It’s fast approaching the best time of year, kitten season! Here at San Marco Animal Hospital, we love our cat clients, especially the kittens! As your family considers adding a kitten to the family, the question of common kitten health issues also arises.

Like human babies, kittens have not had the chance to develop great immune systems. That often leads to kittens and young animals being more prone to getting sick. Most often, kitten health issues are nothing too scary and are easily treatable. These include upper respiratory infections, intestinal parasites, worms (mostly tapeworms), fleas, and ear mites.

While most kitten health issues are generally not too serious, some health issues are more serious. Although rare, feline distemper, or panleukopenia, is a highly contagious, severe virus that can be deadly. Feline distemper is often seen in kittens 2-6 months and is a virus that attacks the kitten’s immune system and intestinal tract by depleting the white blood cells. But there is good news—you can prevent this virus with a Feline Distemper vaccine series!

At San Marco Animal Hospital, we can help prevent and treat all these kitten health issues. Call us today at 904-399-5557 to schedule an appointment to discuss your kitten’s health, care, and treatment through adulthood.