Welcome to Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital: Kittens

Written By Dr. Abby Sullivan

Bringing home a new kitten is a happy occasion, and we’re excited to help you keep your new family member healthy!

Congratulations on your new kitten!

New kitten owners: please use this page as a quick-reference guide as you embark on life with your new friend. We are here to help you every step of the way. All recommendations reflect our clinic’s standards of care and are designed to support lifelong feline health.

Rabies Vaccination Policy (Required)

All cats — including indoor-only cats — are required by city ordinance to maintain a current rabies vaccination. Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead actively enforce this requirement.

Why this matters:

  • Rabies is fatal and transmissible to humans.

  • Unvaccinated cats exposed to bats or wildlife may require 6-month quarantine or euthanasia.

  • Unvaccinated cats that bite a human require a 10-day quarantine.

Clinic policy: An up-to-date rabies vaccination is required to receive veterinary services at Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, except in rare, documented medical exemptions.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule: What to Expect in the First Year

First Kitten Visit (8–9 weeks)

  • Exam

  • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) (initial)

  • Deworming + intestinal parasite screen

  • Discussion of parasite prevention

Second Kitten Visit (11–12 weeks)

  • Exam

  • FVRCP (booster)

  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) (initial)

Third Kitten Visit (15–16 weeks / ~4 months)

  • Exam

  • Intestinal parasite screen

  • FVRCP – good for one year

  • FeLV – good for one year

  • Rabies vaccine: good for one year

  • Eligible for city licensing

Adult Cat Vaccination Protocol

  • Rabies: every 1-3 years

  • FVRCP: every 1-3 years

  • FeLV: annually for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats

Parasite Prevention

Even indoor cats are at risk for parasites.

We recommend year-round parasite prevention, tailored to your cat’s lifestyle, which may include protection against:

  • Fleas

  • Intestinal parasites

  • Ear mites

Annual fecal testing helps screen for intestinal parasites that may not cause obvious symptoms.

Dental care for cats is an often-overlooked but important part of keeping your furry friend feeling his or her best.

Dental Care

Dental disease affects the majority of cats by three years of age and can lead to pain, infection, and systemic illness.

Gold standard home care:

  • Daily tooth brushing using cat-safe enzymatic toothpaste

Tips for success:

  • Start early and go slowly

  • Keep sessions short and positive

  • Even a few brushes per week provide benefit

Cats are very good at hiding pain — prevention is key.

Grooming, Nail Care & Litter Habits

Early handling builds lifelong comfort with routine care.

  • Handle paws and mouth gently and frequently

  • Brush fur regularly to reduce hairballs

  • Trim nails every 2–4 weeks

Helpful nail-trimming resources:

Poison Prevention

Cats are especially sensitive to many common household substances.

If you believe your cat has ingested something toxic:

  • Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital: 701-356-5588

  • Red River Animal Emergency Hospital (after hours): 701-478-9299

  • Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com 855-764-7661

Trusted toxin resources:

Pet Insurance Resources

Pet insurance is most valuable when started during kittenhood, before conditions arise.

Look for policies that cover:

  1. Chronic conditions

  2. Hereditary and congenital disease

  3. Diagnostic testing and imaging

  4. Cancer care

Helpful comparison tools:

Feeding & Nutrition

  • Feed a high-quality kitten diet until 10–12 months of age

  • Kittens require higher protein and calories than adult cats

  • Most kittens do best with multiple small meals daily

  • Avoid cow’s milk

Transition gradually to adult food around one year of age.

Behavior, Enrichment & Socialization

Early experiences shape lifelong behavior.

  • Provide many vertical spaces to explore (cat trees, shelves)

  • Encourage play with interactive toys

  • Use scratching posts early and often

  • Gentle exposure to handling and carriers reduces stress later

Positive experiences now prevent fear and aggression in adulthood.

City Ordinances & Licensing

Cats must be licensed annually with proof of rabies vaccination.

Licensing offices:

  • Fargo Animal Pound: 701-232-7312

  • Moorhead Police Department: 218-299-5121

  • West Fargo Police Department: 701-433-5500

At Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to support your kitten’s health from the very beginning — with prevention, education, and partnership.

Dr. Abby Sullivan
Next

Welcome to Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital: Puppies