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Kitten Basics 103

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Dear Fortitude Valley Vet, show do I take care of a kitten?


Finishing up where we left off yesterday on Kitten Basics, here are some more information on taking care of your kitten.


What medical needs would my cat need, Fortitude Valley Vet?

  • Vaccinations - 3 vaccination shots 4 weeks apart starting from 6-8 weeks old. Core vaccine include feline panleukopenia, feline herpes virus and feline calicvirus (commonly called F3). Non-core vaccine include feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus and chlamydia bacteria (together with the F3, it is called F6). Non-core vaccines are suitable for kittens that will eventually be living part of their lives outdoor where they are more likely to contract these diseases. An annual vaccination regime is recommended. 
  • Worming - Kittens should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly till they are 6 months old. Adult cats should be wormed every 3 months.
  • Fleas - Easily treated by monthly topical application. Many clients have asked if they should still flea and worm their indoor only kittens. After seeing many cats living in high-rise apartments ridden with fleas, it seems very likely that fleas either can take the lift to visit your home, or your neighbour's dog is bringing them in every time they go out for a walk. 
  • Desexing - Experts claim that desexed female cats see a dramatically reduction in some diseases such as breast, ovarian, uterine cancers and other uterine infections. Breast cancer in cats have a higher tendency to be fatal. Castrating cats also reduce their tendency to roam and fight with other cats. Statistic shows that 75% of cats hit by cars are not desexed.

What legal stuff should I be aware of, Fortitude Valley Vet?

  • Microchipping and registration - It is mandatory in some states of Australia. Some councils will refuse to register your cat if it is not microchipped prior to registration. Some councils even have the power to issue you a hefty fine for not microchipping and registrating.
  • Desexing - An adult cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter up to 3 times per year. Do the math and you will find out the reason why there are so many cats at the shelter (not to mention the growing numbers of feral/stray cats!). Up to 38,000 unwanted cats and kittens are euthanized by the RSPCA, so why add to the problem?  It is also important that it may be required by law to desex your cat in some states unless you are a registered breeder.


This wraps up our Kitten Basics series and I hope you have a good idea what to do when you get your adorable kitten.

If you have further questions, please visit us at Fortitude Valley Vet in Emporium, Brisbane. (07) 3216 0045