Learn about the recommended care for adult and senior cats.
Questions? Call us at 415-554-3030
Adult Wellness Examinations
• For cats under 10 years of age
• Frequency: Once a year
• Nose to tail examination
• Discuss dental care, ongoing parasite prevention, nutrition, behavior, and lifestyle; address any concerns
• Adult vaccination boosters if needed
Senior Wellness Examinations
• For cats 10 years old and older
• Frequency: Once to twice a year depending on age and health
• Thorough senior wellness examination focusing on senior cat issues
• Discuss dental care, ongoing parasite prevention, nutrition, behavior, mobility, and lifestyle; address any concerns
• Senior laboratory testing
• Adult vaccination boosters if needed
Vaccinations
FVRCP Vaccination: Protects against Feline Panleukopenia, an often fatal viral infection, plus two viruses that cause upper respiratory infections. All cats should receive this vaccination once every 3 years.
Rabies Vaccination: Protects against Rabies, a fatal infection that can affect all mammals, including people. The California Department of Public Health strongly encourages this vaccine for all cats, especially those that go outdoors. It is given once every 3 years.
Feline Leukemia Vaccination: Protects against the Feline Leukemia Virus, which causes an often fatal infection that affects kittens and adult cats. We recommend this vaccine for cats that spend time outside. It is given annually.
Parasite Prevention
Flea Prevention*: Fleas are small parasites that live on the skin and generally cause itching and scratching. Fleas are commonly found in California and all cats should be on a monthly preventive to control fleas, even if they never go outside.
Heartworm Prevention*: Heartworm is a parasite occasionally transmitted to cats through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is present throughout Northern California, as well as many other states. Cats that regularly travel to heartworm-endemic areas should receive a regular monthly heartworm preventive.
Deworming*: Cats going outdoors can become infested with intestinal parasites. All cats regularly going outside should receive regular intestinal parasite deworming.
Additional Care
Microchipping: Microchipping increases the likelihood that your cat will be returned to you by 20 times if lost. Chip is inserted using a needle, similar to a vaccination. We strongly recommend all pets be microchipped.
FeLV and FIV Testing: If your cat has never been tested before, we recommend testing all new adult cats for both Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
High Quality Nutrition*: All cats benefit from eating an appropriate amount of a high quality cat food formulated for either adult or senior cats. Measured feeding to maintain an optimal, lean body weight will help sustain your cat’s long term health.
Senior Laboratory Testing: Common diseases affecting senior cats can often be found early through routine laboratory screening. Senior laboratory testing is recommended annually once your cat reaches 10 years of age.
*It’s important to discuss your pet’s specific needs with your veterinarian, who can recommend the safest and most effective products.