What does my cat need to stay healthy?
Core Vaccinations - all cats should have these
"Distemper"/FVCRP
Kittens: give a combination vaccination at 8 weeks and another at 12 weeks.
Adults: Repeat kitten vaccination at one year, then every 3 years.
Rabies
Kittens - vaccination at 3 months or older. Repeat in 1 year, then every 3 years.
Adults: The first vaccination given, even as an adult, is good for 1 year, then repeat every 3 years.
If your pet experiences problems after their vaccination go to post vaccination page.
Non-core vaccination - only give based on lifestyle
FeLV /Feline Leukemia Virus
Kittens and adults: Give two doses 4 weeks apart initially. Repeat yearly. Can start kittens at 8 weeks of age.
It is transmitted from a FeLV positive cat by long-term, close contact between cats, eating/drinking out of the same food bowls or from a nursing mother. Cats develop a natural immunity as they become adults. The vaccination has a small chance of causing a tumor where it is given.
Bottom line: Recommend for cats living with a FeLV positive cat or kittens living with kittens with an unknown FeLV status.
FeLV /Feline Leukemia Virus
Kittens and adults: Give two doses 4 weeks apart initially. Repeat yearly. Can start kittens at 8 weeks of age.
It is transmitted from a FeLV positive cat by long-term, close contact between cats, eating/drinking out of the same food bowls or from a nursing mother. Cats develop a natural immunity as they become adults. The vaccination has a small chance of causing a tumor where it is given.
Bottom line: Recommend for cats living with a FeLV positive cat or kittens living with kittens with an unknown FeLV status.
Heartworm in Cats
Cats are not the preferred host for heartworm, but cats do become infected with them. Unfortunately, because heartworm is SO common in dogs in this area, quite a few cats do have it. This parasite is transmitted by the mosquito. Vomiting and sudden death are the most common signs of infection. We strongly recommend preventative medication. There is no treatment for cats if they become infected.
Cats are not the preferred host for heartworm, but cats do become infected with them. Unfortunately, because heartworm is SO common in dogs in this area, quite a few cats do have it. This parasite is transmitted by the mosquito. Vomiting and sudden death are the most common signs of infection. We strongly recommend preventative medication. There is no treatment for cats if they become infected.
Fleas
These pesky parasites are everywhere - they love the hot, humid Carolina summers and mild winters! Besides making your cat miserable, they can transmit tapeworms and other diseases. If they get out of control in your house they will start biting you. All pets in the house will need to be given flea control even if only one pet visibly has them. Treatment has to be done for at least 3 months to get rid of all stages of fleas in the house.
Suspicion should be high if your cat is itching/chewing like crazy, you see tiny black jumping critters on them or in your house, or you see black comma shaped "dirt" in the haircoat - that's flea poop. Some cats have flea allergies and will have nasty sores on their skin. We carry flea preventatives, ask us about them.
These pesky parasites are everywhere - they love the hot, humid Carolina summers and mild winters! Besides making your cat miserable, they can transmit tapeworms and other diseases. If they get out of control in your house they will start biting you. All pets in the house will need to be given flea control even if only one pet visibly has them. Treatment has to be done for at least 3 months to get rid of all stages of fleas in the house.
Suspicion should be high if your cat is itching/chewing like crazy, you see tiny black jumping critters on them or in your house, or you see black comma shaped "dirt" in the haircoat - that's flea poop. Some cats have flea allergies and will have nasty sores on their skin. We carry flea preventatives, ask us about them.
