LIFE CYCLE NEEDS - CATS AND KITTENS
Kittens (Birth-1 year):
- Behavior Guidance (litterbox training, manners, socialization, scratching, indoor vs. outdoor risks)
- Start teeth brushing
- Excellent nutrition formulated for kittens (we use and recommend Hill’s Science Diet products)
- Clean, fresh water daily
- Vaccinations as determined by risk factors as well as flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite control
- Test for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodefiency virus)
- Neuter or ovariohysterectomy (spay)
- Age appropriate bloodwork and stool sample test for intestinal parasites
- Home Again microchip identification
- Playtime and exercise
- TLC – large doses and often – Have Fun!
Adult Cats (1-6 years):
- Continued behavior guidance
- Continued dental care. Professional teeth cleaning when tarter and gingivitis are present. Veterinary Dental Society recommends at least yearly.
- Life stage appropriate nutrition (we use and recommend Hill’s Science Diet products)
- Clean, fresh water daily
- Vaccinations as determined by risk factors
- Yearly baseline bloodwork (liver, kidney, infection and anemia monitoring) and urinalysis
- Annual testing for feline leukemia and FIV for cats with outdoor exposure
- Biannual physical examinations/consultations (since one year of their life is equivalent to 5-7 human years. This is the equivalent of us getting a physical every 2 ½ - 3 ½ years.)
- Flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite control and annual stool sample test. Twice yearly stool testing for outdoor cats.
- More playtime and exercise – this is a critical time to prevent obesity
Senior Cats (7-12 years):
- All the needs of adult cats PLUS:
- Golden Age Physical:
- This examination is the “over 40” physical which includes a more thorough testing than the baseline bloodwork of previous years
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen to detect early lung, heart, kidney, bladder, spleen, skeletal and tumor concerns
- ECG – electrocardiograph screens for electrical problems with the heart
- Blood pressure measurement to screen for hypertension, a leading cause of sudden blindness
- Urinalysis to detect early bladder, kidney or diabetes issues
- Biannual exams/consultations to fine-tune behavior, nutrition, and prevention recommendations for your pet
- Professional teeth cleaning/oral surgery as indicated to control periodontal disease
Super Senior Cats (13 years or older):
- All of the needs of the senior cat PLUS:
- Continued biannual exams unless existing health problems indicate more frequent visits
- Repeat full golden age physical as indicated
- Modifications in the home to accommodate needs such as litter boxes with easy access and stools for getting up to sleeping areas or windows
- Senior supplements for arthritis care as needed
- TLC – large doses and often
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