We follow pet vaccination and health guidelines recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).
General Health:
Kitten Exam- Assesses general health and monitors growth and development. Two to three exams during the first year. After that, a yearly physical exam is strongly recommended and is required by MD law for receiving prescription medications and medical procedures.
FeLV/FIV Test- Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS- Kittens and some cats can be carriers for these incurable diseases and not show symptoms now. They can give these diseases to other cats in your family or area. Test before beginning FeLV series.
Fecal Test- Most kittens get intestinal parasites, from either their mother or the environment. Common parasites are tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, coccidia, and giardia. We like to test a fecal sample at the first kitten visit. If positive, we will treat with the appropriate dewormer, and then retest a fecal sample 4-6 weeks later. We send this to a lab for testing.
Vaccinations:
FVRCP– Feline Distemper Vaccine- Protects against the highly contagious Feline Rhinotracheitis virus and Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia virus (Feline Distemper), which is fatal in kittens. Vaccination starts at 6-8 weeks of age, then again every 3-4 weeks until the age of 14 weeks. A yearly booster is given to all adult cats. Older cats receive a triennial booster.
FeLV- Feline Leukemia Vaccine- Protects against Feline Leukemia, which is highly contagious, often fatal, and is incurable. Starting about 12 weeks of age, a series of 2 shots given 2-3 weeks apart, then a yearly booster is given to adult cats.
Rabies– One shot is given at 12 weeks of age or older. A 1-year or 3-year booster is given to all cats, indoor and outdoor. MD and PA State Laws require rabies vaccination. We use Purevax Rabies Vaccine formulated specifically for cats. Rabies is fatal and is transmissible to humans and other animals.
Other:
Flea and Tick Control- Advantage (for fleas) and Frontline Plus and Gold (for fleas and ticks) can be used on kittens 8 weeks and older. Both are topical medications that are applied each month. Revolution is also a topical medication, treating fleas, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm.
Routine Surgeries– spay, neuter, and feline declaw. Spaying and neutering is recommended for the long-term health of your cat, to control population and to preempt fighting and territory marking behaviors. Please let us know if you are interested in any of these for your 6-month or older kitten or cat.