April 28, 2021
A year between physical examinations for your cat is like seven (7) years between annual examinations for us.
Annual Vaccinations against:
Feline Distemper
Rhinotracheitis / Calici Virus
Chlamydia Psittaci
Rabies
Feline Leukemia
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Some of these vaccinations are combined so fewer injections must be administered to the cat.
Annual Internal Parasite Examination and Appropriate Deworming as indicated by the test. Cats should be kept flea-free and not allowed to eat dead birds or rodents in order to prevent tapeworm infestation. Heartworm prevention is recommended.
Daily Exercise. Provide toys such as catnip toys, balls, things that cats will not swallow. Avoid string, toys, and sewing needles, which can cause injury to the intestinal tract.
A constant supply of Fresh, Clean Water.
Feed the highest quality food you can afford. Cats need special diets, low in magnesium to prevent urinary tract infections and bladder stones. Premium foods are much more digestible and result in a healthier pet and fewer stools in the litter box. Feed diets labeled to help prevent feline urinary problems.
Bathe your cat every 10 to 14 days in Davis 3X Pyrethrin shampoo to aid flea control and remove household cleaners that have accumulated on the cat's hair. Ingestion of these substances when the cat "grooms" itself is thought to be a major cause of liver disease in the older cat. Cats should be brushed daily to decrease hairball accumulation in the cat's stomach.
While you pet your cat daily, observe closely for any abnormalities, lumps, rashes, tumors, fleas, etc.
Declaw cats that come into the house if they have severe behavioral issues.
Apply Maxi guard daily to the teeth to aid in the prevention of dental disease. Have the cat's teeth cleaned when tartar begins to build up! Pay particular attention to the back teeth, where it often begins.
Change the litter box daily by dumping completely. Alfalfa Pellets, available at the COOP make excellent cat litter. It can simply be flushed down the commode each day. It costs approximately $6.50 / 50#. Oil Dry, which is the material used to soak up grease in service stations, is the same as generic cat litter. Plastic garbage bags can be used as liners for the cat litter box very economically. Baking Soda can be used to decrease litter box odor when sprinkled on the new litter each day before it is used.
Establish a relationship with a clinic that keeps complete records, answers your questions, and provides 24-hour emergency service. It helps if your pet's medical records are available in an emergency.
Spay/Neuter your cat to prevent later health problems, as well as decrease fighting, urine odor, and unwanted litters of kittens.
NEVER give aspirin or Tylenol( to a cat. They will KILL!
A plastic carrying crate is a good investment for car trips, as well as a bed at home. It will provide the cat with a private place and offer security. If used routinely at home, it will greatly calm the cat when taken from the home for any reason.
Follow your Veterinarian's Flea Control Recommendations.
