Vaccine Schedule:
FVRCP is a combination vaccination that is given to cats to protect against multiple viruses. FVRCP stands  for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. These viruses are mainly transmitted by  direct contact and fecal-oral transmission by playing sharing toys, water/food bowls, environment, etc  with other cats. This vaccine is recommended to be administered to kittens every 3-4 weeks from the  age of 8 weeks to 16 weeks in kittens. After the 16 week vaccination, the next recommended FVRCP vaccination is in 1 year. This is the recommended core vaccination for cats.

For the last two FVRCP vaccines of the series (at approximately 12 and 16 weeks), the FeLV (Feline  Leukemia) vaccination can be added. The FeLV vaccine is recommended for all cats and strongly  recommended for any cat that will spend any amount of time outdoors. Feline Leukemia is mainly  transmitted from cat to cat via saliva (i.e. cat bites or respiratory secretions from grooming, sneezing,  coughing, or less commonly sharing food/water dishes).

Rabies vaccination is done at approximately 16 weeks. This vaccination is valid for 1 year. Below is a sample outline of the vaccine schedule for kittens:

8 weeks: FVRCP
11 weeks: FVRCP
14 weeks: FVRCP + FeLV
17 weeks: FVRCP + FeLV and Rabies

-OR

8 weeks: FVRCP
12 weeks: FVRCP + FeLV
16 weeks: FVRCP + FeLV and Rabies

Deworming:
Yearly or more frequent deworming or fecal checks is recommended for all cats because gastrointestinal  parasites can be acquired from the environment and many are zoonotic to humans. One option is to  bring in a fecal sample to your cat’s next exam and at Potlatch Vet Clinic we run a fecal test in the clinic  that checks for eggs of many of the common gastrointestinal parasites that cats can acquire.

For deworming medication options, Drontal Plus is a broad spectrum dewormer that treats  roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and other gastrointestinal parasites. Drontal Plus is an oral pill  that can be given to cats 8 weeks of age and older, the frequency of administration can be determined  with your veterinarian based on your cat’s lifestyle.

Another deworming medication option is Profender which is also a broad spectrum dewormer that  treats roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Profender is a topical ointment that is applied to cat’s  back at the base of the neck and can be given to cats 8 weeks of age and older. Again, the frequency of  administration can be determined with your veterinarian based on your cat’s lifestyle.

Another topical ointment deworming medication is Revolution Plus. Revolution Plus is a monthly topical

ointment that is applied to the cat’s back at the base of the neck and can be given to cats 8 weeks of age  and older. Revolution treats roundworm and hookworm and has the added benefits of also treating ear  mites, flea, ticks, and preventing heartworm disease.

We also carry other deworming products such as pyrantel (Strongid).

Flea/Tick Prevention:
Flea and tick prevention is recommended for all cats (especially those that are outdoors) as we have  both of these parasites in the Pacific Northwest. Late spring, summer, and early fall have the highest tick  densities in this area. There are many flea/tick prevention products on the market, at Potlatch Vet Clinic  we carry and recommend Bravecto which is a topical ointment that is placed on the cat’s back at the  base of the neck. One of the reasons that we recommend Bravecto is that it is effective at preventing  fleas and ticks for 3 months. However, cats must be 6 months of age or older to receive Bravecto. For  cats under 6 months of age there are other flea/tick prevention options such as Revolution Plus which is  also topical ointment that is applied to the cat’s back at the base of the neck. Revolution Plus is effective  for one month and needs monthly reapplication. However, Revolution Plus also treats ear mites,  heartworms, and some gastrointestinal parasites (i.e. roundworms and hookworms).

Spay:
Spaying is the procedure of removing a female cat’s uterus and ovaries. This procedure prevents  unwanted pregnancies and eliminates heat cycles in cats. Our recommended time for spaying is at 4-6  months of age before a female cat’s first heat cycle. Spaying before the first heat cycle has been shown  to greatly reduce female cat’s chances of having mammary cancer.

An appointment for spaying your cat can be scheduled at your convenience (we do surgeries most days  of the week). Surgery patients are dropped off in the morning at a scheduled drop off time between  7:30-8:30am and stay at Potlatch Vet Clinic for the day, they are picked up at a scheduled picked up in  that same evening (usually between 4:00-5:30pm).

Neuter/Castration:
Neutering is the procedure of removing a male cat’s testicles. This procedure prevents unwanted  pregnancies and can be helpful in preventing unwanted behaviors (i.e. urine marking, roaming, and  sometimes aggression). Our recommended time of neutering is 4-6 months of age.

An appointment for neutering your cat can be scheduled at your convenience (we do surgeries most  days of the week). Surgery patients are dropped off in the morning at a scheduled drop off time  between 7:30-8:30am and stay at Potlatch Vet Clinic for the day, they are picked up at a scheduled  picked up in that same evening (usually between 4:00-5:30pm).