Parasite check and Deworming
Vaccination against Feline Distemper and Upper Respiratory Disease
Kitten: Initial vaccinations are given as a series beginning as early as 6 weeks of age, when they are no longer receiving immunities through the mother by nursing..
Adult: Annual booster is required thereafter.
Vaccination against Rabies
Brevard County Licensing is required for ALL cats.
The Brevard County License fee for a spayed/neutered cat is $9.00 and $15 for non-spayed/neutered adult cats (it is also $9.00 for Puppies and kittens under one year of age ). At the time of vaccination, a certificate & envelope will be provided for you to mail in or you may apply in person at the Animal Care Shelter for your county license.
Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccination (FelV)
Kitten: Initial testing and series of vaccinations as early as 8-9 weeks.
Adult: Annual booster is required thereafter.
Feline Heartworm Disease
Cats are susceptible to heartworms. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and has been reported in all areas of the United States. There is no treatment available for cats with heartworms at this time.
In Florida we suggest year-round prevention. Preventive for cats is currently available in the form of a monthly chewable treat or a monthly topical (drops on the skin) application.
(Antigen/Antibody Titer)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
FIP is a concern for breeders, multiple cat households, or cats with risk of exposure.
Discuss a vaccination program against FIP with your veterinarian.
Please call for more info about F.I.P.
Spaying or Neutering
Spaying or Neutering is Recommended at 6 months to 1 year of age.
While Spaying/Neutering prevents pregnancy and certain behavior problems, it also reduces the risk of disease to the reproductive organs later in life (uterine cancer & infections in females, testicular problems in males).
It is not uncommon for a female to go "in and out" of heat every few weeks once she has had her first cycle (usually around 6 months of age). Spaying not only prevents pregnancy, but also prevents the annoying and usually noisy behavior associated with a cat in heat.
Male cats show maturity by beginning to mark their territory by "spraying" urine on familiar items. This can happen as early as 6 months of age, although most begin around 10 months. Some males are more likely to spray at an early age if there are other adult male cats in the house, or feral (stray) male cats outside. Neutering usually curbs this in younger cats, however older cats have been known to continue spraying when they were neutered at a late age. Neutering at an early age usually reduces a male cat's urge to wander and seek fights.