Cat and Kitten Care

Comprehensive Care for Your Feline Friend

Feline Whole Health Evaluation

Feline health is often overlooked and taken for granted, but a few changes in nutrition or environment can make life more enjoyable for all parties.

​We believe in a whole-body, whole-family philosophy that balances the optimum care of your pet with your specific lifestyle.

Each wellness visit includes an assessment and guidance on age-specific behavior & training, environment and risk-based parasite prevention, nutrition counseling, the benefits of supplements, and healthy weight counseling.

Feline Vaccinations Recommended for All Cats

Rabies

  • The Rabies vaccine is required by law. This is a universally fatal disease in animals and, yearly, there are multiple positive reports in CO wildlife

Feline Distemper (RCP)

This one vaccination protects against three common and severe diseases:

  • Rhinotracheitis, commonly known as “feline herpes,” causes chronic eye and upper respiratory infections
  • Calicivirus causes oral lesions and upper respiratory infections
  • Panleukopenia attacks the bone marrow and immune system

Vaccines for Outdoor or Social Cats Only

Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV)

Feline Leukemia is an important cause of illness and death among cats, especially in outdoor cats. This deadly virus spreads via mutual grooming, sharing food sources, or catfighting. It causes cancer (lymphoma and leukemia) and suppresses the immune system. It is one of the core vaccines for all cats less than one-year-old and at-risk cats that spend time outdoors, being boarded, or with groomers.

 

Intestinal Deworming

Intestinal deworming provides control of roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms which persist in the soil year-round or in prey species such as mice, rabbits, and birds. These parasites are transmissible to humans and small children are at the greatest risk of transmitting these parasites.

Intestinal deworming is administered at home every 1-3 months to control parasites depending on hunting habits and environmental risk

Special Care for Senior Cats

Annual Blood Work

Annual blood work is recommended for senior cats to assess major organ function and address deficiencies before they cause deleterious effects to the cat These tests screen for:

  • CBC: Assesses bone marrow function and looks for evidence of infection or anemia
  • Chemistry: Evaluates proteins and electrolytes, testing for major organ function of the kidneys, liver, adrenals, pancreas, etc.
  • Thyroid (T4): Screens for proper thyroid function
  • Urinalysis: Looks for evidence of early kidney disease, bladder infection, or prostate disease

 

Comprehensive Care for Your New Kitten

A new addition to the family is always a cause for celebration. After all, what could be better than coming home to a little bundle of love waiting to greet you? For many people, the answer is a new kitten. Kittens are a great way to bring some life into your home and can provide hours of entertainment. They are also relatively easy to take care of, which is good news for busy people or those who are new to pet ownership. Here are some tips to make bringing a new kitten home as easy as possible.

8-Week Old Kittens

Most kittens come home with big personalities and big needs!

Please come see us a few days after adoption so we can help set you up for success.

​Topics we will cover are:

  • Litter Box training and options
  • Creating a safe space in your home for your kitten
  • The benefits of pheromone therapy to ease the transition
  • Parasite control
  • Vaccination schedule
  • Inappropriate play

Most kittens come vaccinated & dewormed, so we’ll adjust our plan as needed, but if we’re starting from scratch, most puppies receive:

  • Feline Distemper (FVRCP or RCP) Vaccine #1 of 3
  • Intestinal parasite deworming (in clinic & given at home at 10 weeks)
  • Microchip with lifetime registration

12-Week Old Kittens

This is when your kittens become comfortable and start to become little tiny rascals.

Topics of discussion include:

  • Stimulating places for entertainment and play.
  • Vertical hiding and resting places.
  • Scratching post varieties and nail care
  • Addressing the growth spurts with increased food intake.

We’ll continue our medical management with the most common protocol being:

  • Feline Distemper (FVRCP or RCP) Vaccine #2 of 3
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine #1 of 2
  • Intestinal parasite deworming (in clinic & given at home at 14 weeks)

16-Week Old Kittens

Your kitten’s graduating! This is the final kitten visit for most pets.

We will cover:

  • Spay/Neuter timing
  • When to transition to adult food
  • Troubleshooting any behavioral changes
  • Nutritional supplements – are they worth it?

We’ll continue our medical management with the most common protocol being:

  • Feline Distemper (FVRCP or RCP) Vaccine – 1-year duration
  • Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine – 1-year duration
  • Rabies Vaccine – 1-year duration
  • Intestinal parasite deworming (in clinic & consider long term for outdoor cats)

What Pet Parents Say About Us

I cannot say enough about Dr. Brekke and her team at Crossroads Animal Hospital. They are the most supportive, thorough, and responsive clinic I’ve ever had the chance to take my babies to. Like most pet parents, we want the best for our pets and I believe I’ve found it at Crossroads Animal Hospital. Our kitty Gimli is a high needs cat and is highly reactive when he’s scared, but Dr. Brekke and their staff has been able to work with him and keep him comfortable. Big thanks to Dr. Brekke and her team for all the wonderful care and quality service!

10% off All Dental Procedures!

Now through the end of February, receive a discounted dental procedure (including anesthesia and extractions) to promote a healthy mouth. Click below to schedule a COMPLIMENTARY technician evaluation to develop a custom estimate for your pet's care.

10% off All Dental Procedures!

Now through the end of February, receive a discounted dental procedure (including anesthesia and extractions) to promote a healthy mouth.

Click here to learn more and schedule your FREE consultation!