ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, July 14, 1996 TAG: 9607150003
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-9 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Claws & Paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: I am getting a 6-week-old kitten for my wife's birthday next month. I was wondering what, if any, veterinary treatment it ought to have. We have had cats before, but as our last lived until he was 18 years old, we have not dealt with a kitten for many years. I'd appreciate any advice you can give me.
A: You should have your new kitten examined by your veterinarian to check for signs of disease or parasites. You do not say where you will obtain the kitten, but it should be from a private home and not a pet shop, as pet shops are often sources of infectious diseases. Your veterinarian will check the kitten's temperature, look for signs of fleas, ear mites and ringworm, as well as check its overall health and liveliness. Young kittens need a series of shots to protect them from common diseases, such as feline herpes virus and other diseases. For the best immune response, the injections are given at 3-4 week intervals from the age of 8-9 weeks to 14-16 weeks.
The initial rabies vaccination is given at 16 weeks, and a booster for all the shots is required one year later. There is also a vaccination against feline leukemia. It is expensive, but I recommend it if your kitten will be going outdoors. A vaccine against feline infectious peritonitis exists, but there is some controversy over its effectiveness, and many veterinarians do not recommend it. Be guided by your veterinarian with regard to this vaccine and the new ringworm vaccine. This has not been available for very long and is not yet available in all states. It is so new that there is little data on how effective it is.
All cats should be vaccinated, even strictly indoor ones. Cats may escape or be let out inadvertently. Some diseases use mice, fleas or other insects as vectors and do not require the presence of other cats.
A useful schedule for vaccinations and worming follows, but be guided by your own veterinarian, who will know what is best for your particular needs and locality.
6 weeks - Fecal exam and general health check
9-10 weeks - feline herpes virus and other vaccines; test for feline leukemia ; fecal exam
12-14 weeks - Leukemia vaccination; rabies vaccine; fecal exam
6 months - Leukemia vaccine; fecal exam
12 months - Fecal exam
16 months - Vaccine annual booster; leukemia vaccine annual booster; rabies vaccine boosters according to manufacturers directions; fecal exam done annually.
At the time of your cat's annual booster vaccination, make sure that it also has an annual physical exam where your veterinarian will check your cat for:
Teeth and gums; ears for mites and/or other problems; ringworm; weight, heart rate and temperature; eyes for normal pupil response and normal retinal appearance; fecal exam for worms; booster shots; standard blood work (optional).
Most kittens will have round worms, which will be confirmed on the fecal exam. Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct medicine and dosage for your kitten. This is more effective than over-the-counter products. I have three cats, which are a source of great joy, so I know you will love your new kitten. I hope it too lives to a ripe old age.
If you have a question for Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of the New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to: newriverinfi.net
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