New Kitten Pack

NEW KITTEN OWNER?

Dear new kitten parent,

Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! We understand how important your cat is to you, and we are committed to providing you and your pets with excellent care.

The following information is oriented toward kittens, but most of it applies to older cats as well, so you may find it useful if you have a new cat of any age. The information here is an overview. Please click the links in the sections below for more detailed information. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

Cute little kitten in hands at the veterinarian over white background

Kittens require a series of vaccines in their early months to protect them from serious disease. After the kitten reaches adulthood, its vaccines are updated at intervals to ensure continued protection.

Rabies-This is a fatal and zoonotic (transmitted to humans) disease of all mammals.  Rabies is transmitted from the saliva of infected wildlife and domestic animals.  Kittens should receive 1 dose as early as 12 weeks of age. This vaccine is required by state law.

FVRCP- This vaccine prevents three potentially deadly airborne viruses: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. The vaccine is given every 3 to 4 weeks until the kitten is at least 16 weeks old.  It is boostered a year later, and then given every 3 years. For more information about the FVRCP vaccine, please click here.

FELV-(Feline Leukemia) may be appropriate for your kitten if it has contact with other cats.  We can discuss this optional vaccine during your first visit.

Fecal Samples- We recommend checking at least two fecal samples between 8 and 16 weeks of age.  Intestinal parasites shed in cycles so we like to check two fecal samples to make sure your kitten is parasite free.  We recommend routinely deworming your kitten, as directed by a veterinarian.

Spay/Neuter- Spaying or neutering your pet is recommended. This should be discussed with your veterinarian regarding appropriate timing, and any questions you may have. We require pre-operative blood work before surgery to ensure your kitten is healthy before anesthesia.

Home Again- We recommend microchipping your pet at or before time of spay/neuter in case your pet gets lost or stolen. For more information on Home Again and microchiping, please click here.

Poisonous plants and toxins- Every home contains a variety of everyday items and substances that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested by dogs and cats. You can protect your pet’s health by becoming aware of the most common health hazards found in many pet-owning households. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet ingests a hazardous plant.  Do not try and self medicate your pet, or try to induce vomiting without consulting your veterinarian first. For more information about poisonous plants and toxins, please click here.

Helpful Resources

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What Our Clients Say About Acorn

The staff here is fantastic. My dog LOVES the daycare, she can't get in there fast enough and comes home exhausted from playing all day. We just brought a new kitten there and the staff was more than accommodating with the appointment. We got an appointment within the week. We love it here. I highly recommend Acorn for all of your pets needs.

— Paula B —

Acorn has squeezed us in to take care of our dog on a few different occasions!! I’m truly grateful to live so close and LOVE that they also do wonderful grooming as well. We haven’t tried boarding yet but again, how convenient that we have this available all in one building!! Thank you Acorn Family!! It means a lot to me that you go the extra mile for my boy!
 

— Kristen T —

We have a vet 5 minutes from our house but still drive 25 minutes to Acorn because they are so great! Every single person, from the front desk to the vet, is so caring for both human and animal customers. When our pup had a toenail injury, I called to see if we should bring him in, and they had me text them pictures, assessed the situation remotely and decided we didn't need to come in, and then continued to check in via text for the next few days. They easily could have told me to come in so they could charge me for a visit. This is another example of how much they prioritize the health of their patients. We love Acorn!

— Katie L —

Very happy! The staff seem to be very knowledgeable and caring. We took our cat, who has an awful cough. She saw Dr. Holmes. She gave us a few options of what we could do and let us decide which direction we would go in (also very non-judgmental). We were apprised every step of the way before any service was preformed. She was also very thorough, at a time when you can not bring your pet in side in person due to Covid, we felt very informed and that they really cared about the best for our cat. We were customers of a box chain veterinarian, that we were never happy with. We felt like they sold services and not care, there is a huge difference when you feel your pet is cared about and cared for. Would absolutely recommend Acorn Animal Hospital!

— Lisa B —

We have been loyal Acorn customers (patients) for over 35 years! We have always found the doctors and staff to be helpful, informative, caring, and supportive whether it is a routine or urgent care appointment, a question, follow up instructions, or sadly when it is time for one of our pets to not suffer. We can't say enough positive things about our experiences at/with Acorn!

— Karen N —