Kitten Wellness

Congratulations on your new kitten! We’re excited to be part of your journey in giving them the healthiest start possible.

Kittens are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases and parasites in their first few months. Our kitten wellness program is designed to protect them during this critical period and help them grow into a healthy, happy adult cat.

Core Vaccines: What They Protect Against

All kittens need a series of core vaccines starting around 8 weeks of age to protect against several serious, often life-threatening diseases. These include:

● FVRCP – A combination vaccine that protects against three highly contagious viruses: ○ Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) – Causes chronic upper respiratory infections and eye issues.

• Calicivirus – Can lead to painful mouth ulcers, respiratory illness, and occasionally severe systemic disease.
• Panleukopenia (feline distemper) – A frequently fatal virus that attacks the immune system and gastrointestinal tract.

● Rabies – A fatal virus that affects the brain and nervous system, spread through bites. Vaccination is required by law due to the risk to both pets and people.

These vaccines are essential to your kitten’s health—and also help protect you and your household from preventable diseases.

These diseases are common, highly contagious, and/or life-threatening, especially in kittens.

Lifestyle-Based Vaccines

Depending on your cat’s environment and exposure risk, we may also recommend:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – A contagious virus spread through close contact with infected cats. It can suppress the immune system and cause cancer. Kittens are more susceptible, and we typically recommend many kittens receive the initial FeLV vaccine series, even if they may eventually be indoor-only.

We’ll discuss your cat’s individual lifestyle and exposure risk during your visit and create a customized vaccine plan.

Why Even Indoor Cats Need Vaccines

We strongly recommend that all cats be kept indoors for their safety and longevity. However, even cats who never leave the house are still at some risk:

• Cats sometimes get outside unexpectedly—doors are left open, screens fail, or they slip out during travel.
• Many “indoor” cats spend time on patios, balconies, or screened porches, which doesn’t offer full protection.
• Other animals (especially strays or neighborhood cats) can approach windows, doors, or shared ventilation spaces, potentially spreading disease.
• Your cat’s lifestyle may change—a move, a new baby, a new pet, or even a change in your schedule can lead to new exposures.

Vaccinating your kitten provides long-term protection against diseases that can be very serious or fatal if contracted.

Parasite Prevention

Our wellness plan also includes deworming and parasite screening. Kittens are commonly born with or pick up parasites early in life, including:

• Roundworms and hookworms – Intestinal worms that can be transmitted to people, especially children.
• Giardia – A microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea and spreads easily through contaminated water or surfaces.
• Coccidia – Another microscopic parasite that can cause diarrhea and dehydration—especially in young or stressed kittens. It’s common in shelter environments or multi-cat households.

We’ll test for and treat these parasites as needed and help you set up a preventive care routine going forward.

FeLV/FIV Testing

We recommend testing for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)—two contagious viruses that can weaken the immune system and lead to serious illness.

The test is a quick in-clinic blood test and is especially important for kittens from shelters, rescues, or unknown backgrounds. Even if your kitten appears healthy, early infections often show no symptoms.

Knowing their status helps us protect your kitten and any other cats in your household.

Ready to protect your kitten? Schedule their first exam today so we can start them on the path to lifelong health.