Cat Advice

Remember – just because you don’t see any worms doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is worm free!

ADULT CATS

All adult cats need to be treated against roundworms and tapeworms regularly. The frequency of worming and drug used will depend on the lifestyle of your cat. We have available the very latest products which have been developed. They work well, are safe and are easy to use. We can tailor your worming program to suit you and your pets.

Our vets and nurses are always happy to give all the advice you need.

Recommended Treatments Available

Tablets – if you are able to give them

Spot on preparation  – that kills both both tapeworms and roundworms

We also have a product the not only kills both typyes of worms but fleas and ticks too.

KITTENS

Kittens need to be treated for roundworms. They become infested with these worms from their mothers, which excrete them in their milk.

Recommended Treatment Regime:

Liquid wormer – for very young kittens will with the mother.

We can prescribe a tablet or spot-on medicine for use from 8 weeks of age that treats any  roundworms and tapeworms. We recommend monthly treatment until at least 6 months of age.

Which diseases will my cat be protected against?

We use the most up to date and safe vaccination regime against the four following diseases as standard:

• Cat Flu-Calicivirus
• Cat Flu-Herpes Virus
• Feline Enteritis
• Feline Leukaemia Virus

Vaccination Course

The primary course of vaccination involves two injections. They can be started from 9 weeks of age, with the second one being given three to four weeks after the first.

Your cat should be fully protected seven days after the second injection and should be isolated until this time.

If necessary we can blood sample your cat for the leukaemia virus before starting the vaccination course. Cats & Kittens from an unknown source or those living near a feral cat population are at higher risk of carrying the virus. The vaccination can only prevent your cat becoming infected, so would be ineffective if the virus had already taken hold.

Annual revaccination is essential to maintain your cat’s immunity to disease.

Basic Revaccination Regime

We also offer a more basic vaccination regime if your cat does not require the more comprehensive protection for any reason. This will protect your cat against:

• Cat Flu-Calicirus
• Cat Flu-Herpes Virus
• Feline Enteritis

There are many reasons why it is advisable to have your female cat speyed (dressed).

• To prevent the birth of unwanted kittens.
• To prevent the nuisance of a female cat on hear attracting tom cats.
• Prevents womb infections (pyometra.)

Are there any disadvantages of the operation?

As with all general anaesthetics, there is always a slight risk but this is minimal in young healthy cats.

Should she have a litter before being speyed?

No – this is not necessary. It will not alter her temperament if she does or does not have kittens.

So when should she be speyed?

We can spey her from approximately 6 months of age.

Will she take a long time to recover after the operation?

Not normally. She will usually be sent home on the day of the operation. You can expect her to be subdued for the first few days after the operation. The stitches are usually dissolving ones. These are checked 10-12 days later. It is best to keep her indoors at this time.

There are several reasons.

• To prevent him fathering unwanted kittens.
• Greatly reduces urine spraying (territory marking.)
• Stops that “tom cat smell”.
• Helps prevent roaming.
• Reduces the incidence of fighting and makes them more docile.

Are there any disadvantages?

As with all general anaesthetics, there is always a slight risk but this is minimal in younger animals.

When should he be castrated?

At any age from approximately 6 months.

Will he take a long time to recover after the operation?

Not normally. He will be sent home on the day of the operation. You can expect him to be subdued for the one or two days after the operation when he should be kept indoors.

The term Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease describes conditions that can affect the bladder and or urethra of cats. Signs associated with these conditions include cats having difficulty urinating, returning frequently to their litter tray or urinating in inappropriate places. They may also lick their back end more frequently and the urine may appear discoloured.  Occasionally they are unable to pass any urine at all, this can be very serious. They may also show changes in behaviour such as becoming more aggressive. There are lots of different causes of FLUTD, which will be investigated by the vet. We often require a urine sample, and we may ask you to change the cats’ litter and collect a sample for analysis.

It is most commonly found in middle – aged, overweight cats, which use an indoor litter tray, have restricted access outside, and typically live in a multi-animal household. It occurs in both male and female cats but the risk of obstruction is greatest in male cats.

Most cases of FLUTD resolve within 5 – 10 days but it can be very distressing for the cat. It can be difficult to treat and can recur. It requires close collaboration between the vet and the owner. Ways in which you can help your cat include:

REDUCE STRESS

Examples of stress for your cat include abrupt changes in diet or the weather, owner stress or the addition to the household of new pets or people. Help your cat by providing a safe area for his or her litter tray and provide a number of litter trays with suitable litter and clean them frequently. Reduce overcrowding and bullying – provide escape routes and hiding places. Reassure the cat as much as possible. Consider the use of “feliway” – a spray which mimics the cats’ scent and believed to reduce anxiety.

CREATE DILUTE URINE

Moisten dry food or change the diet to wet (canned) food, even with the addition of more water. Ensure free access to fresh water. Consider the use of a pet water fountain, which provides continuous running water, encouraging cats to drink.

DIET

We may prescribe a special diet to dissolve or prevent recurrence of stones or crystals if they are present.

REDUCE WEIGHT AND ENCOURAGE EXERCISE

We can advise you on dietary change to help reduce weight. Try encouraging your cat to exercise more with new toys / feed balls. We may opt to prescribe supplements to help the lining of the bladder, these can be provided as an injection or in tablet form and your cat may be maintained on these indefinitely. We may give medication to reduce spasm of the urethra,  or provide painkillers.

REMEMBER – STAY VIGILANT, TREAT EARLY

This condition can recur so watch for changes in behaviour. We may wish to retest the urine at regular intervals. Treatment given will depend on the cause but may include analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, antibiotics and drugs to help repair the bladder lining. Early treatment will reduce the severity and duration of an episode.