Kittens & Cats
We love kittens! When you come in for your new kitten's first wellness visit, you will receive our Kitten Kit–kitten food, pet products, and other items just for kitten owners. This gift to you is our way of welcoming your newest member of the family to our family of professionals from Knoxville Veterinary Clinic.
The Kitten Kit includes a fecal collection container, in which you will bring a stool sample for an intestinal parasite test. This is especially important for your young pet, so that treatment and preventives can be started immediately. Cats of every age are susceptible to disease from intestinal parasites, but kittens, seniors, and cats with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
While every pet is different, we have prepared a basic checklist for the care of your young pet. This helps you understand our system of graduated wellness care for your kitten, beginning when your new pet first arrives and ending with protection from disease for a full year.
At 8 weeks of age
- Vaccinate for distemper and panleukopenia (CVR)
- Deworming against roundworms and hookworms with Strongid T
- Flea and ear mite check
- Initiate flea and tick preventive (use vet-approved products only)
At 12 weeks of age
- Leukemia and FIV testing
- Vaccinate again for distemper and panleukopenia (CVR)
- Vaccinate for leukemia
- Second deworming with Strongid T
- Stool sample tested for intestinal parasites
- Schedule spay or neuter appointment
At 16 weeks of age
- Vaccinate again for leukemia
- Vaccinate for rabies
Spay or neuter surgery: may include declaw at this time
After the kitten year, your adult cat will require annual visits to insure ongoing protection from major diseases and parasites, as well as professional examination and general veterinary care.
At your annual visits, discuss general cat care and medical concerns with your veterinarian. Meanwhile, the following tips will help you focus on the basics:
- Pet-proof your home to provide a safe environment for your independent cat.
- Obtain only vet-approved products such as play toys, cat bed, and scratching post.
- Use high-quality food for the proper stage in your cat's life–never feed human food!
- Always leave fresh, clean water for your cat.
- Groom your cat regularly for healthy skin and coat.
- Follow a home dental care regime.
- Provide a sanitary litter box or safe outdoor elimination area.
- Play with your cat every day for socializing and to enhance the human–animal bond.
For more on pet dental care and services, visit our Pet Dental Care page. For an in-depth discussion of vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit our Vaccinations page. And when your cat reaches those special senior years, visit our Senior Pet Care page for information, tips, and resources.
For a comprehensive and informative look at feline care and enjoyment, visit the AAHA's website for cat lovers. The American Association for Feline Practitioners (AAFP) website offers more information to educate and guide cat owners.