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Wellness Exams
Year after year, studies show that pets who receive annual wellness exams live longer, healthier lives—and kittens are no exception. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so issues like heart disease, parasites, and dental problems can go unnoticed until they become serious. At your kitten’s first wellness exam, our gentle, cat-savvy doctors will check all vital systems, establish a baseline for their health, and address any early concerns before they become bigger problems. It’s the best way to give your kitten a strong, healthy start.
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Vaccines
Routine vaccines can save cat owners thousands in emergency care for preventable diseases. Additionally, Massachusetts law requires that puppies and kittens receive the rabies vaccine by the time they are six months old. The second vaccination should be given one year after the initial vaccination.
*The Vaccines for Life Program*
At Marion Animal Hospital, we’re proud to be one of only three veterinary hospitals in Massachusetts offering the Vaccines for Life program. This special program helps make routine care more affordable by covering your kitten’s core vaccinations for life, all for a one-time enrollment fee. With this enrollment fee - we’re able to plan ahead, purchase vaccines in bulk, and streamline scheduling—allowing us to offer significant savings to you. It’s a cost-effective, proactive way to keep your kitten’s immune system strong year after year.
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Fleas, Ticks and Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites aren’t just a nuisance—they can pose serious health risks to your kitten, especially when their immune system is still developing. At Marion Animal Hospital, we recommend using safe, proven preventatives to protect your kitten all year long.
As an independently owned and operated hospital, we’re free to choose what truly works—not what’s pushed by corporate sales targets. That means we can tailor a prevention plan based on your kitten’s age, environment, and specific needs. Our team is here to help you choose the right products for lasting protection—because with parasites, prevention is always the better (and less itchy) option.
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Dental Care
Good dental habits should start in kittenhood! Getting your kitten used to having their mouth gently handled and teeth brushed early on makes home care much easier as they grow. Just like people (and dogs!), cats benefit from regular dental care to help prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, and more serious issues like tooth loss and gum disease. At Marion Animal Hospital, we’ll guide you through how to make brushing simple and stress-free, and recommend products that are safe and effective for kittens. A healthy mouth supports your kitten’s overall well-being—now and in the years ahead.
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Behavior Tips
Deterring Destructive Behavior
Kittens, like cats, are natural scratchers, and it’s important to direct this behavior toward acceptable surfaces. If your kitten is scratching furniture or other items, start by using deterrents that make the object undesirable without creating negative associations with you. While squirting with water is often ineffective, using products like plastic carpet protectors or Sticky Paws (available at pet stores or in non-pet marketing) can work wonders. These products create an uncomfortable texture for your kitten, encouraging them to use designated scratching posts instead.
To prevent scratching furniture, place a cat tree or scratching post next to the area they’re targeting. By introducing positive reinforcement, such as rubbing catnip or a familiar scent (like a blanket they’ve used), your kitten will start associating the scratching post with something enjoyable. Keep their nails trimmed and rotate scratchers to keep things interesting. If they begin scratching in certain spots, like near the door, it could be excitement or a need to release energy.
Training your kitten to use their scratching post involves patience and consistency. Use sound, scent, and play to encourage the behavior, and be sure to remove deterrents only once your kitten has successfully adapted to their new routine. With the right steps, you can save your furniture and keep your kitten’s claws in check!
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Spay / Neuter
Spaying or neutering your kitten is one of the most important choices you can make for their long-term health and behavior. This routine procedure helps prevent certain types of cancer, reduces the risk of spraying and roaming, and plays a critical role in preventing unwanted litters. At Marion Animal Hospital, we believe sterilization is a compassionate and responsible decision—not only for your cat, but for the greater feline community. As an independently owned practice, we take the time to talk through the best timing and approach for your kitten’s spay or neuter surgery, ensuring they get the care they need to grow into a healthy, happy adult.
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Emergency Prep: Microchips,
Supplies & Services
At your kitten’s first wellness visit, we’ll talk about how to make sure they’re properly identified—whether that’s a collar with tags, a microchip, or both. We strongly recommend microchipping, and our team can safely place one during your kitten’s appointment. It’s a quick, permanent way to help reunite you with your pet if they ever get lost.
We’ve also included a helpful emergency checklist tailored for new cat owners. It includes essential phone numbers (including 24/7 emergency vet care) and a list of must-have items to keep on hand in case of an emergency. From first-aid basics to what to include in a travel kit, this guide is a simple way to be prepared and keep your kitten safe in any situation.
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Pet Insurance
Vet bills can add up quickly—especially if your kitten faces an unexpected illness or injury. Pet health insurance can ease that burden by covering a portion of emergency treatments, illnesses, and sometimes even routine care, depending on the plan. At Marion Animal Hospital, we don’t sell insurance, but we strongly encourage cat owners to look into coverage while their kitten is still young and in good health.
Because we’re an independently owned veterinary clinic, we’re not affiliated with any one insurance provider. That means we can give you honest, experience-based guidance on which plans our clients have found most useful. We’ve seen how having coverage can make it easier to approve needed care without worrying as much about cost. A little research and planning now can protect your wallet—and your peace of mind—for years to come.