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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.

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

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

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

  5. Testing recommendations

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

  7. Vaccines

  8. Respiratory Viruses

  9. Calicivirus

  10. Herpes Virus – Feline Rhinotracheitis

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

  12. Panleukopenia

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

  14. Can cause acute death and birth defects

  15. Feline leukemia

  16. Caused by Feline Leukemia Virus

  17. Cause of most disease related deaths in cats

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

  19. Can be transmitted from mother

  20. Rabies

  21. Caused by rabies virus

  22. Transmitted by the bite of an infected animal

  23. Can be transmitted to humans

  24. Preventative parasite control

  25. Internal and external parasite control

  26. Fleas and ticks

  27. Intestinal and blood parasites (worms)

This post written and sponsored by Merck Animal Health



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