How Do I Prevent Fleas On My Kitten
No matter where you live, fleas may be a threat to your kitten and to your household. Fleas spend a short time on your kitten and then venture out into your home. Adult fleas feed on the cats blood, then hop off their host to lay eggs in the environment. Eggs hatch and the emerging larvae live and feed in your home. Larvae mature into pupae which lie dormant in your carpets, furniture, and floorboards. The pupae eventually hatch into adult fleas. The entire flea life cycle can take as little as 3-4 weeks under ideal conditions in unfavorable conditions, the cycle can take as long as a year. Therefore, it is important to kill fleas on your new kitten before they can become established in your home.
“Many of the flea control products that are safe on dogs are dangerous for kittens.”
Many of the flea control products that are safe on dogs are dangerous for kittens, so consult your veterinarian before choosing a flea control product. There are many safe oral and topical medications that control fleas, treat intestinal worms, and prevent heartworms all at the same time. These products are administered once a month, even in young kittens, and will protect both your cat and your home from fleas. Newer flea prevention products last 3-8 months. For more information on flea control, see the handout Flea Control in Cats.
What Vaccines Do Kittens Need As Required By State Law Rabies
Rabies is the other core vaccine your state will require your kitten to receive. Rabies is a fatal disease that causes fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion. It is spread from many types of wild animals to domestic pets and can be spread to humans. Depending on your state laws and the veterinarian, your kitten can receive this vaccination at about 12 weeks old.
How Kitten Vaccinations Work
Kittens receive a series of vaccines over an 8- to 12-week period beginning at between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Some vaccines might be given together in one injection that is called a combination vaccine. At your kitten’s first veterinary exam, your vet will discuss a vaccination schedule as well as other treatments, such as deworming and beginning parasite prevention.
The vaccine injection itself is typically not very painful. Your kitten may feel a little pinch or sting, but many do not react at all.
At the first vaccine visit, your veterinarian will do an examination before vaccinating your kitten. Vaccines should never be given to a kitten with a fever or illness as the vaccine will not be effective. Giving a vaccine to a sick kitten can actually make her feel worse.
After a vaccine is administered, immunity is not immediate. It takes about seven to 10 days after the second vaccination to become effective. However, kittens with remaining maternal antibodies for that disease will not be affected by the vaccine. There is no way to be certain if a kitten still has maternal antibodies, so boosters are necessary. True immunity is uncertain until about 16 to 18 weeks of age, or until all kitten boosters are completed. Avoid exposing your kitten to unknown animals until all vaccinations have been given.
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Kitten Vaccines Or Primary Course
- If your cat/kitten has never had a vaccine before, they will need *two injections 3-4 weeks apart this is usually at 9 and 12 weeks old.
- They will be fully protected 3-4 weeks after their final injection.
- Protection lasts 1 year, after which theyll need a booster.
*Some kittens need a third injection at 15 weeks.
The Most And Least Expensive Counties For Annual Dog Booster Vaccinations
According to our survey of 165 vets, the most expensive county in England to get an annual booster vaccination for your dog is Berkshire, where the average cost is £64.09. Derbyshire ranks as the cheapest county, with the average booster vaccination costing £29.67.
It was interesting to find that the cost of vaccinating a pet doesnt necessarily track with that areas general cost of living. Scotland and Wales were some of the most expensive areas to vaccinate your puppy or dog, despite having a generally lower cost of living. In contrast, London, known for its high cost of living was not one of the most expensive.
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Are Cat Vaccinations Covered By Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is designed to cover high costs for unexpected injury or illness. So, planned regular care such as vaccinations, flea and worming treatment is not usually covered.
You may, however, be offered lower insurance premiums if your cat is vaccinated, while some insurers may require your cat to be up-to-date with its vaccinations for your policy to be valid so always read terms and conditions carefully and set reminders in your calendar for vaccination dates.
Can You Recommend Something For Pet Identification
All cats should have identification. Even strictly-indoor cats have been known to escape the confines of their safe homes and become lost. Cats often do not tolerate collars well, so ID tags are not the best option for pet identification. The best way to identify your cat is to have your veterinarian insert a microchip under the skin. A microchip, pictured to the right with pennies for scale, is a tiny device that is implanted with a needle much like any other injection. The microchip contains a unique number that you register with a database along with your contact information.
Veterinary hospitals, Humane Societies, and animal shelters have electronic scanners that detect the presence of a microchip and access your cat’s unique identification. Microchips and data registry assist the reunion of cats with their families throughout the United States and Canada. For more details, see handout Microchipping Your Cat.
Adding a kitten to your family is a lot of fun. Remember that kittens are very energetic, so be prepared to build play routines into your daily routine. Discourage play that encourages your kitten to play with your hands directly and offer kitten safe, stimulating toys. Providing your kitten with the health care she needs will set her up for a long, healthy, happy life.
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How Much Do Kitten Shots Cost
Some veterinary clinics offer basic vaccination packages for kittens at least 8 weeks old. You will have to pay around $100 for a package including:
- Physical examination
- FVRCP vaccine
- Deworming
- Rabies
- FIV/FELV test
You will also need to come back for the two booster shots, at 12 and 16 weeks of your kittens life. You will need to pay approximately $20 for the mandatory booster vaccine for the FVRCP.
Thus, you will have to pay about $120 for the basic package and the booster vaccinesthat cover the first 4 months of your felines life.
When Should Kittens Be Vaccinated
Your kitten will need two sets of vaccinations to get them started – their first set at nine weeks old and a second booster set at three months old. After this, kittens and cats usually need ‘booster’ vaccinations once a year.
Until your kitten is fully vaccinated , you should keep him or her inside.
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Previously Vaccinated But Overdue
If your cat has previously been vaccinated, but is overdue their booster, they might have a bit of protection for two to three months after it was due, but after that they will be at risk again. Follow the guidance below until they are fully protected:
- If they are a house cat, continue keeping them indoors and prevent other cats coming into the house.
- Wash your hands after going outside, especially if you have touched any other cats.
- If they go outdoors, but are happy to stay inside, keep them in as much as possible.
- During this time monitor them for stress and allow them outside again if they appear unsettled.
- Stress can be very bad for cat health and cause problems such as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis and blocked bladders.
- Dont keep your cat indoors if they have previously suffered with stress related illness.
Are There Any Risks In Vaccinating Your Cat
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association , any type of medical treatment has associated risks, but the risk must be weighed against the benefits of protecting your pet, family, and community from life-threatening illnesses. The majority of pets respond well to vaccines.
The most common adverse reactions to vaccination are mild and short-term serious reactions are rare. However, a rare but serious side reaction that can occur in cats is tumor growth called sarcomas, which can develop weeks, months, or even years after vaccination. On the other hand, improvements in vaccines and vaccination techniques have considerably reduced the appearance of sarcomas.
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Why Should I Have My Male Cat Neutered
Neutering or castration refers to the complete removal of the testicles in a male cat, and like spaying, offers health advantages:
- Unneutered males are involved in more cat fights than their neutered friends.
- Some male cats go through a significant personality change when they mature, becoming possessive of their territory and marking it with their urine to ward off other cats. Intruding cats that disregard the urine warning may be met with aggression.
- The urine of an unneutered male cat has a very strong odor that is difficult to remove from your house if he marks his territory. Unneutered males will spray inside the house and will have litter box issues.
- Fighting increases the risk of infectious diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia.
- Unneutered males may be less friendly toward their human family members too.
Male cats are usually neutered between 4-6 months of age under general anesthesia. Unless there are complications such as undescended testicles , the cat may go home the same day . Cats with undescended testicles should be neutered too. The testicles still produce testosterone and these cats still act like unneutered males. These cats are at a high risk for developing cancer later in life.
What Vaccinations Should I Make Sure My New Kitten Has
Vaccinating your kitten helps protect their health, making it vital they are placed on the right vaccination programme at the appropriate age.
There are several vaccines available, and in general terms they can be split into two categories:
- Core vaccines
- Non-essential vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all kittens and cats regardless of their lifestyle, whilst non-essential will be recommended depending on the risk of exposure to the specific disease or virus.
Your vet is the best person to recommend the most suitable vaccination programme for your kittens lifestyle.
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Does My Kitten Need Injections Immediately After They Are Born
At birth, kittens are protected by the antibodies passed on by the mother through her rst milk . They face a critical period when the concentration from the mother is no longer enough to protect against viruses but is still high enough to prevent effective vaccination. During this time a kitten is most vulnerable to infection.
Are There Risks Associated With Cat Vaccinations
Cat vaccinations stimulate your kitten or cat’s immune system in order to create protection from specific infectious diseases. This can cause mild symptoms to occur ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. Cat vaccinations can cause other risks like injection site tumors and immune disease, however such incidences are extremely rare and are usually linked to pre-existing genetic and medical conditions. Because of the potential for injection site reactions, we give each vaccine in a specific location that is noted in the cat’s medical record.
The fact is, the rewards of cat vaccinations far outweigh any risks. Cat vaccines have saved countless lives and play a vital role in the battle against feline infectious disease. As with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of negative side effects. In most cases, the risks are much smaller than the risks of disease itself.
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Are Kitten Vaccinations And Cat Vaccinations Necessary
The answer is yes. A kitten or cat owner is responsible for the wellbeing of their feline friend – this includes happiness and longevity of life. Cat vaccinations are integral component in the longevity equation. Kitten vaccinations and cat vaccinations are medically and scientifically proven to prevent various insidious diseases.
Do All Kittens Have Worms
Not all kittens have worms , but most of them do. The same milk that protects nursing kittens from disease and provides nutrition also carries intestinal worms, so drinking mothers milk can transfer worms to young kittens shortly after birth. Infection can occur even earlier – before kittens are born – because some intestinal parasites are transmitted to kittens through the blood stream while they are still in the womb. Since kittens can become infected so early and since intestinal parasites can cause severe illness, treatment needs to begin when the kitten is only a couple of weeks old.
A microscopic examination of a stool sample will identify which worms the kitten is infected with so a specific treatment plan can be prescribed. Since many kittens are infected with the more common intestinal worms, your veterinarian may routinely administer a broad-spectrum dewormer that is safe and effective against several species of intestinal worms. This medication, which kills adult worms, is given every 2-3 weeks to target the most susceptible stage of the worms lifecycle. For other types of intestinal parasites, different medications and treatment intervals are required.
“Not all kittens have worms, but most of them do.”
There are other less common parasites that can infect kittens, such as coccidia and giardia that require special treatment. Both of these parasites can be identified with a stool sample examined under the microscope.
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The Cost Of Puppy Vaccinations
In Britain, we found that the average cost of the primary puppy vaccination package is £68. Most vets didn’t offer the kennel cough vaccine as part of this package. If kennel cough is included in the package, the average cost is £78.
While most clinics we asked charged extra for the kennel cough vaccine as it wasnt a core disease, some clinics offered a discounted rate for the kennel cough vaccine when done at the same time as another vaccine so its worth asking your vet about any discounts if your dog is having a kennel cough vaccine done.
Does Cat Insurance Cover Vaccinations
Most pet insurance policies dont cover vaccinations or other preventative medicine without purchasing a rider . This means your premium will go up, and they may only cover the core vaccines and not any additional ones, Dr. Bonk said. Be sure to read the fine print on any pet insurance policy before purchasing.
While pet insurance policies usually dont cover vaccines, having pet insurance can help tremendously if your cat were to have an emergency and require surgery.
Pet insurance can also help older cats who might be diagnosed with a disease and require special medical care.
Cat vaccinations are an important part of owning a happy and healthy cat. Always consult your veterinarian to make sure youre keeping up with your cat’s shots and that shes getting the ones she needs.
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When Should I Schedule Kitten Vaccinations And Cat Vaccinations
You should schedule your kitten vaccinations as soon as you get your new kitten. Regardless of the age, your new kitten should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important to get a preventive health care plan in place including vaccinations, deworming and flea control. In addition, we will spend time discussing behavioral training to make sure your kitten develops good behaviors and becomes a great pet.
Plan on spending at least thirty minutes at your first visit. This is a great time to get all your questions answered on kitten care and discuss the recommended preventive program with our veterinary team.
An adult cat vaccination schedule, which includes periodic booster immunizations, will be scheduled one year after the kitten vaccination schedule has been completed.
As with any other immunization protocol, a cat vaccination schedule should be adhered to without deviation, in order to ensure your cat remains healthy and well for the duration of his or her life. We cannot control all health issues but we can prevent the majority of infectious disease with the proper vaccine schedule.
What Is The Best Vaccination Schedule
Kittens surely have a course of three vaccinations, normally given 4 weeks apart:
- 6 8 Weeks First Vaccination Temporary
- 10 12 Weeks Booster Vaccination
- 14 16 Weeks Final Vaccination
Adult cats require an annual vaccination booster for life. Your vet clinic will send you a reminder a few weeks before your cat is due for their yearly booster.
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Can I Trim My Kitten’s Toenails
Kittens have very sharp toenails that can wreak havoc on cat owners and their furniture. You can trim your kittens nails with your regular fingernail clippers or with nail trimmers specifically designed for cats, but you must do so carefully. If you take too much off the nail, you will cut into the quick which will result in bleeding and pain.
Here are a few helpful pointers:
- Cats often have clear or white nails, so you can see the pink quick through the nail. This is a small pink triangle visible near the base of the nail. If you avoid this pink area, you should be safely away from the quick.
- When cutting toenails, use sharp trimmers. Dull trimmers tend to pinch or crush the nail and cause pain even if you are not in the quick. A good set of human nail trimmers are often sufficient. Many larger clippers meant for dogs do not trim cats nails well and can cause splintering of the nails.
- Have styptic powder on hand in case bleeding occurs. These products can be purchased from pet stores or your veterinarian. In an emergency, a bar of soap can be used to help stop the bleeding.
- Playing with your kittens feet and rewarding her with treats after nail trims is a good way to help encourage good behavior for future nail trims.
If you are unsure about trimming your kittens nails, ask your veterinary healthcare professionals for help. They can teach you how to make the procedure easy and painless for you and your kitten.