
 

        In the 90's, it was first noted that 1 in 5,000 - 1 in 10,000 cats develop a tumor at injection sites (vaccines as well as other injections).  The adjuvants in vaccines are part of the culprit as well a genetic predisposition, so we use all available non-adjuvanted vaccines for your cat to minimize the risk of this tumor to your cat.  We also vaccinate under the skin in your cat's lets or through the needle-less transdermal methos and give vaccines in the same place each year, when possible, to best monitor your cat in the rare case that a lump develops.  It is normal for your cat to develop a lump after vaccination as long as it resolves in 4 weeks.  Please notify us of any lumps still present after 4 weeks.

 

·         RABIES VACCINATION: is given at 3-4 months of age, then annually with other vaccines above.

·          INTESTINAL PARASITES:  Worms and protozoa.. a stool (bowel movement) sample less than 24 hours old is needed to check for these parasites. Some parasites are infective to people and other animals so treating the kitten for them is very important. 
SPAYING FEMALES: (ovariohysterectomy) Preferably between 5-6 months of age. before the 1^st heat cycle.

·         NEUTERING MALES: (castration) Preferably between 5-6 months of age.

·         DECLAWING:  If desired, can be done at 16 weeks of age.  It is most convenient at the time of spaying/neutering.
TEETH and GUMS: Periodially look into our kitty's mough and note the appearance of all teeth.  An accumulation of green, brown, yellow or grey material, indicating harmful plaque. Redness along the gums next to the teeth is gingivitis.  Either of these signs, means your kitty’s teeth need special cleaning. Teeth and gum disease means a likely painful and shortened life-span since liver, kidney or heart valve disease originating from infected gums and tooth roots can occur. Periodontal disease is very common in cats as early as 2 years of age.  Ask us about home dental care. 
HEARTWORMS: A parasitic disease with no treatment.  Cats become infected by a mosquito bite.  Highly fatal, and the 1st symptom our cat may show is suden death.  Monthly HWP is recommended (Revolution, Heartguard)
 FLEA and TICK CONTROL: Fleas and ticks can cause serious disease. Monthly prescription strength topical products are recommended. (Frontline Plus or Revolution)