SVVC Kitten Package

• 3 FVRCP (distemper/upper respiratory) Vaccines
  ~8 weeks
  ~12 weeks
  ~16 weeks
• 1 Rabies Vaccine
  ~16 weeks
• 2 FELV (leukemia) Vaccines
  ~12 weeks
  ~16 weeks

• This test is done to assess the efficacy of the deworming medication and rule out intestinal infections such as giardia and coccidia

• This medication is included NO CHARGE and will treat for:
  Fleas, ticks, mites, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms

DEWORMING

Kittens are often adopted with intestinal infections obtained from the mother, other kittens, or the environment. Routine parasite deworming is provided as part of your package. A fecal test is recommended to confirm the deworming treatment was effective and to rule out protozoal infections (coccidia or giardia), which may require additional treatment. Fecal tests are recommended annually throughout your cat’s life since infections can be acquired at any age.
Tapeworms are a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of fleas. The de-wormer provided with the kitten package does not include treatment for tapeworms. Since tapeworm segments are shed intermittently, they may not be detected by a routine fecal test. If you notice small sesame seed or rice-like segments in your kitten’s stool, please call our office.

DIET

We recommend selecting a food specified for kitten growth, which usually includes additional calcium and protein. When selecting a food brand, look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials label (AAFCO) on the packaging to ensure quality, well-regulated food. The five brands that we recommend are Royal Canin, Science Diet, Purina, Iams, and Eukanuba. Young kittens often require more frequent meals, about 3-4 times daily, or even “free feeding.” Transitioning to adult food is recommended between 6 and 12 months of age, and twice daily feeding is recommended to maintain a healthy weight long-term. Dry kibble can benefit teeth, and wet food can benefit the cat’s kidneys and urinary tract health. Discuss with your veterinarian whether wet food, dry food, or a combination is recommended for your cat. Always make sure your kitten has access to fresh, clean water.

PARASITE MANAGEMENT

In Santa Cruz County, it is recommended that all indoor and outdoor cats be treated year-round for heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks. Heartworm is a potentially fatal parasite transmitted through mosquito bites from infected animals (dogs, coyotes, and foxes). Heartworm medications also have the added benefit of preventing intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms +/- tapeworms. Our climate is ideal for year-round flea/tick problems. Fleas can cause severe itching, transmit disease and parasites (tapeworms), and sometimes cause flea-allergic dermatitis/flea allergy. Ticks can carry multiple diseases commonly seen in this area. We recommend all kittens start lifelong monthly prevention for heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks as early as eight weeks of age. Below are the most common preventatives that we recommend.

• Nexgard Plus (monthly topical): covers heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, mites, fleas and ticks
• Revolution Plus (monthly topical): covers heartworms, roundworms, ear mites, fleas, ticks
• Bravecto (3 month topical): covers fleas, ticks
• Bravecto Plus (2 month topical): covers heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, mites, fleas, ticks
• Heartgard Plus (monthly oral): covers heartworms, roundworms, hookworms
• Credelio (monthly oral): covers fleas, ticks

REPRODUCTION (SPAY/NEUTER)

Your kitten may be able to mate as early as 6-8 months of age. For that reason, kittens are often spayed (female) or neutered (male) before they have the ability to reproduce. An early spay in female cats can significantly decrease the risk of mammary cancer. In addition, neutering male kittens at a young age can minimize undesirable reproductive behaviors like aggression or territorial spraying. Discuss with your veterinarian the appropriate age for a spay or neuter procedure for your kitten.

MICROCHIP

Traditional modes of identification like tags and collars can unfortunately fall off. A microchip is a small device placed permanently under your kitten’s skin with a unique identification number. This number will be registered online through your microchip company and can be detected with scanners carried by all veterinarians and shelters. It is important to immediately notify the microchip company of address or number changes so you can be contacted should your cat go missing. The process is a simple injection, about the size of a grain of rice (12mm), beneath the surface of your cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds, and can be placed at any time. Many owners elect to have one placed during the spay or neuter procedure. The microchips we use are through HomeAgain (1-888-466-3242).

BEHAVIOR/TRAINING

If you have other pets in your home, we recommend isolating your new kitten for 1-2 weeks to let your pets adjust. Slow, supervised introductions are recommended between all your pets. Feliway (a synthetic natural anti-stress pheromone) can be used as a plug in diffuser to assist in this potentially stressful introduction process. If multiple cats are in your home it is strongly recommended to provide an adequate number of litter boxes (1 more than the number of cats) in various places in the home. This is to help prevent behavioral (spraying) problems in the future. If you need further information or recommendations about indoor cat care we recommend consulting: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats.

INSURANCE

Similar to human insurance, pet insurance can be obtained to assist in payment for the unexpected. There are many insurance companies that provide a variety of coverage based on your needs. We accept all insurance companies and have created an insurance information sheet for your convenience included with the kitten package.

ORAL HEALTH

Regular dental care is recommended during your kitten’s life as a preventative health care measure. Regular tooth brushing (with pet toothpaste) can be difficult to perform in cats, therefore specific treats and dental health toys can be implemented to reduce the frequency of dental issues in the future. Later in your cat’s life (as early as 3-4 years of age), professional dental cleanings under anesthesia will be recommended to promote further oral and systemic health. Further information can be obtained at www.VOHC.org (Veterinary Oral Health Council).

EMERGENCY

We are available Monday through Friday during the day for all veterinary emergencies or concerns you may have. If you have an emergency after hours we recommend Pacific + SC Veterinary Specialists on Soquel Drive (831-475-5400). If closer to San Jose call United Emergency Animal Clinic (UEAC) at (408-371-6252) or SAGE Campbell Centers at (408-343-7243). The “Pet Poison Hotline” for ingested substances is also available over the phone at (855-764-7661).