GENERAL CAT CARE

Your new cat will receive a physical exam making sure all systems are healthy/normal when you first visit the doctor. Each visit will include a complete assessment of eyes, ears, teeth/bite, skin, heart, lungs musculoskeletal health, body condition and reproductive health.

We discuss nutrition. Cats must eat appropriate, good quality, easy to find cat food.

We recommend Proplan food made by Purina.

We recommend that to prevent Feline Lower Urinary Tract disease that pet owners promote adequate water intake by their pet.

VACCINATIONS

FVRCP–This vaccine protects against panleukopenia, calici virus, rhinotracheitis, and chlamydia. The first three diseases are caused by viruses and are very contagious. Several of these diseases can be transmitted though the air, so this vaccine is needed even for inside cats. Cats receive this vaccine in series of 2 doses and then follow an appropriate booster schedule.

Leukemia virus–This common, fatal disease is transmitted by direct contact between cats. We recommend that all cats over 6 weeks old be tested for this infection for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Leukemia vaccine is given in 2 doses. Annual boosters are crucial to maintain protection. If your cat never goes outside and has no exposure to other cats, you do not need to vaccinate for this disease. There is a vaccination available against FIV, it is given in a series of 3 injections. [A cat that has received this vaccine WILL test positive for this disease]. Feline leukemia can cause bone marrow suppression and tumor formation. FIP induces susceptibility to other infections especially gum disease.

FIP – Feline infectious peritonitis is not a very common disease, but it is fatal. We do not currently recommend use of this vaccine.

Rabies – Rabies has been identified in Harnett County. Vaccination for rabies is required by law in all cats over 4 months old. We recommend the use of a purified vaccine product, Purevax, by Merial. This is our suggestion an attempt on or part to influence and reduce the number of Feline injection related sarcomas we identify (See FIRC).

PARASITES

Intestinal worms–We test all cats on their first visit for parasites. Not all parasites are worms! All kittens harbor intestinal worms from their mothers, so we deworm cats initially for hookworms and roundworms at least two times. We should deworm other animals in the household on the same schedule as the new cat. Some feline parasites can be contagious to humans.

Fleas – Flea control is important for your cat ’s health. Fleas can cause serious blood loss and transmit tapeworms. Your efforts should focus on treating the fleas before they cause problems. We recommend the use of Revolution.

Heartworms – Although not a common health risk, there is concern about exposure and maturation of heartworms in cats, according to the latest research. We RARELY test cats for this condition, but have some very safe and effective preventive products available. We recommend the use of a heartworm prevention in all our feline patients as heartworms are difficult to test for and impossible to treat. Indoor cats are at an increased risk for development of infection over outdoor animals!

Feel free to ask a doctor or staff member about any of our recommendations

It is impossible to include the answers to all your questions in a simple brochure. If a friend or relative gives you advice about any of these issues and it seems in conflict with our ideas, please allow us a chance to go into more detail about our experiences.