Regular preventative care is essential to promoting the long-term health and well-being of your pet. At The Drake Center, we recommend:
  • Annual fecal exam for screening of intestinal parasites
Many intestinal parasites can be detected with a microscopic examination of a small stool sample. An annual fecal exam allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment if parasites are present. Most cats with parasites have normal stool.
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) testing
Many shelter kittens are screened for these infectious diseases between six and eight weeks of age. However, since false positive results can occur, kittens should be retested after 13 weeks. There is no cure for FIV or FeLV.
  • Annual Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine
Feline leukemia virus is one of the most common fatal diseases of cats. Because the illness is transmitted primarily through fighting, vaccination is strongly recommended for outdoor cats.
  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Calcivirus/Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine every three years
This vaccine protects your cat against many feline illnesses, including distemper (panleukopenia). Initially, this vaccine should be administered to kittens prior to one year of age. Revaccination should occur every three years.
  • Rabies vaccine every three years
This vaccination is strongly recommended for all cats, though it is not required by law in California. Revaccination should occur every three years.
  • Regular blood work and urine screening tests
We recommend one blood panel and urine screening test on each pet before six months of age and then every one to two years as needed. We recommend annual labs for all cats over eight years of age.
  • Monthly flea and internal parasite control
We recommend Program for life. This will protect your cat against fleas. Adulticide flea control may be used as needed. Interceptor, an antiparasitic medication, should also be used to protect against intestinal parasites and heartworms.
  • Regular home dental care
Daily brushing is recommended for the health and maintenance of your cat’s teeth. In addition, a thorough COHAT dental cleaning is recommended for most pets by three to four years of age.