Preventive Health Care for Cats

The incidence of infectious diseases in cats has been reduced significantly through the use of vaccines.  Other preventative measures, including dental care and laboratory testing, can help increase the life span and improve the quality of life for your cat.  The following is a chart of recommended procedures for kittens and adult cats to prevent disease throughout their life.

 3 ? 5 weeks                Physical exam
                                      Fecal exams for parasites and deworming

 6 ?  9 weeks               Physical exam
                                      1st FVRCP (distemper/ upper respiratory infection vaccine)
                                      Combo test (for feline AIDS and leukemia)
                                      Second deworming

 9 ? 12 weeks              Physical exam
                                      2nd FVRCP
                                      1st feline leukemia virus vaccine (if planning to allow outdoors)

12 ? 14 weeks             Physical exam
                                      3rd FVRCP
                                      2nd feline leukemia virus vaccine (if planning to allow outdoors)
                                      Rabies vaccine
                                      Fecal exam
                                      Start routine monthly flea/heartworm treatment

14 ? 16 weeks             Finish FVRCP and feline leukemia series if necessary

5 - 6 months                Spay or neuter
                                     Insert microchip

All cats should receive the following services on an annual basis:

                                    Physical exam
                                    Rabies vaccine
                                    FVRCP (see note below)
                                    Feline leukemia virus vaccine (only kitties who go outdoors)
                                    Fecal exam

FVRCP can be given every three years to cats who have received the initial series plus one annual vaccination.  A stray adult cat will need two FVRCP vaccinations three weeks apart and then another one year later.  After that it can begin the every third year protocol. 

It is recommended that the combo test be repeated during one of the ?off? years as well as adding health screening blood work.

Implanting a microchip is highly advised.  This can be done at the time of the spay/neuter or during a routine exam if the cat has already been altered.

Annual exams are still very important even though not all vaccines are required annually.    An annual rabies vaccination is still required by law in the state of Alabama, but if there are extenuating medical reasons, the veterinarian can waive the vaccination.  Cats ?age? more than a year during each of our calendar years, and this is the reason for annual exams.  Cats over the age of ten or those who have a medical condition are encouraged to have twice-yearly exams.

Because hypertension can  be as much of a silent killer in cats as it is in people, a systolic blood pressure check is recommended as part of all exams on cats ten years or older.  This is part of the Senior Program at Metro Cat Clinic.