Quick Cat Care Primer

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM

First and foremost an annual physical exam by your veterinarian is the most important preventive measure for your trusted companion. Although it is important to get you pet it's "shots", it is equally, or more important to have your pet examined by your veterinarian every year, and prior to receiving it's shots. A thorough physical exam will alert you to conditions before they become problems, and assure you that your pet is healthy enough to respond properly to the vaccinations. During your office call, please question the veterinarian on concerns you may have regarding your pet's behavior, weight, diet, aging changes, or other related issues. Pets will hide their illnesses, so physical exams are important!

TRANSPORTING YOUR CAT TO THE VET

A plastic or cardboard cat carrier or crate is a good investment for trips outside the home. It will provide your cat with a safe private place and offer security from large dogs. If used routinely at home, it will help calm the cat when taken from the home for any reason.

Many serious infectious diseases of cats can be controlled by vaccination. With over 20 million pet cats in the U.S., your cat is quite likely to come in contact with an infectious disease at one time or another. Even indoor cats can be exposed to viral diseases carried in the air, in dust, or on clothing. Vaccination is inexpensive protection against costly treatment and the premature death of your cat! Continued protection can be assured by yearly booster vaccinations.

FVRCPC is a 4 in 1 vaccine that protects against the following diseases:

FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA

Is also known as cat distemper and is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in young cats. it is easily transmitted from cat to cat. Signs include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.

FELINE RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Include several different infectious agents. They are all highly contagious and are widespread. Upper respiratory infections are easily spread from cat to cat by sneezing, etc. Even a stray cat that seems to be outwardly healthy, may be a carrier of the disease and can infect your pet, even through a screen window. Signs of these diseases include: sneezing, fever, nasal discharges, runny nose, coughing, conjunctivitis (eyelid infections), mouth ulcers, and general depression.. These diseases include rhinotrachetis, calicivirus, and chlamydia. Kittens between the ages of 6 and 14 weeks should receive this vaccine every 3 weeks. A SERIES of vaccinations is necessary to build the antibody protection needed to help your kitten develop a high degree of immunity against these diseases. Adult cats should receive a yearly FVRCPC vaccination. Any adult cat which has never been vaccinated should receive an initial series of 2 vaccines, 3-4 weeks apart.

FELINE LEUKEMIA

Is now considered to be the LEADING cause of death in cats. It is a cancer-causing virus that often suppresses the ability to fight other infections. Kittens can be born with the virus. Cats can have the leukemia virus for years before showing signs of the disease. Feline leukemia is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS from cat to cat and is spread by licking, sneezing, fighting, sharing food bowls, or sharing litter pans. THERE IS NO SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT ONCE SIGNS DEVELOP. Due to the seriousness of this disease, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL CATS be tested and, if negative, vaccinated. Cats and kittens over 9 weeks of age receive an initial series of 2 vaccines 3-4 weeks apart. After this, a booster is given yearly.

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS

(FIP) is a contagious and fatal virus shed in the saliva, urine and feces of infected cats. It is the number 2 infectious killer of cats in the U.S. Signs may include loss of weight, labored breathing, enlarged abdomen, and generalized illness. Cats at risk are outdoor cats and those that live in multiple cat households. THERE IS NO SUCCESSFUL CURE ONCE SIGNS APPEAR.

RABIES

Is a fatal viral infection of the nervous system that attacks all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Cats have outnumbered dogs in reported cases since 1981. Rabies is a public health hazard and personal risk to you. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Even indoor cats may be infected through contact with a carrier animal in a basement, garage, or attic. THERE IS NO CURE. Vaccination is very important for your safety, as well as the safety of your pet, and is required by law for all cats over 4 months of age. Kittens should receive their first rabies vaccine at 3-4 months of age. This vaccine is protective for one year. Adult cats receive a rabies vaccine every 3 years.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

(FIV) has been labeled as the cat "AIDS virus" because of its similarities to human AIDS virus. In cats the virus is spread through bite wounds or urine. It is not transmissible to humans. Like AIDS, it depresses a cats immune system making it susceptible to many secondary infections. Unfortunately their is no vaccine for this disease. However, there is a reliable blood test that can be done alone or in conjunction with the feline leukemia test.

OTHER HEALTH CONCERNS

DENTAL CARE

Is one of the most neglected pet health needs. Kittens can become accustomed to proper dental care by periodic brushing with a pet toothpaste. Peridontal disease is very common in older dogs and causes bad breath, and often serious infections. A dental exam can determine whether your pet needs preventive dental care such as scaling, polishing, and antibiotics.

SPAY / NEUTER

Is one of the best preventive care measures you can take for your pet. This surgery decreases the likelihood of many cancers and infections that could kill your pet. Besides this, many undesirable behaviors such as urine marking, wandering, aggression, and hyperactivity can all be decreased or eliminated by this surgery. We strongly discourage breeding your animal as the pet overpopulation problem is far to great to justify bringing more into the world. Although surgery can be done at any age, spaying or neutering is best done between 3 and 6 months of age.

INTESTINAL PARASITES

Such as roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms cause sickness and problems with growth, digestion, and sometimes death. Most intestinal worms cannot be detected without a microscopic examination of a fecal specimen. We recommend an annual stool examination for early detection and treatment of intestinal parasites. All kittens should receive an initial 2 doses of wormer, followed by a stool specimen check.

FLEAS

Often go unnoticed and cause discomfort, chewing, skin disease and even anemia. If swallowed fleas can transmit tapeworms. A flea program is necessary to prevent flea infestation. The pet's environment must also be treaded with a premise spray or borate powder. DO NOT waste your money on over-the-counter flea products. Most do not work, and some can even be harmful to your pet. WE are the flea experts! Consult with your veterinarian before problems arise.

We also have available a once a month flea pill that will prevent any new fleas from hatching and break the flea lifecycle. Ask our flea experts for more details and information. Use flea spray on a DAILY basis for flea control if there is a current problem. Otherwise, spray 1 - 2 times weekly for prevention during the flea season. (March-November) Bathe the new pet in veterinarian recommended shampoo every 7-14 days, or more often if needed. This shampoo has the proper pH to prevent dry skin and scratching from soap irritation. You may obtain them at our clinic.

GROOMING

Your pet is a responsibility of pet ownership. Bathing and brushing reduces hairballs, itching and parasites such as fleas. Ear cleaning is also recommended every 2-4 weeks for routine care, and more often for ear infections. Our hospital can show you how it is done properly and what products are safe to use.

DIET

We recommend dry food only, fed twice daily to maintain your cats proper weight. Lite food (reduced calories ) is often necessary as cats mature. A good quality diet can usually prevent bladder problems. We recommend Science Diet or Iams pet foods.