Kittens Archives - Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital

Vaccines for Cats: Why are They Important?

Vaccines for Cats: Why are They Important?: Ensuring your pet’s health is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being. By making sure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations at the appropriate intervals, you can protect them from common illnesses and enhance their overall health and lifespan. Here is some additional information regarding the essential and suggested vaccinations for your kitten or cat.

Essential Vaccines

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital provides a comprehensive range of three core vaccinations. The vaccines for feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus are effective in preventing a respiratory disease commonly known as ‘cat flu’. This illness can be transmitted from one cat to another through coughing or sneezing, and it can impact cats of all ages. However, young kittens are especially vulnerable to it. It is recommended to receive an annual vaccine boost to ensure ongoing protection against re-infection.

More Vaccines

Additionally, we provide the option of vaccines for feline leukaemia. This is a condition that weakens your cat’s immune system and makes them more vulnerable to infections. We also offer vaccines for feline immunodeficiency virus This is a slow-acting infectious disease that also impacts the immune system.

When is the ideal time to vaccinate my pet?

Vaccinations for kittens typically start when they are between 6-8 weeks old and will need to be given regularly during their initial months. It is crucial to ensure that vaccines are administered to young kittens at the appropriate time. And this is because they gradually lose the protection provided by maternal antibodies against diseases.

Your veterinarian will provide guidance on the recommended frequency of vaccinations for adult cats, taking into consideration their age and lifestyle. Ensure your pet receives comprehensive coverage for all preventative care by choosing one of our wellness packages. These packages conveniently combine vaccinations and other preventative treatments into an affordable bundle.

Should I Get Vaccinations for My Indoor Cat?

Even though your furry friend may spend most of their time indoors, it’s still important to make sure they receive the necessary vaccines. This includes the core vaccinations for feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that these illnesses can be life-threatening, emphasizing the need for total protection. When your inquisitive feline ventures outside, there is a risk of them ending up in a shelter or encountering other cats, which could potentially expose them to harmful diseases. It’s important to be aware that kittens can unfortunately acquire diseases at a young age, either before you bring them home or even while they are still in the womb. This means that there is always a chance of these diseases resurfacing in cats who are not adequately protected.

Understanding the Risks of Vaccination

Typically, common vaccines pose minimal risks. Your pet may experience a mild reaction at the injection site, but rest assured that serious side effects are unlikely. Ensuring the utmost protection for your kitten involves keeping them indoors until ten days after their final vaccination. Annual boosters are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of vaccines.

If you’re interested in scheduling vaccinations for your pet, feel free to reach out to Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital at 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for additional contact options.

Also visit – Go West Handbook

Your Kitten’s Health Care Plan

Have you just brought a new kitten into your home? Congratulations – cats make a wonderful addition to families, bringing love and companionship to any home. Owning a cat is a great way for children to learn about responsibility, compassion and how to interact with other animals, as well as providing them with lots of fun and cuddles. So, here’s your Your Kitten’s Health Care Plan.

To help you look after your little feline companion properly, we’ve put together this practical owner’s guide, outlining some important factors you’ll need to consider for your kitten’s wellbeing.

Kittens are sensitive animals

When it comes to the socialization of kittens, there is a critical period that shouldn’t be overlooked. This sensitive phase takes place between the ages of two and seven weeks. These few weeks play a crucial role in shaping their future social behavior. During this time, kittens are like sponges, absorbing and learning from their surroundings. It’s a fascinating period that deserves our attention and understanding.

When bringing a new kitten into your home, it’s crucial to prioritize their comfort and well-being. Creating a safe and welcoming environment for your furry friend is not only essential for their physical health but also for their mental and emotional state.

Bringing Your Kitten Home

Your kitten will most likely be a bit nervous and unsure in a new environment. He or she will be used to being with its mother and siblings so will be feeling a little lost at first.

Make sure you plan ahead, taking your kitten straight to a quiet, warm place inside your home where it can feel relaxed and explore when it’s ready. The laundry can be a good choice, providing a quiet room that isn’t a major thoroughfare of the house.

Have a little bed ready for your cat, in a pet bed, basket or box, so he or she can curl up and feel cosy and safe. You can place a warm hot water bottle in the bed for extra comfort.

Introduce children and other pets very slowly and carefully to your new family member. You may even decide to wait a few days until kitten feels more settled and confident.

Your Kitten’s Health Care Plan: Kitten Playtime

Make sure your kitten has toys and playthings to keep them entertained and active. Cats need things to scratch and chew – if you don’t provide them with a scratching post they’ll look for the next best thing!

Keep electrical cords and anything else that could be dangerous to chew or climb away from your kitten’s reach.

Food and Nutrition for Healthy Cats

Just like humans, kittens need nutritious food to grow up strong and healthy, generally with 2 or 3 meals a day. Premium pet food brands offer food specially formulated for young cats, providing your kitten with a balanced diet.

Cats are good at self-regulating their food, even when young, so leave kitten biscuits out for them to snack on throughout the day and always have fresh clean water available.

Kitten Toilet Training

Often you’ll find that your kitten has already picked up good toilet habits from their mother or litter mates. However, you’ll still need to encourage them in their new environment.

Have a readily accessible litter tray, away from busy areas of the house or other pets, for your kitten to use comfortably. Be sure to give your kitten lots of praise when they use the tray correctly, and don’t ever punish them for accidents – this will lead to fear of using the tray and more accidents.

Vaccinations for Cats

Cats are generally vaccinated at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and then once a year, to protect them from diseases such as feline enteritis and feline respiratory viruses, which can be very serious and even fatal, particularly for kittens.

As well as vaccinations, you need to factor in desexing, microchipping, dental health checks, regular worming and flea control for your cat, as well as any emergency vet treatment in case of accident or illness.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is on the rise for both companion and working animals, and we couldn’t recommend it enough. Signing up for pet insurance while your pet is still young ensures that you will receive the most comprehensive cover. Many diseases become evident within the first few years of life, and if your furry friend develops evidence of a problem prior to you taking out insurance they will be covered for that particular problem or disease.

There are a variety of pet insurance policies to suit different needs. Pet insurance helps take the financial stress out of emergencies and gives you peace of mid knowing that your pet will always receive the best possible medical treatment without having to worry about the bill. Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital is offering its clients medical cover through Petplan.

Preventative Healthcare for Your Cat

If you’re reading this to help gauge whether you can responsibly care for a cat, please carefully consider the time and money you’ll need to invest into your newest family member – owning a pet is a long-term responsibility and our animal friends deserve a safe home.

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital offers a range of affordable wellness packages that provide regular preventative care for your cat’s health. Regular check-ups ensure ongoing good health for your cat, and by preventing illness and disease in the first place you’ll also be saving money on potentially expensive vet bills.

Monthly payment plans will take a lot of the financial stress out of owning a pet, giving you 100% peace of mind that you’re looking after them properly, and have somewhere to turn to in case of emergency. You’ll also have professional and qualified vets on hand to offer you guidance and support in looking after your kitten. Now enjoy your time with your new feline friend!

Your Kitten's Health Care Plan

How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth?

As a responsible and caring cat owner, being vigilant about your feline friend’s dental health is essential. So, you must worry about “How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth?”

Like humans, cats can experience dental issues requiring attention and treatment. Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Tooth discolouration

Tooth discolouration in cats can occur due to various underlying causes. The causes can include pulpitis, pulpal haemorrhage, or pulpal necrosis that arises as a consequence of tooth trauma. These conditions can lead to changes in the coloration of the affected tooth.

2. How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth: Bad breath

One of the most frequently encountered issues when it comes to feline oral health is halitosis, also known as bad breath. This unpleasant odour can be attributed to a variety of factors, but the most prevalent cause in cats is periodontal disease.

3. Facial swelling

If you notice any signs of a potential cat tooth abscess, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance promptly. Your trusted veterinarian may start suspecting the presence of a tooth abscess in your feline companion if they observe certain indicators.

4. Swollen and/or bleeding gums

Gingivitis is a common dental condition in cats. It refers to the inflammation that occurs along the gumline, where the gums come into contact with the teeth.

5. Changes in eating habits

Tooth problems in cats can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being, particularly when it comes to their eating habits.

6. Excessive drooling in cats

Excessive drooling in cats is a common concern among pet owners. It can be quite alarming to see your furry friend drooling excessively, especially if it is out of the ordinary. This can be a sign of a tooth issue.

What to do for tooth problems in cats?

The topic, “How Can I Tell If Something Is Wrong with My Cat’s Teeth?” is now cleared. So, what should you do next? The recommended treatment for your cat will depend on the severity of their condition and how it is affecting them. When it comes to assessing the condition of your pet, it is always recommended to seek the expertise and guidance of a qualified veterinarian.

Consulting with a professional in the field of veterinary medicine comes with many benefits. You can ensure that your beloved companion receives the highest level of care and attention.

Vets Singleton

Vets Waikiki

Vet Warnbro

Who Are the Port Kennedy Vets?

At Port Kennedy Vets, we understand, value, and respect the special nature of the bond between an owner and their pet. We aim to provide the best quality healthcare for your pets in order to maximise their quality of life. Pets are a part of the family and we know that when they suffer, you suffer. That’s why we dedicate each day to relieving pain and restoring health as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Highly Qualified Staff

We currently have 7 highly skilled veterinary surgeons on the team, as well as our two owners who have more than 70 years of veterinary experience between them. Our surgeons have all dedicated their education and careers to animal care – we have a genuine passion for looking after your pets.

Friendly Service

Our reception is staffed by a mixture of qualified veterinary nurses and students, so you can be sure that caring for your pet is their number one priority. We understand how worrying it can be to visit the vet, both for owners and their pets, and we aim to make clinic visits as easy and comfortable as possible.

All-Round Care

Our team of support staff includes two groomers, two kennel hands, and a puppy school trainer. We pride ourselves on providing a service that looks after all of the needs of your pet from their first visit to their senior years. Our qualified veterinary surgeons offer advice on all aspects of pet care including nutrition, behaviour, dental care and preventative treatments to ensure excellent all-round care for all patients.

Modern Technology

We believe that keeping up with technological developments is vital in order to provide the highest standard of care to your pet. We are proud of the exceptional standard of our clinical facility, which includes a dedicated dental suite, a wide range of anaesthetic and pain relief methods, medical monitoring equipment, and a modern sterilisation autoclave.

A Community Vet

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital has been operating under its current owners for 18 years, growing from a small one-vet treatment centre to the large and busy centre we are today. We believe in supporting the next generation of vets, which is why we offer many work placements throughout the year to give students the hands-on experience they need to succeed in the veterinary world. In order to give back to our community, we offer free seminars on animal wellness and provide educational support to local schools.

To make an appointment at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, call us now on 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Special Vet Care for Kittens

It’s important to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible after adopting a new kitten. After all, you’re bringing a new family member into your home. You should arrange a thorough health check to make sure your kitten is healthy but also to ensure they aren’t bringing any infectious diseases or parasites with them that could affect other pets or people.

The First Check Up

Your kitten’s first check up will start with a comprehensive physical exam. This will involve a visual check on the health of their eyes, ears, fur and teeth, as well as measuring your cat’s temperature and weight. Your vet will listen to their heart and lung health and feel for any abnormalities in other internal organs to make sure kitten’s life gets off to the best possible start. Faecal and blood tests may also be taken at this time.

Vaccinations

Kittens are particularly at risk of contracting a number of diseases as they gradually lose the antibodies passed on by their mother and are left with no protection. There are three essential ‘core’ vaccines for your kitten – rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. These vaccines can begin to be administered around 6-8 weeks of age and then boosted over the following few months. Your vet will provide you with a schedule of vaccinations to follow in order to ensure your cat gets the best possible protection against infectious disease.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a legal requirement in Western Australia and should be completed in the first few months of your kitten’s life. The process is as simple as a small injection in the back of the neck and it means your pet has a very high chance of being returned to you if it gets lost.

Flea Prevention

All pets will be exposed to fleas at some stage once they are outside and interacting with other animals. Kittens can begin to receive preventative treatment against fleas from 2 months of age, and all pets in your household must be treated at the same time.

Worm Prevention

Kittens need to be treated to protect against heartworm and intestinal worms regularly from a very young age. When you purchase our kitten wellness package, this includes 12 months of protection against these harmful parasites.

Desexing

All male cats outside of breeding colonies must be desexed and it is highly recommended to desex females as well. Pets who have been spayed or neutered are healthier, more relaxed, less likely to roam or fight, and ultimately better to live with. Your kitten should be desexed before 6 months of age at the latest.

Total Wellness

All of the treatments listed above are available in the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital kitten wellness package, designed to give the best possible chance of preventing, detecting and managing any illness your pet may develop. The wellness package provides an excellent start to your kitten’s long life of health and happiness.

If you’d like to purchase one of our popular wellness packages for your kitten, call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital now on 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Important Vaccines for Cats

Important Cat Vaccinations for Pets: Preventative treatment is a vital part of your pet’s health. By ensuring your animal gets all the vaccines they need at the right times, you can prevent them from contracting common diseases and maximise the quality and longevity of their life. Below we provide more information on the necessary and recommended vaccinations for your kitten or cat.

Core Vaccines

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, we offer a set of three core vaccinations. The feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus vaccines both prevent a common respiratory disease, often simplified as ‘cat flu’. This disease is easily spread between cats through coughing or sneezing and can affect cats of any age, but kittens are particularly susceptible. This vaccine should be boosted annually to prevent re-infection.

The third vaccine in our core set is for feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. Fortunately, the vaccine is very effective at providing immunity and the disease is no longer very common.

Additional Vaccines

We also offer optional vaccines for feline leukaemia – which suppresses your cat’s immune system leaving them susceptible to infections – and feline immunodeficiency virus, which is a very slow-acting infectious disease, also affecting the immune system.

When Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

Kitten vaccinations begin at between 6-8 weeks of age and will be boosted regularly during their first few months. Young kittens will inherit maternal antibodies to give them protection against disease, but this fades as they grow so it’s vital to arrange vaccines at the right time. For adult cats, your vet will advise you on how often they need to receive vaccinations as this will depend on their age and lifestyle. To make sure your pet is fully covered for all preventative care, you can purchase one of our wellness packages, which include vaccinations and other preventative treatments in one simple, affordable bundle.

Does My Indoor Cat Need Vaccinations?

While it may seem counterintuitive, indoor kittens and cats will still require vaccines, especially the core vaccinations against feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia.

It’s important to remember that these diseases can be fatal, making complete protection absolutely necessary. If your curious cat wanders outdoors, ends up in a shelter or comes into contact with another cat, they may be exposed to dangerous diseases. Many kittens also contract diseases at a young age before you meet them or even in utero, meaning the possibility of a disease recurring in unprotected cats is always possible.

What Are the Risks of Vaccination?

In general, there are very few risks associated with common vaccines. It’s possible for your pet to experience a mild reaction at the site of the injection, but more serious side effects are unlikely. When caring for a kitten, it’s important to keep them inside until ten days after their final vaccination to ensure they are fully protected. Vaccines are only effective when necessary boosters are given annually.

If you’d like to arrange vaccinations for your pet, call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital now on 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Also visit – Go West Handbook

Wellness Package for Cats & Dogs – What’s Included

Visits to the vet for your pet’s regular checks, cost of pet food, pet accessories, grooming and training can be quite expensive to keep up with. Luckily, Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital offers wellness packages for cats and dogs in an effort to save pet owners money in the long run without neglecting their pet’s health. View our infographic to see what’s included in the package.