1. What food should I feed my cat?
2. Which cat box is best ?
3. What about bathing & grooming ?
4. What are some signs of illness ?
5. General Health Care
6. Surgical Procedures
   
7. New Cat Check List
8. How to "Kitten Proof" your house.
9. Plants to avoid/Poisonous plants.
   
10. What about Vaccines?
11. How to choose an appropriate cat toy?
    
12. Dental health
    
13. Heartworm Disease also affects cats!!!!

1. WHAT FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY CAT?

Canned foods! Here’s why… The cat is an obligate carnivore. In order to maintain optimal health, a carnivore requires a diet high in protein and minimal in carbohydrates. The cat is metabolically adapted to use protein and fat as energy sources. Carbohydrates become stored as fat.  Dry foods have greater carbohydrate concentrations because starch is necessary to make the kibble. In fact, the carbohydrate content of dry food is approximately 35-40% vs. only 10-18% in canned food.                        

Considering the pet cat population, over 50% are overweight! Obesity predisposes these patients to a number of disease processes including diabetes, urinary tract disease, joint problems, fatty liver disease, non-allergic skin conditions, and inflammatory bowel disease. The way to help these cats maintain lean body mass and lose weight is to feed them high- protein, low-carbohydrate diets. In short, FEED THEM CANNED FOODS!

When choosing canned foods avoid the fish-flavored foods and those containing gravies or sauces. Fish-flavored foods are high in magnesium and can alter the urine pH, and the gravy is carbohydrate-rich. Offer your cat meat-flavored canned foods to help maintain optimal health! 
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Whatever works for you and your cat! There are numerous cat box fillers on the market and all have their pros and cons. We recommend starting with either plain clay or clumping sand. Unscented seems to best accepted by cats.

For cleaning, the use of strong detergents or cleaners is not advised as these can repel your cat from using it’s box. Simply scrubbing the box with HOT water and a mild antibacterial soap is sufficient.

If your cat or kitten refuses to use it's box, we advice contacting us as these problem can be rectified on an individual basis.

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3. WHAT ABOUT BATHING AND GROOMING?

                                                                                                         

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4. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF ILLNESS?
The most common sign of illness is the lack of appetite. If a cat or kitten is not eating, something is wrong! The best advice to know if your pet is “sick” is to think of them as a small child. Just as with your children, if your cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, is lethargic, is limping, or just isn’t acting “right”, call us- That’s why we are here!!!

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PREVENTITIVE MEDICINE is  our goal.  Early detection of diseases may prolong your pets life span. 

Yearly physical exams include:

Heart Coat & Skin Ears Nose and Throat Mouth, Teeth, & Gums Legs and Paws Lungs Abdomen Lymph Nodes Urogenital Systems Nervous System Weight Client Education

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7. NEW CAT CHECKLIST

1. Ask your Veterinarian to check the new cat for diseases such as FIV and Fel V, which could infect other cats.
2. Vaccinate the cat against rabies and common cat diseases.
3. Make a litter box accessible, but not too close to the cat’s food dishes. If you have more than 1 cat, use several boxes-1 per cat if possible.
4. Place scratching posts or pads in strategic locations so your cats can use them as alternative to upholstered furniture.
5. Establishing more than one "dining area" if your cats show a preference for eating seperately.
   
6. Provide variety. Cats find it easier to share a house that has many lookouts, hideouts, and comfortable "nests".

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8. HOW TO KITTEN PROOF YOUR HOUSE

Kittens are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival:

• That's shocking! Kittens love to chew when teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach, or use a pet-repellant spray to coat the wires.
• They'd die for some chocolate! Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains Theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset the G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Treats can be threats! Never give turkey, chicken, or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.
• Common household killers - Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, gasoline, rat poision..Keep the all locked up!
• Check the anti-freeze! Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of anti-freeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains anti-freeze. And remember, engine warmth promotes cat naps, so honk your horn to wake pets under the hood.
• Killer house plants - Poisonous plants include many from the lily family! See toxic plant list below.
• Keep of the grass! If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets away.
• It fit yesterday! Collars and harnesses can be rapidly outgrown, leading to serious wounds. Check your cat's collars regularly, especially on that growing kitten! Two fingers should easily fit underneath the collar.
• Personal care items and medications - Cosmetics, shampoos, skin creams, hair solutions, depilatories, suntan lotions, sleeping pills, antihistamines, asprin and acetaminophen can all be lethal.
• It's not a toy! Do not leave plastic bags out! Inquisitive young animals, especially kittens, can suffocate or get thier neck caught in the handles!
• The heat is on! Watch out for hot irons, coffee pots, space heaters, stove tops...Kittens will soon be able to jump to new heights.
• A dip tip-Keep covers on hot tubs and swimming pools. Kittens can easily fall in and not be able to get out!
• Kittens are attracted to warmth. Be very cautious when doing laundry because they can sneak into the dryer very easily without your knowing it.
• Br-r-r-r-r-r it's cold in there! Curious kittens have been known to get into everything including the refrigerator! Be careful! A great idea is to have a little bell on your cats collar so you know of his/her whereabouts all the time.
• 'Tis the season! Keep holly, mistltoe and especially Christmas tree tinsel out of reach.
• Cozy up! Always use a fireplace screen.
• Do you eat with that mouth? If any or all of something will fit in a mouth, it's dangerous.  Watch out for cigarette butts, rubber bands, balloons, sewing needles, thread, string, ribbons, pantyhose...because what goes in must come out, often via surgery.
  

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9. PLANTS TO AVOID/POISONOUS PLANTS:

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10. WHAT ABOUT VACCINES?

Did you know that up to 3 cats in 10,000 actually develop a tumor (fibro sarcoma) at vaccine sites? These tumors seem to be related to the adjuvants in the vaccine. Adjuvants are additives that help to increase the vaccine’s immune stimulation and have routinely been added to all vaccines by the manufacturer. Current research also shows that some of our vaccines last longer than we previously thought. Your cat’s health and well-being are our primary goal at Cats Veterinary and due to this information we are changing are vaccine recommendations.

1. Current information says that all cats should still be kept vaccinated for RABIES and FV-RCP (“distemper”). FV-RCP vaccines have now been shown to create antibodies (protection) for 3 years. Cats Veterinary now recommends that kittens receive a series of at least 2 vaccines 3-4 weeks apart (the last must be when the kitten is at least 12 weeks of age) to be followed by a booster 1 year later, then only every 3 years. You should know that we at Cats Veterinary have always used a non-adjuvanted FV-RCP vaccine. Cats Veterinary has always used a 3-year rabies vaccine but unfortunately these are not available in non-adjuvanted form. Until they are available we will be using a non-adjuvanted 1-year rabies product. Our protocol is a yearly rabies booster.
2. Other vaccines will be given on exposure possibilities. FELINE LEUKEMIA vaccines are no longer recommended on a yearly basis for strictly indoor cats that have no exposure to other cats. If exposure to other cats is a possibility (frequent boarding, breeder cats, cats that go outside...) these cats should have an initial sense of 2 vaccines 3-4 weeks apart followed by an annual booster, then once every 3 years. Ask us about your cat's particular circumstance and we will discuss its needs. Note: this is a non-adjuvanted vaccine as well. Other vaccines we DONT'T recommend for your pet include: FIP, Chlamydiosos, ringworm and giardia.

1. FV-RCP (“distemper”) vaccine- kitten FV-RCP vaccines can be started as early as 6 weeks of age and are repeated every 3 weeks until the kitten is 12 weeks or older. We recommend starting at 9 weeks of age and repeat at 12 weeks.
2. Feline Leukemia (Fel V) vaccine- your kitten must be tested for the Feline Leukemia virus prior to vaccinating. Series of 2 vaccines, starting no earlier than 9 weeks of age and repeat in 3 weeks.
3. Rabies vaccine- a one-year vaccine given no earlier than 12 weeks of age

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11. HOW TO CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE CAT TOY?

When picking out cat toys you should be careful with what you choose. Cats and kittens at any age can find things around the house that are dangerous. Your cat, like a child, will put anything and everything in their mouth. Remember, anything that will fit in your cat’s mouth is dangerous, and whatever goes in must come out (often via surgery).
Here is a list of cat toys to buy and ones to stay away from:
UNSAFE CAT TOYS:
String
Yarn
Ribbon
Rubber Bands
Thread
Balloons
Q-Tips
Cotton Balls
Shoelaces
Tinsel
Plastic Bag
Nerf Balls
Nipples from Baby Bottles
SAFE CAT TOYS:
Laser Pointer
Large Toy Mice
Catnip Toys
Plastic Balls with Bells
Remote Control Mouse
Feline Flyers
Paper Balls
Paper Bags WITHOUT THE HANDLES
Scratching Post for Climbing
Foil Balls

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12. DENTAL HEALTH

Cats live longer with a healthy mouth- a scientific and statistical fact! A healthy mouth is one of the keys to a long life. Pets who receive dental care live 10-20% longer than those that don’t. The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) reports that 70% of cats have some degree of dental disease by 2 years of age and that theses problems are often the first sign of more serious health issues. To be sure your cat has the best chance for a long, healthy life, and a full set of teeth in old age, take steps to prevent periodontal disease.

Dental care is often overlooked, yet it is a very important aspect of yours cat's health. When you look into your kitty's mouth you may notice brown discoloration on the teeth. As in humans, cats accumulate bacteria plaque on the surface of thier teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it becomes mineralized and hardens to form tarter and calcium which is easily identified by this tan/brown color. Tartar usually starts at the gum edge, especially at the back of the teeth. In severe cases it may cover the entire tooth. The rate of tartar accumulation is variable among cats. Genetics play a big factor in the extent of dental disease your cat will have. On average, cats need routine dental cleaning every 1-2 years.

Accumulation of tartar and bacteria on the teeth promote gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). If caught at an early stage and a thorough dental scaling and polishing is performed, most of the teeth and gums will recover fully. However, if gingivitis goes untreated, then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. Late stage periodontal disease can cause permanent damage, including loose teeth and tooth loss. Toxins released by the bacteria cause an inflammatory reaction that can lead  to destruction of tissue and bone that anchor the teeth in place. The bacteria can enter the blood stream and is associated with the damage to other organs, including the heart, kidneys and liver.

Fortunately, preventative dental care can help you avoid dental disease in your cat!

Yes, you can brush your cat’s teeth!                                                    
The most effective way of reducing plaque and tartar is to brush your cat’s teeth. A number of toothpastes and brushes are available from your veterinarian that are specially designed for a cat’s mouth. With gentle patience and perseverance, it is possible to clean your cat’s teeth. In fact, if you brush your cat’s teeth every day you can actually double the time between dental cleanings at the vets! We can show you how to do this and give you tips to help this process to be painless and even enjoyable for your cat.

HOW TO BRUSH YOUR CAT’S TEETH:

It is best to begin home care when the kitten is between 8 and 12 weeks of age; however, it is never too late. If the cat has any accumulated tartar, it must be removed ultrasonically at the clinic first. This will allow you to start your home care with teeth that are free of plaque and tartar and will make your efforts easier and more effective.

The supplies you need include a finger brush or child’s toothbrush and pet toothpaste.
NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE ON CATS, as these are not designed to be swallowed and could cause problems.
Most pets accept brushing very well if they are introduced to it in a calm and patient way. Always proceed slowly. This daily brushing process should be pleasant for both you and your cat.

Day 1:  Gently pet your cat and slowly lift the lip for about 30 seconds. Reward with a treat at the end of the session.
Day 2:  Repeast as above then gently run your finger over yours cat's teeth for 30-45 seconds.
Day 3:  Repeat day 2 and add 15 seconds time to running your finger over your cat's teeth. Always reward with praise and a treat.
Day 4:  If all is going well insert the finger brush/toothbrush into your cat's mouth and rub the teeht for 30 seconds.
Day 5:  Repeat as above and increase the time the brush is in your cat's mouth by 30 seconds.
Day 6:  Repeat as above and add a small amount of PET toothpast to the brush.<>

If your cat does not do well with one of these steps, go back to the previous step and try again. Daily brushing is ideal, but 3-4 brushings per week will improve your cat’s oral health. Discontinue brushing if your cat becomes aggressive! Remember to always try to make it fun!

SIGNS OF DENTAL DISEASE:
There are a number of signs that should alert you to dental disease or other mouth problems presenting in your cat.
  -  Decreased interest in food
  -  Approach the food bowl and then reluctance to eat
  -  Chewing with obvious caution and discomfort
  -  Drop food from the mouth
  -  Swallowing with difficulty
  -  Excess drooling
  -  Bloody saliva
  -  Facial swelling
  -  Unpleasant odor to the breath
  -  Pawing or rubbing at the face
  -  Head shaking
  -  Red or swollen gums
  -  Yellow-brown tartar or gray cheesey plaque build-up on the tooth crowns

If you see that your cat has evidence of tartar accumulation, gingivitis or is showing any other signs above, you should take it to your veterinarian for examination.

DENTAL PROCEDURE:
Dental cleanings in cats require anesthesia. Many precautions are taken to ensure that there are no unnecessary risks with anesthesia. Today’s modern anesthetics and monitoring equipment make the risk very low- much lower than the risks associated with untreated dental disease! We use gas anesthesia for the entire procedure (it is much safer than injectable anesthetics.) A complete physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood work is performed to ensure your cat’s liver and kidney function is normal before we anesthetize your cat. All cats over 7 years of age have an IV catheter placed before we begin the dental procedure. An ultrasonic scaler is used first to remove the plaque and tartar, and then every tooth is hand-scaled to clean well up under the gum line. Each tooth is then probed for gum recession and hidden pockets. Just like when you are at the dentist the cat’s teeth then get polished to make the surface smooth and shiny so plaque cannot reform as fast. Polishing is followed by a water rinse and then we apply fluoride to strengthen the enamel of the teeth.
A product called Oravet Barrier Sealant can also be applied as the last step in your cat’s dental cleaning. This provides an invisible barrier that helps prevent plaque and tartar causing bacteria from even attaching to the teeth to begin with! There is also a take-home kit that allows you to continue this plaque prevention gel in your home once a week to maintain the barrier that your veterinarian established!
We also offer dental radiograph screening. Many problems under the gum line can only be detected through taking an x-ray.

PREVENTION is the best protection from periodontal disease.
Preventing periodontal disease by keeping your cat’s teeth and gums healthy is a job for both the veterinarian and for you at home! While nothing can take the place of regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups and cleaning, ongoing follow-up oral care at home is just as important in helping your cat have the healthiest mouth ever!

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 13. HEARTWORM DISEASE ALSO AFFECTS CATS!

YES! Cats are at risk for heartworm disease too!!! Even indoor cats can be affected. In fact, up to 33% of reported cases are in cats that are described by their owners as strictly indoors. For cats, the prevalence of heartworm infection is directly related to the number of infected dogs in the area. Age is not a risk factor either; cats of any age can be affected.
How Does Heartworm Disease Occur?
The cycle begins when a mosquito bites an infected dog or cat and ingests heartworm larvae into its own bloodstream. When the mosquito carrying the infective larvae then bites into a cat for a blood meal these infective larvae are injected under the skin of the cat. The larvae grow for 3-4 months and eventually make their way into the heart where they develop into adults and can cause serious life threatening problems for your cat.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Your Cat:
Cats can have a wide range of symptoms, with some having no symptoms at all. Clinical signs can be very non-specific, and may mimic many other feline diseases, which makes diagnosing heartworm disease often difficult. Symptoms do not usually occur until damage has already occurred to the heart. Signs are:
  -  Difficulty breathing
  -  Coughing
  -  Vomiting
  -  Collapsing
  -  Lethargy
  -  Anorexia
  -  Weight loss
  -  Decreased ability to exercise
  -  Sudden death

There is NO treatment for heartworm disease once a cat is infected.
 PREVENTION IS THE KEY!!!

Heartworm Prevention:
Heartworms are preventable NOT treatable! A simple chewable “treat-like” pill given orally to your cat once a month year-round is all it takes. This preventative treatment should begin after a blood test has been conducted to determine if your cat has already been exposed or is infected.

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