Feline Vaccinations, Neutering and Declawing
Vaccinations
FVRCP (Rhinotracheitis, Calici virus, Panleukopenia)
(Commonly called Distemper)
Boosters are started at 6-8 weeks of age and are given at 3-4 week intervals until the kitten is 14-20 weeks of age. This vaccination is updated yearly.
Rabies
Given at 14-16 weeks of age and updated yearly.
FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Recommended for cats that have exposure to other cats and required by some kennels and groomers. Given at 9 weeks of age or older. A single booster is required 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccination and updated yearly.
Neutering and Spaying
Cats may be neutered or spayed anytime after 4-6 months of age. It is best to spay females before they have their first heat; although they may be spayed while in heat or even while pregnant (there is a slight additional fee). Males should be neutered before they start any spraying behavior. Surgeries are scheduled for Monday through Thursday. Drop-off time is between 7:00 – 8:00 AM and pick-up is anytime between 4:30 PM and closing time (Mon. 7 PM; Tue. – Fri. 6 PM). Most cats are slightly sleepy the evening of surgery but no special care is needed. We will give a detailed aftercare sheet to go home that should help ease any anxiety.
Declawing
Declawing may be done anytime after the first vaccinations are given. The younger and smaller the cat the better their recovery time, but there is no age limit. Many people elect to have declawing done at the same time as neutering. Surgery days and drop-off times are the same as above but pick-up is the following day after 10 AM.
Fecal Exam
We recommend testing your cat’s stool for parasites at the first visit and then once every year at vaccination time to keep your cat healthy inside and out.
Roundworms
This parasite can be transmitted from the mother to her kittens before birth or during nursing. The thin, spaghetti-like parasite, about five inches long, can cause a potbellied appearance. The larvae migrate through a kitten’s body and are sometimes seen in feces.
Hookworms
The hookworm can be transmitted from mother to kittens before birth and during nursing. This worm fastens itself to the walls of the cat’s small intestine,
Tapeworms
In larva form, this parasite usually enters a cat’s body when he swallows a flea; but rodents can also be a source of tapeworm. It seldom causes obvious symptoms, but visible segments can be found in the feces of an infected animal.