Caring for Your New Kitten

by Merck Animal Health

There are many infectious diseases and parasites that kittens can get. Fortunately, many of these can be prevented. Below is a very brief review to help you better understand your pet’s care.

1. Make an appointment to see your veterinarian ASAP – ideally within the first 48-72 hours of bringing your pet home.

   1. Take a fecal sample and all records that you have

   2. The veterinarian and staff will recommend all appropriate preventative care and testing that we will discuss below

   3. A complete exam will be done to identify any health concerns such as congenital or infectious diseases

2. Testing recommendations

   1. Kittens – fecal exam and blood test for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus testing

3. Vaccines

   1. Respiratory Viruses

      1. Calicivirus

      2. Herpes Virus – Feline Rhinotracheitis

      3. Transmitted by direct of aerosolized virus particles from nasal or oral secretions

   2. Panleukopenia

      1. Transmitted by direct contact with virus containing feces or indirectly with contaminated equipment, environment etc.

      2. Can cause acute death and birth defects

   3. Feline leukemia

      1. Caused by Feline Leukemia Virus

      2. Cause of most disease related deaths in cats

      3. Transmitted by direct contact or contact with contaminated bowls etc.

      4. Can be transmitted from mother

   4. Rabies

      1. Caused by rabies virus

      2. Transmitted by the bite of an infected animal

      3. Can be transmitted to humans

4. Preventative parasite control

   1. Internal and external parasite control

      1. Fleas and ticks

      2. Intestinal and blood parasites (worms)

This post written and sponsored by Merck Animal Health