New Pet Information
New Kitten? We’re Here to Help
URGENT cARE
If your pet has an urgent medical need, please call us for faster service. We offer limited same-day appointments and urgent care services.
Vaccination Recommendations
Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect your kitten against life-threatening diseases which can be prevented. The first vaccination, FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Panleukopenia), will be given at 8 weeks old, with a booster following every 3-4 weeks until your kitten reaches 16 weeks of age. Based on your kitten’s lifestyle we may also vaccinate for Feline Leukemia, a lifelong infection in cats with serious complications. Our kitten vaccine protocol also includes a Rabies vaccination as well as parasite treatment and prevention.
Wellness Exam: What to Expect
At your kitten’s first visit, they will receive a thorough nose-to-tail physical exam to evaluate your young pet’s overall health. This is a good time to bring up any health, food, behavioral, or housing questions you may have. Our team will also go over a vaccination protocol for your pet, too. We understand every kitten is unique and want to ensure that you and your young pet have the best health care possible through a program designed to meet your pet’s individualized needs.
Spaying & Neutering
Did you know spaying/neutering can contribute to your pet living a longer, healthier life? Spaying/neutering can directly reduce your pet’s desire to roam, which can minimize risks of lost pets, injuries, or worse! Spaying/neutering also significantly reduces your pet’s chances of getting certain types of cancer. And, you will be doing your part by not contributing to the massive crisis of pet overpopulation… a win/win! We recommend spaying/neutering all cats at six months old. This can be sooner if there are behavioral or medical issues that warrant earlier intervention.
Heartworm Prevention
Any pet that can be bitten by a mosquito is at risk of becoming infected by heartworm, which is a serious, life-threatening parasite. Cases of heartworm are regularly reported in Oregon, and in southern Oregon, we have a higher risk of cases. Because of this, if your kitten will have access to the outdoors, we
recommend year-round heartworm prevention for the duration of your kitten’s life in addition to annual testing for heartworm. Your team at West Main Animal Hospital can assist you to find the prevention
that is right for your pet.