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Kitten on the Stairs

SERVICE: KITTEN CARE

Kitten Care & Vaccinations

Everyone at Central Valley Animal Hospital is excited to meet your new kitten and welcome him or her into our family!

The first wellness exam is crucial in establishing the health of your kitten, so it is important to bring your kitten in for an exam as soon as possible. Premature kittens may suffer more from medical issues as their immune system is not fully mature, and may be more susceptible to certain health issues. Kittens that have not had adequate medical care prior to adoption may have pre-existing conditions that need to be addressed. At Central Valley Animal Hospital, our kitten exam will ensure that your new companion will be on his or her way to growing up healthy and strong.

YOUR KITTEN’S FIRST VISIT

Please bring your kitten in a closed carrier along with all veterinary records or other paperwork you have pertaining to your kitten’s care. Also, please bring a fresh stool sample (ideally less than 12 hours old).

At your kitten's first visit with us, we will perform a comprehensive examination and check for internal and external parasites. Kittens will need a series of vaccinations during their first year of life to protect them from many dangerous (but preventable) diseases, and we will develop a vaccination plan specifically for your kitten. We will discuss any questions you may have concerning care for your pet including: diet and nutrition, behavioral issues, integrating the new kitten into your home, and litter training.

Your kitten’s first exam will include:

  • A comprehensive physical exam

  • Screening for viruses specific to felines, such as Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

  • Intestinal parasite (worms) screening and deworming if necessary

  • External parasite (fleas/ticks) screening and parasite protection

  • Vaccines based on your kitten’s current age and expected lifestyle

  • Heartworm prevention recommendations

  • Behavior and housetraining recommendations

  • Nutritional counseling

VACCINES AND YOUR KITTEN

We believe in designing a personalized vaccine protocol for each kitten to maximize the protection against any diseases your kitten is likely to be exposed to. There are many diseases that are preventable through the judicious use of vaccines, so it is important to vaccinate your kitten against the diseases to which he or she may be exposed.

SIGNS THAT YOUR KITTEN NEEDS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Please also be alert to the following symptoms, as they are signs that your kitten needs immediate care:

  • Any respiratory problems, such as coughing or trouble breathing

  • Any signs of pain: panting or open-mouthed breathing, labored breathing, increased body temperature, lethargy, restlessness or loss of appetite

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

  • Any wound or laceration that's open and bleeding or any animal bite

  • Allergic reactions, such as swelling around the face, or hives anywhere on the body

  • Any eye injury, no matter how mild

  • Seizure, fainting or collapse

  • Thermal stress, either too cold or too hot, even if the cat seems to have recovered.

  • Trauma received from any incident, even if the kitten does not appear to have been physically harmed

  • Any suspected poisoning, including ingestion of antifreeze, rodent or snail bait, or human medication

Please contact us immediately if your kitten is experiencing any of these symptoms.

We are your Veterinarian in Poulsbo/Bremerton/Silverdale

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