What do we vaccinate against: 

Feline Enteritis (Feline Panleucopaenia): Infected cats develop depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea. The death rate is high. Can result in abortion in pregnant cats or foetal abnormalities.

Feline Respiratory Disease: Majority of cases are caused by feline herpesvirus and/or feline calicivirus and are highly contagious, causing coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nasal discharge and a loss of appetite. Cats recover over time but can remain infected and develop signs again during times of stress.

Chlamydia: Feline chlamydia causes persistent conjunctivitis in cats.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): this virus affects the cat’s immune system diminishing its defence against other infections and disease which often occurs years after infection occurs. FIV is transmitted by bites from affected cats and so we recommend vaccinating cats that spend any time outdoors. (FIV is not transmissible to humans).

Some Important Points About Vaccination:

• Your kitten is not adequately covered until a week after their final kitten vaccination 

• Vaccinations are given as an injection under the skin between the shoulder blades. This is usually tolerated quite well 

• Rarely we can see vaccination reactions - this includes pain at injection site, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, hives. If you have any concerns, please contact the clinic.   

Kitten Package:

Often, we see you with your new kitten for the first time at their second vaccination - we offer a discounted rate if you combine payment of the 2nd and 3rd vaccine at this visit. 

Worming

Regular deworming is recommended in all cats. Worm burdens can stunt growth and cause GI upsets. Worming can be combined with flea control (e.g. nexgard spectra spot on) or stand alone (e.g. drontal - tablet). 

Worming Schedule:

• Birth to 12 weeks of age: every 2 weeks 
• 12 weeks to 6 months of age: every 4 weeks 
• 6 months +: every 3 months (when combined with flea prevention some products require monthly treatment) 

Ectoparasite control

It is recommended to provide flea, tick and mite control to minimise the risk of infestation. Did you know that fleas can transmit tapeworms to our pets?

Fleas are best managed with prevention as the majority live in the environment and can make treatment difficult once infected. Some cats can have severe reactions to fleas, developing sores and hair loss with just 1 or 2 fleas. 

Paralysis ticks are a concern if you are travelling north, or to the coast. 

These products can be combined with worming (e.g. nexgard spectra), or be standalone (e.g. bravecto). Products are either monthly, 3 monthly or 6 monthly and available as a spot on or chew.

It is important to ensure that only products specific for cats are used as others can cause life threatening reactions in cats. 

We know all the different options can seem overwhelming so come in a speak to the team and we can tailor a parasite prevention plan specific for your pets' needs! 

Feeding

It is extremely important to be giving your growing kitten an appropriate balanced diet. A good quality complete and balanced kitten diet (dry and/or wet) needs to make up the majority of your kitten's diet as this will provide them with the right balance of nutrients and minerals for their growing bodies. Good quality foods will specify a recommended daily intake on their packaging. 

Fresh water should always be available to your kitten. Milk is not advised as this can give your cat a tummy upset. 

To provide additional enrichment and mental stimulation to your cat at feed times their meals can be fed through interactive or puzzle feeders. There are many commercial options available - start with something simple and increase the complexity so that they have to work for their food. There are home made options too - for example feeding dry food out of an empty egg carton. 

Desexing 

Desexing is the removal of reproductive organs, preventing unplanned litters and some unwanted behaviours. This is typically performed around puberty at 4-6 months of age - female cats can become pregnant at this young age and so if they are likely to have any contact with male cats (spending any time outdoors) then we recommend desexing early. 

At ACE we offer both traditional and minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) desexing.  

Click here for more information on the desexing procedure at ACE. 

Setting up your home 

Litter trays are required for all indoor cats. The general rule is one litter tray per cat in the household plus an additional one (i.e. if you have two cats you will need three litter trays). These should be placed in quiet, low traffic areas. Faeces should be removed daily and a full change performed at least weekly depending on soiling and litter type. Cats are very particular about the type of litter used so make sure to keep this consistent or slowly transition to a new litter. 

Scratching posts or mats are important to provide your cat to allow for nail upkeep and to express natural behaviours. This will also help to prevent scratching of your furniture. 

Just like dogs many cats love to play with toys - this may include small soft toys, toys on a rope or laser lights - give it a go and see what your cat prefers. 

Microchipping 

Microchipping is not only a requirement for counsil registration of your cat or dog but is also vital in ensuring that your pet can be reunited with you should it become lost. 

Microchipping is typically carried out at the time of the first vaccination but can be done at any time. If your kitten has been microchipped with its breeder/adoption centre you will need to complete a change of ownership form with the microchip register. If your kitten does not have a microchip and it is your first time having a pet microchipped you will need to apply for a source number through the Pet Exchange Register. 

Pet Insurance

Seeing a pet with an unexpected illness or injury can be very stressful, however pet insurance can help to relieve some of the financial stress of these situations. 

Young inquisitive kittens can be prone to accidents and as many insurance companies will not cover pre-exisiting illnesses it is beneficial to consider pet insurance for your kitten. 

We offer GAPOnly here at ACE which is a convenient service where we can submit the claim for you in clinic and you only need to pay the gap (the amount not covered by the policy). GapOnly includes many different insurance companies - to find a list of these and to learn more about the service click here. 

Dental Care

It is great to start thinking about implementing dental care from a young age. Dental disease is extrememly common and prevention is key! 

The gold standard for dental care, just like with us, is daily tooth brushing and it is best to get your pet used to this from a young age. A pet specific toothpaste is required and you can start to teach your pup just with using the toothpaste on your finger and gradually build up to brushing - all the time making this a positive and rewarding experience for our kitten.

Read our blog Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats here.