Our dedicated cat vet team in Canberra is here to provide the highest standard of care for your feline companions. Health checks include taking a complete history, a thorough physical examination and assessing the weight of the cat. Regular health checks are important for ensuring good health is maintained through preventative medicine, such as vaccinations and parasite control, and that any diseases are identified early.
It is recommended that kittens receive a health check at 6-8, 10-12 and 16 weeks of age with their routine vaccinations.
Annual check-ups are recommended for healthy, young, adult cats.
Senior cats that are 9 years and older or cats with pre-existing diseases should have regular health checks at least every 6 months.
Most kittens will have this first visit with their breeder or animal shelter.
They will receive a comprehensive health assessment that will include a physical exam and assessment for common congenital diseases.
The kittens will receive their first vaccinations and microchipping and the vet will advise on appropriate parasite control.
This visit is often the kittens first vet visit with their new owners and it is a great opportunity to discuss kitten care and expectations.
Your vet will take a complete history and perform a physical examination of the kitten before administering vaccinations.
The vet will also discuss parasite control and diet and are happy to answer any other questions you may have about your new kitten.
At this visit your vet will complete their final kitten assessment to ensure your kitten is developing normally and they will receive their final kitten vaccination.
If your kitten is not already desexed your vet will discuss when is best to perform this procedure and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Vaccinations are important for preventing common infectious diseases.
The primary feline vaccination is known as an ‘F3’ and it is recommended that kittens receive this vaccination at 6-8, 10-12 and 16 weeks of age and adult cats require a booster annually. If your cat’s vaccinations have lapsed a second booster may be required 4 weeks later. An ‘F3’ vaccination covers 3 common feline viruses – Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Panleucopaenia virus (FPV).
FIV vaccinations are an optional vaccination that protects against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is spread by biting and scratching between cats and is recommended for cats that will have outdoor access. FIV affects the cats immune system making them susceptible to infections and leading to chronic or recurrent illness. It is recommended to discuss with your vet if this vaccination is indicated for your cat.
Parasite control is an important form of preventative health care for your cat. In general prevention against fleas, ticks and intestinal worms is recommended.
For kittens it is particularly important to ensure regular age and weight appropriate treatment. The nurses and vets at the clinic will be able to recommend products to suit your kitten and can happily help with weighing to make sure the right dose is given.
For adult cats it is important to establish a regular parasite control routine, particularly if your cat has outdoor access. Common products we recommend are Milbemax, Revolution and Bravecto. Your vet will be happy to discuss parasite control options for your cat.
Desexing is recommended for all cats to prevent unwanted litters and for managing roaming behaviour and preventing common health issues such as pyometra or mammary cancer. Kittens from animal shelters may be neutered at quite young and may go to their new homes already desexed. In general, we recommend desexing at approximately 6 months of age. The nurses and vets are happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure and after care requirements.
There are so many different kitten and cat food options available it can be difficult to choose. In general, it is recommended to feed a premium food such as Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet or Advance, and always pick an age appropriate diet, most brands have kitten, adult and senior options. If you are browsing brands try to pick a brand that is AAFCO certified. It is recommended to feed a mix of wet and dry food to encourage water intake in cats and always consult the feeding guide to find out how much you should be feeding your cat.
In general kittens 4-12 weeks of age should be fed 4 times a day, while kittens 3-6 months should be fed 3 times a day and older cats can be fed twice a day.
There are so many different kitten and cat food options available it can be difficult to choose. In general, it is recommended to feed a premium food such as Royal Canin, Hills Science Diet or Advance, and always pick an age appropriate diet, most brands have kitten, adult and senior options. If you are browsing brands try to pick a brand that is PFIAA certified. It is recommended to feed a mix of wet and dry food to encourage water intake in cats and always consult the feeding guide to find out how much you should be feeding your cat.
Environmental enrichment is very important for both your cats physical and mental health and allows them to express their natural cat behaviours such as climbing, hiding and hunting. There are lots of ways you can enrich your cat's life including:
The Village vet has a fear free policy and we aim to make vet visits as stress free as possible for our feline patients by having a dedicated cat entrance, waiting area, consult room and hospital wing. We also have Feliway diffusers in all these rooms and take a calm approach to work with all our patients. If your cat is particularly stressed the staff are also happy to discuss options, such as calming medication, prior to your appointment.
A few common things that can help to reduce stress prior to visits is getting your cat used to the carrier at home. This can be achieved by introducing the carrier before it is needed and letting the cat play or sleep in it. It is also good to bring a towel or blanket to cover your carrier while travelling and if you are driving, it is also recommended to secure the carrier with a seatbelt so the cat will feel more secure. If your cat has favourite treats or toys, please feel free to bring these along for the visit.
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