Kittens
The first week after a holiday is chaotic for many professions, and veterinary medicine is no different. Combining that with a full moon (we are a superstitious bunch) and a doctor who says "Everything is going smooth" is a recipe for disaster.
So, today’s blog post is about something cuter: Kittens.
The "New Owner" Talk I will go through my usual talk for these floofy balls of terror. As always, there are many points of view, so talk to your vet about what is best for your specific "ruler of the household."
Why the multiple shots? We recommend wellness visits at 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
The Science: A kitten's first meal (colostrum) is packed with maternal antibodies ("immune super-juice").
The Problem: These antibodies wear off over time. We plan the vaccine schedule to catch them right as that protection fades, ensuring they are never left at risk.
1. The Vaccine Menu
There are three primary vaccines we use daily. We categorize them as "Core" (Required) and "Non-Core" (Lifestyle-dependent).
A. FVRCP (The "Distemper" Shot)
Type: Core (Required).
Schedule: Started at 6–8 weeks and repeated every 4 weeks until 16 weeks.
What it covers:
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus): Extremely contagious; causes upper respiratory infections.
Calicivirus: Also causes severe upper respiratory infections.
Panleukopenia: Also called feline distemper; caused by a parvovirus.
B. Rabies
Type: Core (Required).
Schedule: Given once at 14–16 weeks.
Why: It causes "bad stuff" (and is legally required).
C. FeLV (Feline Leukemia)
Type: Non-Core.
Who needs it: Outdoor cats or those living with FeLV+ cats.
Note: It causes immunodeficiency. If your cat is 100% indoors and alone, you may not need this.
2. Flea Prevention
Both indoor and outdoor cats can and will get fleas.
The Risks: Fleas transmit tapeworms, anemia, and bacteria like Cat Scratch Fever (also a great song).
The "Rice" Warning: Watch out for tiny rice-like segments around their rectum. That is a sign of tapeworms carried by fleas.
"There is nothing like finding some tapeworm eggs on your pillow right before bed."
For a full breakdown, check out my guide on Fleas and Ticks.
3. The Check-Up
"Cats are aliens." They will hide illness and injury out of pure spite.
The "Peeing" Mystery: They might pee on things because they have a raging UTI... or just because they are mad you moved the food bowl two feet.
Our Job: To figure out if your fluffy death machine is sick or just angry at the world.
Why Annual Exams Matter: Cats are stoic. By the time they show clinical signs of kidney failure or diabetes, it is often advanced. We want to catch these things early (before the "spite" phase sets in).
Some things to watch for:
Lilies: This is a huge one. Many owners don't know that true lilies are fatal to cats (kidney failure).
String/Hair Ties: Kittens love eating thread, which can saw through their intestines.
4. Spay & Neuter
Recommendation: 5–6 months old.
Why: This prevents the first heat cycle, reduces mammary tumors, and stops male cats from marking your walls with urine.
My Take: Cat spays are my favorite procedure. They recover exceptionally well and act like nothing happened.
Read more in my post on Spaying and Neutering.
Microchipping is also recommended at this time
5. Litter Boxes
The Reality: Inappropriate urination is the #1 reason cats are surrendered.
The Rule: We recommend one more litter box than the number of cats you have (N + 1).
Location: Keep it in a quiet area away from their food.
6. Future Prep: Teeth & Toes
Now is the time to desensitize them to handling.
Teeth: Start touching their gums and teeth now. It makes future dental care much easier.
Toes: Play with their paws regularly so nail trims don't become a wrestling match later.
Our House
We currently have two adult cats and Stevie, our blind foster fail. She had her eye removed and was spayed, and she woke up ready to wreak havoc immediately.
Following your vet's advice helps ensure your cats live their best lives ruling over your household—as they should.
