My boyfriends kitten is about ten weeks old and has not gone to the vet for an overall evaluation of the kittens health. Is it necessary for a kitten to go to the vet while he is still very young?
2007-07-04 07:50:54 · 9 answers · asked by Nicky 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Here is a typical vaccine protocol for kittens and adult cats:
6-8 weeks old:
Feline Distemper combination vaccine (rhinovirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, corona virus)
Deworm
First heartworm and flea preventions
9-10 weeks old:
same as above
12-13 weeks old:
same as above
If the cat was found outside or the mother is an outside cat, and FIV/Feline Leukemia test is recommended.
14-16 weeks old:
same, plus a Rabies vaccine
These kitten vaccines and boosters are done for a specific reason. Mother's milk provides immunities. Kittens are weaned at around 6 weeks of age and these immunities continue to protect them. It is still unknown as to when these immunities wear off, but it starts around 8 weeks of age which is when we start vaccinations. They are repeated several times until about 4 months of age to ensure protection into adulthood. If the cat will be outdoors, a Feline Leukemia vaccine (protects against a very contagious, devastating virus) is highly recommended.
Now, at a year of age, the combo vaccine and Rabies vaccine must be repeated. In the meantime, continue monthly doses of heartworm and flea preventions - Revolution is the best, as it does everything (fleas, intestinal parasites, heartworms, and ear mites). This is important, especially for indoor cats as they do not build immunity like outdoor cats can.
As a cat enters its later years (8, 9, 10 years of age). Many vets will stop giving some vaccines to prevent reactions in those older cats that sometimes develop "old cat" diseases.
Remember, each vet and state has different recommendations. Please check with your vet to ensure the best care for your kitty. The American Animal Hospital Association website is a great source for an accredited hospital in your area.
2007-07-04 08:00:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, usually it is a good idea to take a kitten to the vet atleast before its first month of life...depending on whether or not you found it as a stray or if it was born of a litter in which you supervise. None the less, tell your boyfriend to take the kitten to the vet soon. It usually does not cost anything for its first visit as that is just an evaluation, most vets will give you advice on food for the kitty and check its weight. Generally the vet will determine whether or not the kitten is ready for its booster shots at that time and will then indicate when is a good time to come back. check out this website.
2007-07-04 08:04:55 · answer #2 · answered by SoAZ Gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First vaccinations and wormer are given at 7-8 weeks if the kitten is healthy. Sooner if signs of respiratory infection or not gaining weight. If the kitten is older than 8 weeks than as soon as possible. Spays are usually done at 5-6 months, although it may be done sooner by some vets.
2016-05-18 01:05:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Kitten vaccines should start at 8 weeks old. Your boyfriends kitten should also be tested for FeLV and FIV, and have a fecal exam done for worms.
It's as important for the kitten to be seen while it is still very young as it is for a baby to be seen while it's young.
2007-07-04 07:56:36 · answer #4 · answered by audrey 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any pet should be seen by the Vet by the age of 6 weeks.
2007-07-04 08:09:10 · answer #5 · answered by sasha1641 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the kitten has been weaned from its mother, and you didn't get him from a shelter, I'd say the sooner the better - you'll want to have him checked out for preventable problems.
If you got the kitten from a shelter, you should take them to the vet within 30 days.
2007-07-04 07:55:49 · answer #6 · answered by annoying_the_neighbours 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
he should have gone to the vets between 6-8 weeks and started his shots and wormings. he is actually old enough for a second set of shots.
tehy quickly loose teh immunity from mom once they are not nursing.
2007-07-04 07:54:38 · answer #7 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes! Very much so! It needs to be checked as soon as possible. Your vet needs to make sure their heart is running fine, and also see if there's any diseases your cat might have, that you might not know about.
2007-07-04 08:20:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ya! my cat was like only 3 months when she went to the vet
2007-07-04 07:54:59 · answer #9 · answered by m!LLy b0r3d 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋