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, declaw or flexor tendonectomy at same time if desired
  • 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