Veterinary Care: General Guidelines



Your cat's requirements for veterinarian care change throughout the course of her lifetime.  Below is an age- based guideline we use for our patients.  Some cats may require additional care due to health challenges.
Kittens:

  • Initial physical at 6 weeks or ASAP

  • Series of physical exams every 3-4 weeks

  • Series of vaccines against Panleukopenia/Herpes/Calicivirus

  • Feline leukemia virus test

  • Feline leukemia vaccination series (primarily reserved for outdoor cats)

  • Stool analysis to check for intestinal parasites, deworming for all kittens

  • Rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older

  • Spay or neuter at 4 months of age, Microchip

  • Heartworm prevention administered April through November 

  • Dental care, if needed

  • Flea and tick prevention


Young Adult, 16 Months

  •   Physical exam

  •   Leukemia / FIV test if not done previously

  •   Stool analysis

  •   Panleukopenia/Herpes/Calici vaccination, 3 year protection

  •   Rabies vaccination, 3 year protection if given 9-12 months from previous vaccination

  •   Leukemia vaccination, 1 year protection, if needed

  •   Heartworm prevention April-November

  •   Begin adult weight record

  •   Dental care

  •   Flea and tick prevention

  •   Behavior counseling

  •   Diet counseling

       
 Adult,  2-6 Years:

  •   Annual physical exam

  •   Stool analysis

  •   Vaccinations as required

  •   Heartworm prevention April-November

  •   Dental care

  •   Flea and tick prevention

  •   Behavior counseling

  •   Weight control


Adult,  7-12 Years:

  •   Annual physical exam, more frequently if under care for a medical problem

  •   Stool analysis

  •   Vaccinations as required

  •   Heartworm prevention April-November

  •   Baseline  profiling:  CBC, chemistry profile, thyroid functioning, and urinalysis

  •   Dental care, if needed

  •   Weight control or nutritional counseling 


Older Adult, 12+ Years:

  •   Physical exam twice a year, more frequently if under care for a medical problem

  •   Stool analysis

  •   Vaccinations as required (some may be discontinued)

  •   Heartworm prevention April-November

  •   Baseline profiling: CBC, chemistry profile, thyroid function, and urinalysis

  •   Possible blood pressure measurement

  •   Dental care, if needed

  •   Weight control

  •   Diet and nutritional aids