Rosegreen Country Cattery

.: Rosegreen Country Cattery :.

Helpful Hints For Caring Tor Your Cats Health

Vaccinations

Parasites - fleas and worms

When you get a new cat, you should register with a local veterinary practice straight away. Make an appointment as soon as you can for a check-up. Your vet can then devise a care programme for your cat. Write a list of the questions you want to ask, so everything can be covered.

Yes. Vaccination protects your cat against various diseases which can cause pain, distress and are often fatal. By vaccinating your cat you have peace of mind, knowing that you have provided protection. As well as safeguarding your own pet, it also prevents diseases from being passed onto other animals.

Vaccines contain a harmless form of the virus or bacterium that causes a particular disease. They work by stimulating the body's immune system in a safe way. If the cat then actually comes into contact with the disease, the immune system 'remembers' what it did to deal with the vaccine, so can fight the disease. This protects the cat.

Pets should receive a 'primary' vaccination course early in life, followed by 'booster' vaccinations throughout their life. The primary vaccination course for cats varies with the type of vaccine used. The first vaccine can sometimes be given as young as nine weeks of age, with the second usually given two to four weeks later. Booster vaccinations are needed because the body's immune response gradually fades over time. They are often given every year, depending on the vaccine.

Kittens should be vaccinated before they mix with other animals. It is essential for their normal development that they are allowed to socialise with other animals while they are very young, so you should get them vaccinated as soon as possible. Ask your vet when they can start meeting other animals and begin to socialise them as soon as it's safe to do so.

Yes. Cats should be given regular treatments to prevent them from suffering from fleas and worms. Worms can also be harmful to cat owners, which is another reason why it's important to prevent them. Ask your vet for advice about which products to use and how often to use them

Over-the-counter' flea and worm treatments bought from pet shops and supermarkets may not be as safe or effective as those from veterinary practices or authorised pet supplies store's employing an SQP.

Fleas can cause itching, chewing and licking. The skin may become red and inflamed. You might see fleas on your cat (though this is quite uncommon), or you might see small dark flecks (flea 'dirt') in the fur and on the skin. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to see your vet. As well as causing severe skin irritation, fleas play a vital part in the tapeworm's life cycle.

You should take your cat to your vet. If your cat has fleas it's important to treat the house, your cat and all other pets in the household. Your vet can recommend safe and effective products to use. The house should be treated with an effective household spray after vacuuming, because flea larvae and eggs live off the animal, in places like carpets and rugs. Particular attention should be paid to areas where your cat spends time, as well as warm areas such as near to radiators. As well as thinking about fleas, it is important to follow the worming regime recommended by your vet

Neutering

Healthcare

Pet Insurance

Grooming

Neutering is an operation carried out by a vet. In male animals, the testicles are removed - this is called 'castration'. In female animals, the ovaries and the uterus (womb) are removed - this is called 'spaying'.

Spaying stops your cat from having unwanted kittens and stops her from developing cancer of the ovaries or uterus. It also stops her from coming into 'heat' frequently which may be upsetting for her.

The operation is often done at around five to six months of age, but can safely be done when your cat is younger or older. Ask your vet when the best time is for your cat.

Castrating your cat prevents him from fathering unwanted kittens when he's away from your house. It also makes him less likely to fight, so reduces his chances of getting feline AIDS (FIV) (which is spread by bites). Castration also makes your cat less likely to roam, which can reduce his chances of getting hit by a car, and he is less likely to spray urine in the house.

The operation is often done at five to six months of age, but can safely be done when a cat is younger or older. Ask your vet when the best time is for your cat

You should check your cat each day for any signs of illness.

These might include the following:

Sickness or diarrhoea?
Significant weight change (in either direction) over a short period?
Loss of appetite
Drinking much more or less than normal
Lack of energy/sleeping more than usual
Unusual swellings
Skin conditions?
Limping?
Coughing?
Unusual bleeding
Runny eyes or nose
There could be other signs of illness, not on this list, and any change in your cat's behaviour should alert you to the possibility of illness.

If you are worried about the health of your cat it is always best to contact your local veterinary practice.

While most cat owners will have considered routine costs, such as vaccinations and worming, it is the out- of-the-ordinary expenses that you may not be prepared for. The treatment associated with a road accident can run into thousands of pounds. Many cat owners now take out pet insurance, which helps you budget for the unexpected. There are plenty of organisations around that offer this so shop around for the best policy for you.

All cats need regular grooming, but long-haired cats need more coat care than short-haired cats.