Buying and raising a kitten is an exciting time which can be quite involved and demanding. In the next few paragraphs we have put together some points to help you raise a healthy and energetic cat.
VACCINATION
This is one of the most important things that has to be done for your kitten.
Feline Respiratory Disease - the infection known as “cat flu” is caused by a number of viruses and other pathogens, though the majority of infections are due to feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV). The symptoms of infection can include sneezing, coughing, discharge from the eyes and nose, a loss of appetite and sometimes ulcers on the tongue and eyes. This can lead to severe dehydration and debilitation and in severe cases pneumonia and death. These viruses are easily spread through direct contact between cats, or through contaminated food bowls, bedding or a person’s hands. After recovery the infected cat may become a carrier of the virus and infect other cats for months afterwards. We recommend vaccination against both FCV & FHV for both indoor and indoor/outdoor cats.
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Enteritis) - Onset of this disease is very rapid; symptoms include high temperature, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea and rapid weight loss. Fatalities are common. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing disease. We also recommend vaccination for both indoor and indoor/outdoor cats.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) - this virus causes serious illness. The initial clinical signs include fever and gastrointestinal signs of vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus also attacks the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infection and prone to developing certain types of cancers. Signs of infection are very non-specific, such as weight loss, lethargy and general poor health. The only certain way to tell if cats have been infected by the virus is with a blood test. There is no treatment for the disease. We recommend vaccination against FeLV for any cat that is not exclusively kept indoors.
Feline Chlamydia - is a bacterial infection that causes mild prolonged symptoms of conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. It can occur in cats of all ages but is more common in multi-cat households. Chlamydia can be treated with medications but can be difficult to clear completely. We only recommend Chlamydia vaccinations in those in high risk environments (ie regular cattery visits, multi-cat households)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - this blood borne viral infection causes Feline AIDS which is potentially fatal. The virus interferes with the immune system, and initial symptoms such as fever, sores, lesions and diarrhoea, progress to severe chronic infections as the immune system is overcome. There is no treatment or cure for the virus itself. Vaccination is available and may be recommended by your veterinarian if your cat is considered to be at risk.
WORMING
Intestinal worms can be a significant cause of your kitten not growing as well as it could and may also be a significant cause of blood loss in your kitten that will make him/her weak and more susceptible to disease.
We recommend you use Felix Plus Worming Paste or Troy Puppy & Kitten Worming Syrup, once a week until 6 weeks of age and then once fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. It is then recommended that you use Drontal All-wormer tablets or Profender All-wormer Spot-on once a month to 6 months of age, then every 3 months for life.
HEARTWORM
Heartworm is now recognized as a cause of death in cats. As yet there is no easy way to diagnose or treat heartworm in cats, so the best way to deal with heartworm disease in cats is prevention. Revolution and Advocate are two spot-on preparations that also cover fleas and some intestinal worms and are given monthly for life.
