WASHINGTON – Two fishing cat kittens passed their veterinary checkup with flying colors.

The Smithsonian National Zoo’s twin kittens, a male and a female, were examined by the zoo’s veterinarians Friday. Zoo officials say both kittens received a clean bill of health.

Their complete physical exam included listening to their hearts and lungs. Their mouth, eyes, legs, feet and genital areas were checked. The veterinarians also felt the kittens’ bellies.

The kittens received the beginning of a series of vaccines that will protect them against feline distemper and some upper respiratory viruses.

The kittens’ birth was an important milestone, according to zoo officials. This is the first time fishing cats have successfully had kittens at the National Zoo.

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