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Congratulations on your new cat or kitten! Here are some hints (or reminders for those who have owned cats in the past) for new cat/kitten owners to get you off to a healthy start:

First, and of most importance, is to be sure that your kitten receives vaccinations on schedule and they are not missed. Kittens all need to be blood-tested for feline leukemia virus (abbr. Felv)-a fatal disease in cats, which there is no cure. They don't all show clinical signs, can be carriers to infect other cats, and can get it through bite wounds, close contact with other feline leukemia positive cats, and through their mother's milk and blood. Once blood-tested negative for Felv; then the following schedule is followed:

8 weeks- 1rst 4 and 1 (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia, Calici, Chlamydia) & Deworming

*Can be tested for Feline Leukemia at this time-but vaccine cannot be delivered until 12 weeks

12 weeks-Following a Negative Feline Leukemia Blood Test: 2nd 4 and 1, 1rst Felv vaccine, and 2nd Deworming

16 weeks-3rd 4 and 1, 2nd Felv vaccine (if not given twice already), and rabies vaccination is given at this time

Annual vaccinations are necessary and the 16-week vaccinations are usually repeated. Check with your county regarding rabies booster requirements, but Felv and the 4 and 1 are annual vaccinations.

FIP is an infectious virus that is fatal in cats, and is mostly in multi-cat households with many cats that go outside. There is also a vaccination available for FIP but it is usually only given if the cats/kittens are in high-risk situations. You will want to take a stool sample in to have a fecal test done to see if your cat should have any parasites. PETCO offers full-service Vetco Veterinary Hospitals and Mobile Vaccination Clinics at most of their locations and offer services at very reasonable prices. Check out the website at www.petservice.com for locations near you. Also on the site, you will find a Drug and Disease Library that can explain many of the diseases that are vaccinated against along with many articles and tips for cat owners.

Spay/Neuter

At about 4 months (16 weeks) please check into getting your kitten spayed or neutered. Vetco, full-service veterinary hospitals run vaccination clinics and some full-service veterinary hospitals out of PETCO stores in your area. Please consult the website for the address nearest you for dates and times of the clinics (www.petservice.com)-and for the nearest full-service hospital for your spay/neuter.

Food/Nutrition

I always recommend a premium pet food over grocery-store brands. Yes, they are more expensive, but you get what you pay for when it comes to pet food. Anything made from the Iams Company or Science Diet has years of research and development behind their products, along with using many human-grade food products in their diets. Both companies continue to update and refine their diets as new discoveries are being made regarding nutrition. PETCO stores carry a wide selection of Iams and Science Diet products at very reasonable prices. Better absorption, means better nutrition, and less stool to clean up. Animals that are fed premium pet foods tend to have less health problems and better fur coats, in my experience. I also recommend the use of stainless steel food and water bowls to keep the incidence of contact allergies to a minimum.

Litter

The rule of thumb is one litterbox per cat, plus one. This rule has been established to help deter inappropriate urination in cats. There are covered, uncovered, electronic/self-cleaning and many types of litterboxes available. As for litter, it is the preference of you and your cat. Many cat owners complain that clumping litter tends to maintain odor even after removing the clumps, clay litter tends to be more wasteful, as it is tossed out when cleaning the box. Check out your local PETCO store for their whole line of cat litters varying from clumping, clay, pine, to environmentally friendly "recycled newspaper" litter. Some of the pine litters can splinter some of the clumping and clay litters tend to produce a lot of dust. Pine and newspaper litter can also remain wet and produce molds if not changed often enough. PETCO offers a refillable bucket of litter at a discounted price.

Flea/Tick Prevention and Control

In many states, fleas and ticks are a problem. Check with your local veterinarian to see if they are a problem in your area. Flea prevention and control are important as fleas can cause problems with tapeworm, fleabite sensitivities resulting in skin rashes and allergies, plus fleas can (but rarely do) bite human beings (although they prefer dogs and cats). Control of fleas and ticks involves controlling them in the environment and on the pet. Vetco Full-Service Veterinary Hospitals and Mobile Vaccination Clinics (within PETCO stores near you) carry a full line of flea and tick prevention products for use on the pet that will help kill and control fleas or ticks on your pet and in the environment. PETCO also carries many products that will help control fleas and ticks within the environment such as foggers, sprays, etc. Fleas will not be under control if you treat only the pet or only the environment. Both must be treated simultaneously.

Heartworm disease is also a growing concern in cats. It is transmitted by the mosquito and can cause severe, life-threatening heart problems as the infection persists. Vetco carries Heartgard, a once-a-month tablet to prevent heartworm infection in cats (and dogs) at very reasonable prices.

Routine Dental Care

Animals do not brush their teeth everyday, but still develop tartar and plaque because they are not out scavenging food off of carcasses as in the days prior to domestication. Now it is our duty as responsible pet owners to insure proper dental health through routine dental brushings, yearly professional cleanings, and the use of pet toothpaste (human toothpaste can make them sick). Start young and your chances of success are much higher. See your local PETCO store or Vetco Hospital for dental supplies.

Yearly Physical Examinations

Your cat or kitten must be fully examined by a veterinarian to ensure proper health and detect any underlying medical problems. Early detection leads to longer survival with most medical problems.

Pet Insurance

Be sure to check into getting pet insurance, which is now available at many veterinarians. This coverage varies with cost as to what is covered, but most will cover emergency situations that can become necessary and costly should they occur. Pet insurance allows veterinarians to provide proper, quality care to animals that are suffering to those who otherwise might not be able to afford treatment in emergency situations. Pet Insurance saves lives!

Toys

Toys are no replacement for time spent with your cat or kitten. They need love and attention, along with exercise and play on a daily basis. PETCO offers a wide selection of toys for you and your cat or kitten to delight in. Stop by today to see their large selection.

I always recommend keeping cats strictly indoors, as a matter of professional opinion. The risks of injury due to dog bites, cat fights, life-threatening viral exposure, cars, wild animals, honery children, hypo and hyperthermia, parasites, insect bites, and exposure to toxins are much less in a controlled environment. Get your kitty in for a checkup and vaccinations as soon as possible. Congratulations and Good luck on your new cat or kitten!

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