Health Cat Care

Health Cat Care

Veterinary care is critical if Felis domestica is to live through all proverbial nine lives. Ideally, you will have researched a few veterinarians before you bring kitty home since he or she should be seen within a few days of joining your family. If possible, visit these veterinarians with your cat to see how they handle you and your animal. Ask for a tour of the clinic including the operating room, the hospital/boarding room, and the lab. Most veterinarians will be grateful for your interest.

Vaccinations are a must to keep kitty feeling fine. The two important ones are rabies and distemper. If you have a multi-cat household or intend to let your cat go outdoors, discuss with your veterinarian vaccines against feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis. If you want kitty to prosper, make sure he or she has the very best protection against feline diseases. And, make sure you keep kitty's vaccination record up-to-date. At a minimum, kitty should receive the following:

Rabies vaccination. This vaccination is required by local law. In addition, if your pet bites someone and is not vaccinated (even if the animal is strictly indoors), he or she may be subject to quarantine or seizure by local authorities which may result in your cat care being euthanized. Don't take chances. Vaccinate against rabies.

Feline distemper vaccination. This combination vaccine helps prevent several diseases in the cat (distemper and agents of upper respiratory disease). The initial vaccination is given in several doses (depending on kitty's age) three weeks apart with a yearly single-dose vaccination.

Usually a once-a-year veterinarian appointment is all that is necessary. However, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you see any changes in kitty's behavior (especially if kitty cuts back on or increases considerably eating or drinking water), if you see any changes in kitty's bathroom habits (urinating and/or defecating outside the litter box, blood in either the urine or stool, diarrhea, etc.), lethargy (sleeping sixteen to eighteen hours a day is normal - more may be a sign of illness), or if kitty shows any abnormalities whatsoever.

At the yearly physical, a fecal examination should be performed to screen for intestinal parasites. Even though kitty never goes outside, he or she is still subject to worms. A cat's stool is usually firm. Any change in bowel consistency, appearance, frequency, or the cat's habits may be caused by parasites or other health problems.

Kitty cannot tell you what is wrong; you have to be observant of his or her general health and well being so you know when something is amiss. If you suspect anything, do not wait, take kitty to your veterinarian. Pets can be very good at masking illness. Sometimes a simple health issue can become quite complicated, leading to serious health problems or even death, if not dealt with immediately. You and kitty will be better off if you make that appointment now. Along with the standard emergency numbers (fire, police, doctors, etc.) listed by your telephone(s), list the number of your veterinarian and of any after-hours/emergency clinics in your area.

Consult with your veterinarian on proper dental care. Just like kitty's two-footed owner, he or she can lose teeth, get gum disease, have an abscess, have halitosis. You can brush kitty's teeth (have your veterinarian show you how) or have your veterinarian do the job while kitty is under general anesthesia. At kitty's yearly checkup, your veterinarian will let you know what needs to be done. In between checkups, be on the alert for any problems kitty may have eating or swallowing.

Disease

Kitty may live to a ripe old age - like T. S. Eliot's Old Deuteronomy - without ever having any health problems. However, there are three common health issues you should be aware of: upper respiratory infection, lower urinary tract disease, and toxic substances. Keep your healthy cat care and he or she will reward you with years of fun and frolic.

More info about cat care, please visit Paw Rescue.