Kitten Care

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

This combination vaccine, often called FVRCP or Feline Distemper, protects against three viruses that cause upper respiratory symptoms and can lead to severe systemic infections. These infections are acquired from contact with infected pets and the environment.

Calicivirus

This virus is highly contagious and causes upper respiratory tract infection in cats. Symptoms include fever, ulcers and blisters on the tongue, and pneumonia. Treatment can be difficult, and even recovered cats can continue to infect others and experience chronic sneezing, runny eyes, and severe gum disease. Vaccination is tremendously important. 

Panleukopenia

Feline distemper, caused by a highly resistant virus, is a potentially fatal disease. Vaccination is essential as infection rates can be as high as 90% to 100%. Symptoms include listlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration, fever, and death. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease. 

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Leukemia Virus can cause serious health problems for your cat, such as cancer and weakened immune system. Testing is available to determine if your cat has been infected, and vaccination is required if they are at risk of exposure.

Heartworms

Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk of heartworm infection, which is spread by mosquitoes. Even a small number of adult worms can cause severe disease in cats, including respiratory distress, heart, kidney, or liver failure, and can be fatal. There is no treatment for cats infected with heartworms, making year-round prevention crucial. Your veterinarian can help determine the best prevention product for your kitten.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks carry infectious diseases that can cause illness in your kitten. Year-round flea and tick prevention is recommended to protect your pet, and your veterinarian can help you choose the right product for your family.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a wise investment for pet owners who want to ensure their furry friends get the best possible health care. It can help protect your pet from unexpected accidents or illnesses and provide financial assistance for routine checkups, vaccinations, and even emergency surgeries. With pet insurance, you can rest assured that your pet’s health and well-being are taken care of without breaking the bank. Some pet insurance policies even offer coverage for alternative treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care. When considering pet insurance, be sure to compare policies and read the fine print to choose the best plan for you and your pet’s needs. Please follow the link to help you find the best insurance for your pet.
https://www.pawlicy.com/

Care Plan

Recognizing the importance of making preventive care more accessible, we are pleased to offer Preventive Care Plans! These plans cater to pets at every life stage, from playful puppies & curious kittens to wise senior companions. By opting for our Care Plans, you can enjoy the convenience of affordable monthly payments, eliminating the stress of a hefty one-time expense. This way, you can work with our team to ensure your pets receive the best preventive care they need for a healthy and happy life! Our goal is to keep financial considerations from standing in the way of your family’s well-being. Follow this link for more information! https://ralstonvet.com/care-plans/

Spay

Spaying female cats involves surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This procedure has several advantages such as preventing pregnancy, elimination of heat cycles, and behavioral changes. As female cats get older, they have an increased risk of breast cancer and uterine infection if they are not spayed. It is recommended to discuss with your veterinarian about the appropriate age for spaying. As a general guideline, it is recommended to be performed after 6 months of age.

Neuter

Neutering male cats involves surgical removal of the testicles. Neutering may help discourage aggression, hyperactivity, marking, roaming, and fighting. Neutering your male cat will eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and infection, as well as certain prostatic problems. It is recommended to discuss with your veterinarian about the appropriate age for neutering. As a general guideline, it is recommended to be performed after 6 months of age.

Microchipping

Microchipping your cat is a simple and effective way to ensure that you can find them if they ever get lost. A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that your vet can implant under your cat’s skin. It contains a unique identification number that can be read with a scanner. If your cat is ever lost and taken to a shelter or vet, they can scan the microchip to retrieve your contact information and quickly and safely reunite you with your cat. It’s important to keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company to ensure that you can be reached if your cat is found. Microchipping is a safe and painless procedure that can be done by your vet during a routine visit. It’s a small investment that can provide peace of mind and ensure that your furry friend is always protected. For more information, please follow the link. https://ralstonvet.com/microchipping/

Nails

Kittens have sharp toenails that can be trimmed with human fingernail clippers or with nail trimmers made specifically for dogs or cats. It is recommended to use nail trimmers made specifically for pets. Be cautious not to cut too much of the nail as it can cause bleeding and pain. With white or clear nails, you can see the pink quick through the nail. Use a sharp blade on your trimmers, as dull blades tend to crush the nail down and cause pain. Keep styptic powder available in case of bleeding. If you do not have styptic powder, you can use flour or cornstarch as a substitute to stop the bleeding.

Declawing should ONLY be considered after all other attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when clawing presents a significant health risk for people within the household. Before pursuing surgery, try frequent nail trimming, multiple scratching posts, and soft paws (soft nail caps that are glued on top of the nail). Declawing is a surgical procedure that involves the amputation of the third phalanx. A front declaw is preferred compared to an all-four paw declaw. It is best to declaw cats at the young age of about five months old. Young cats tend to recover more quickly and adapt better to the loss of their claws. This procedure can be painful and requires close monitoring for signs of pain as this potentially could lead to chronic pain. Cats that are declawed should be kept indoors only.