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Providing Quality Care for your Cat

Cat Care Information

Kitten Care
Feline Immunizations

Cate Care

As many of you already know, cats make wonderful pets. In fact, we find that most people who say they do not care for cats have actually never owned a cat. Once you really get to know a cat you will, of course, fall in love with them.

There are many breeds of cats although less in number than breeds of dogs. Cats also vary much less in size between breeds than do dog breeds. Cats vary most in color, coat patterns, length of hair, and in their facial structure. Cats are natural hunters and true carnivores. Because of this, they require certain nutrients in their diets and can not be fed as a small dog. Cats normally drink very little water, although as with all pets, should always have an ample supply of fresh water. If you do notice your cat drinking water often this may be a sign of a health problem and should be brought to our attention.

Cats do lend themselves well to indoor living and are great pets for busy individuals as they usually require less care and attention than dogs. Some people allow their cats to roam unattended outdoors but we find this is often a recipe for problems. Outdoor going cats typically do not live as long as indoor only cats as the outdoor cats frequently are victims of trauma, being shot, trapped, or sustaining fight wounds. Fighting with other cats is a common way deadly viral infections are spread such as Feline Leukemia Virus or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Cats are solitary animals by nature unlike dogs, which are a pack animal. Cats do best as a single pet in the household although they do get along with or tolerate other cats or dogs. Regardless of how they appear, cats living in multi cat households are stressed by the other cats in their proximity. Even area outside cats can be a source of stress to your cat living indoors.

Cats should be fed a high quality premium cat food for optimal health. Cats should be neutered or spayed by 6 months of age. This helps prevent breast cancer in females, various reproductive diseases, and also helps to prevent urine marking or spraying in male cats. Grooming is important in cats and most take care of this themselves. Long haired cats do, however, require regular and frequent brushing to help avoid hair matting. Since most cats are fastidious with their own grooming, if your cat appears unkempt it may be a sign of an underlying health problem and should be brought to our attention.

Younger healthy cats should receive a physical examination at least annually to help detect any health problems in their early stages when they are typically easier to manage. Healthy senior cats need a health check-up including any indicated laboratory work every 6 months. More frequent monitoring is needed if a health problem exists. Cats are also screened for intestinal parasites (worms) annually to semiannually. External parasites such as fleas are best controlled with prescription flea products on a regular basis.

Cats do receive vaccinations at varying frequency to help prevent some infectious diseases. Speak to Dr. Valese about the vaccination program that best suits your cat. Cats require a monthly heartworm preventative to protect against this mosquito spread disease. Dental care is important in cats and we can teach you how to care for your cat’s teeth and gums.

As you might have noticed, when it comes to caring for cats Dr. Valese is the expert. He will help you keep your feline friend as healthy as possible. Give us a call today to have Dr. Valese examine your cat and consult with you on any aspect of it’s health care.

Kitten Care

Kittens are both great athletes and big clowns as they charm us with their adorable antics. They play hard and sleep well. Their high level of activity requires proper nutrition. Premium quality kitten food is what we recommend for optimal growth and development. Although it’s usually not difficult for some kittens, litter training can be a challenge, especially if your kitten started out as a stray, call us if this is a problem. Most strays however do not acclimate well to handling and human contact unless they were handled during their first few weeks of life. Kittens commonly harbor intestinal parasites (worms) and require several dewormings with a prescription dewormer. All kittens should be tested for the contagious viral infections of Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. The physical examination and vaccination program for kittens starts at about 6 weeks of age. Kittens should be neutered and spayed (ovariohysterectomy) by 6 months of age. This helps protect against various reproductive diseases and helps to prevent urine spraying in males. Kittenhood is a special and fun time in the life of a cat. They grow up quickly so enjoy the experience. Call us today to schedule a time to have your kitten meet with Dr. Valese. He will help you to better care for your kitten and keep it as healthy as possible.

Feline Immunizations (Vaccinations)

Cats need immunizations (vaccinations) to help protect them from various infectious diseases. Cats are sensitive, however, to injections of almost any substance. Sometimes these injections can lead to growths or tumors at the injection site. This is why we are now using an intranasal immunization for the Feline Distemper combination vaccine and a low-dose, needle-less jet spray for the delivery of the Feline Leukemia vaccination. We feel that both of these methods are much kinder and safer for use in cats.

  • Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) - The most widespread of all cat diseases and is very contagious. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite and even death, especially among kittens.
  • Viral Rhinotracheitis - A highly contagious respiratory disease causing sneezing, fever, eye problems and loss of appetite. The death rate among kittens can be over 50%.
  • Calcivirus - Another serious respiratory infection which can also cause oral ulcerations.
  • Feline Leukemia Virus - Spread by contact with infected cats with greater occurrence in multi cat households. This infection attacks the immune system often leading to other persistent infections which over time may be fatal.
  • Rabies - A severe viral disease which attacks the brain and central nervous system. It can be transmitted to people and is almost always fatal.