Veterinary Viewpoint: From kitten to cat Part I
Cats have an average life expectancy of 15 years, however cats can live well into their 20s. One recorded cat named Crème Puff made it to the age of 38!
Indoor cats naturally have more protection from predators and the elements and typically stay healthier and live longer than outdoor cats.
Kittens usually stop growing when they reach a year old. Compared to a human, at 12 months a cat is equivalent to a 15 year-old human. At 18 months, they can be considered an adult.
However, some larger breeds, such a Maine Coon cats may not mature until they are 2 years old.
Typically, between 3-4 months, a kitten’s baby teeth will start to fall out and will be replaced by his adult teeth around 6 months of age.
Kittens should be fed free choice kitten food 3 times daily until they are a year old. Thereafter, twice-daily feedings are recommended.
Vaccines are standard for all cats even those who live indoors.
FVRCP is a combination vaccine. The first letters (FVR) refer to Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis. This virus can lead to severe upper respiratory diseases including rhinitis, sneezing, and conjunctivitis. This vaccine can also prevent oral ulceration (cold sores) and primary pneumonia.
The C stands for Calicivirus which also helps prevent upper respiratory tract disease and oral ulcerations. It can also cause chronic stomatitis, pneumonia, systemic disease, and lameness. On occasion, this virus can affect multiple cats in their internal organs and is frequently fatal.
The last letter P stands for Panleukopenia or Feline Distemper. This virus is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate. Affected cats will suffer from anorexia, vomiting, fever, and severe diarrhea.
All 3 viruses are highly contagious and are spread through sneezes, saliva or eye secretions, and can also be transferred through the environment.
Pet owners can unwittingly bring home an infection on their clothing.
Combination vaccines limit the number of injections and are more likely to used as they save clinic calls.
Rabies is a state law requirement and should be given to domestic animals and recommended for cats.
Kitten care is more costly at the onset, due to the need to build up immunity with baseline vaccines.
As with any vaccine, some kittens might develop a low-grade fever, a decreased appetite, or lethargy. Swelling may also occur at the injection site. These side effects usually disappear within a few days.
If a feline has a more significant reaction to a vaccine, it will happen within a few minutes to a few hours following the injection. These allergic responses are extremely rare but may include any or all of the following: hives, redness/swelling around the eyes and lips, a mild fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and itchiness. If any of these develop, contact us immediately. Any swelling around the vaccination site that lasts over 3 weeks, should also be examined.
In cases where a cat has a severe reaction, a modified vaccine schedule will be recommended.
The FeLV vaccine protects against the Feline Leukemia Virus. This is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats and affects between 2-3% of all cats. Cats that are elderly or ill are at a 30% chance of becoming infected.
The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and the milk of infected cats, so a mother can transmit it to her kittens even before they are born. Cats can be infected through bite wounds and through mutual grooming of each other. Rarely does transmission take place from shared litter boxes or dishes.
Kittens are most susceptible to the FeLV virus which can cause cancer, various blood disorders, and immune deficiency.
FeLV affected cats might show any of these symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Progressive weight loss
Poor coat condition
Enlarge lymph nodes
Persistent fever
Pale gums and other mucus membranes
Inflammation of the gums and mouth
Skin infections, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
Persistent diarrhea
Seizures, behavior changes, other neurological disorders
A variety of eye conditions
Abortion and other reproductive failures.
The only sure way to protect cats is to protect them from exposure and with preventative vaccines.
Part II will discuss the maladies that affect cats and how to treat them.
Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at (517) 369-2161 or visit www.bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Opinion
