KITTEN TIPS AND CARE

We generally see kittens for their first exam at or around eight weeks of age. We ask that you bring all relevant paperwork (vaccine/medical history), as well as a fresh stool sample to check for any intestinal parasites. At this first visit, your kitten will receive a complete physical exam, any necessary vaccinations, deworming medication, and a kitten kit that contains information about litter box training, flea/tick medications, and a free sample of flea medication. We will also instruct you on proper nail-trimming technique. New kitten visits are 30 minute appointments to allow plenty of time for any questions you may have about the newest addition to your family. Subsequent kitten visits are at 12 and 16 weeks of age. Two of the three kitten visits should be with a doctor.

At Milford Animal Hospital, we can not stress enough the importance of annual exams, especially for cats. Even if your pet is not due for a vaccination, it is essential to have your pet examined from head to tail every year. A lot can change in a year, especially when the average life span of a dog or cat is less than 13 years. Cats are especially skilled at hiding illnesses, often times until it’s too late to treat. Call us today to schedule your pet’s next visit.

If your pet is having an emergency, call the hospital immediately at 203.878.7471. If you have an emergency after hours, click the EMERGENCY link above for contact information for the closest emergency center.

At Milford Animal Hospital, we follow the vaccination guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The feline vaccination protocol is as follows:

AGE RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS and CARE
8 Weeks Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP), Feline Leukemia Virus/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FeLV/FIV) blood test
12 Weeks FVRCP, Rabies (one year)
16 Weeks FVRCP (one year), First Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV – generally given to outdoor cats)
20 Weeks Second FeLV
16 Months FVRCP (one year), Rabies (one or three year depending on type of vaccine given), and Annual FeLV (usually given at a recheck appointment two weeks later)

The following year, the FVRCP vaccine is a three year vaccine. FeLV is boostered annually. We do not recommend the Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)or the Feline Immunodeficieny Virus (FIV) vaccines as they are of limited efficacy. If your cat is going to spend any amount of time outside, we recommend some form of topical flea and tick medication (Frontline, Revolution, Advantage, the Seresto Collar, Revolution Plus, or Bravecto). Cats are generally spayed or neutered at or around six months of age.