This chapter puts focus on special treatment and consideration of cats and especially for young kittens. As mentioned in the related chapter for dogs, it is always recommended to consult with your vet what the best treatment for the cat especially if the cat lived for a long time in the streets. For other topics please select below.

Most kittens first visit the veterinarian when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. A stool sample should be collected and brought with you so the doctor can examine it for the presence of parasites. If parasites or "worms" are found to be present when the doctor examines your kitten's stool sample, an oral deworming medication will be administered. For some types of parasites treatment must be repeated in 2 - 3 weeks. The doctor will also give your kitten a complete physical examination. This includes examining the eyes for any redness or discharge, the nose for any discharge, the mouth, the ears for any signs of infection or ear mites, and the skin for any hair loss, infection or the presence of parasites such as fleas. The exam also includes listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, and feeling the abdomen or "belly" for anything abnormal. The doctor will also recommend a blood test for feline leukemia and immune deficiency viruses. These viruses, also known as retroviruses, can eventually become fatal to your cat, so it is very important to know if they are present or not.

At the end of the examination, the doctor will give your kitten it's first immunizations. If your kitten is between 7 and 8 weeks of age it will receive a vaccination for feline panleukopenia (also commonly known as feline ''distemper"), rhinotracheitis, and calici viruses. All these viruses are combined into one vaccination, known as a "3 -in-one" or "4-in-one" vaccination. Feline panleukopenia is an especially serious and potentially deadly virus. Your kitten will receive booster vaccinations for these viruses every 3 - 4 weeks until reaching the age of approximately 16 weeks. The kitten will also be vaccinated for rabies when it reaches the age of 12 weeks or older.

There is a vaccination to protect your cat against leukemia virus. This vaccine can be administered after 9 weeks of age and as a booster vaccine given 3 - 4 weeks later. We strongly recommend immunizing your cat against feline leukemia, particularly if your cat will be living part of it's life outdoors.

Each and every time your kitten is vaccinated, a complete physical examination will be given to ensure that your new companion will receive the full benefit of each vaccination, and that no new problems have arisen.

It is strongly recommended that all animals be spayed or neutered at about six months of age. In females this prevents the heat or estrus cycles, reduces frustration, eliminates the chance of an unwanted pregnancy, and lowers the incidence of breast tumors and infected uteruses. In males marking behavior and the strong smell of the urine is reduced as well as the urge to roam.