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Keeping your cat in good health will not only minimise unnecessary costs and
heartache, but also ensure your relationship is a long and happy one. There are
many preventative steps you can take to ensure your cat's wellbeing, and a
regular check-up you can perform yourself to make sure they are 'up to scratch'.
Watching for changes in health and behaviour will also help you keep abreast of
your cat's condition
Vaccinations
It is very important to have kittens vaccinated and keep your cat's annual
boosters up to date. This protects against several serious infectious diseases
that can be fatal. The annual vaccination appointment is also the ideal time for
your Vet to give an annual health check.
 | Kittens should have their first vaccination course between 9 to 12 weeks.
Usually the course is two jabs one month apart. Keep your kitten indoors
until a week after the course is complete - he won't have full protection
until then. |
| If you take in an adult cat of unknown history, don't assume they are
vaccinated. Ask your Vet about vaccination. Keep new cats away from any cats
you already have until a week after they have been fully vaccinated. |
| Note that boarding catteries will insist your cat be vaccinated and will
ask to see his Vaccination Card. |
Neutering
Cats are prolific breeders.
Sadly, there are already far too many unwanted cats in the UK, (One female
can give rise to more than 20,000 descendants in just 5 years!) so it is
essential for responsible cat owners to ensure there cats are neutered. Your Vet
will advise the best time, but neutering is usually carried out when the cat is
about 6 months old, before puberty.
The benefits of neutering include:
| Healthier cats that usually live longer. |
| More affectionate, home-loving cats. |
| Male cats roam less and are less likely to be involved in a road
traffic accident. |
| You are spared the problem of finding homes for kittens. |
| Females do not exhaust themselves (and you!) with noisy calling. |
| Female cats avoid the effort and health risks of repeated pregnancy and
kittening. |
| You will avoid noisy, smelly Tomcats serenading your female cat. |
| Male cats will not "spray" (marking territory with strongly
smelling urine). |
| Male cats tend to fight less, cutting down on fight injuries and
infected wounds that can lead to serious health problems. |
Worming
This should be done regularly as a worm burden can cause your cat to have
diarrhoea and lose condition. Worms weaken kittens in particular.
| Kittens should be wormed against roundworm regularly from 6 weeks of age
onwards. |
| They should not be wormed against tapeworms under 6 months of age (unless
under Veterinary supervision). |
| Adult cats should be wormed against roundworms and tapeworms every 6
months. |
Your Vet will prescribe a wormer for your kitten or cat, and advise a
suitable program of dosing.
Routine Dental Care
Sadly, many adult cats have dental problems that are largely avoidable. As
well as causing pain and infection in the mouth and difficulty eating, bacteria
from infected gums can enter the blood stream and affect the heart, liver and
kidneys. Vets can remove tartar and clean teeth under anaesthetic, a procedure
many older cats require regularly. However, there is a lot you can do at home to
keep your cat's teeth and gums healthy:
| Special cat toothpaste and brushes, which fit on the end of your finger,
are available at Vets. Human toothpaste is not suitable and must not be
used. |
| The nursing staff at your Vets will be pleased to show you how to brush
your cat's teeth. Even if your cat will not accept brushing, you can get
palatable dental gels, which they can lick off your hand or take in their
food. |
| Making sure your cat eats some dry food or crunchy chunks, which help to
keep teeth clean. |
It could add years to your cat's life to look after their teeth, and kittens
should learn to get used to brushing from an early age. You can even teach older
cats to accept daily brushing.
Flea control
Cats are prone to picking up fleas and ticks. This can cause various health
problems for your cat, as well as infesting your home, so preventative control
is important.
Always ask your Vet for advice on flea control both for your cat and in the
home. Flea control products contain strong insecticides, and you should take
veterinary advice for you and your cat's sake. Kittens especially are vulnerable
and need special treatment.
Your Vet will also be able to advise on the various new types of prescription
only flea treatments, which are on the market now
| Nose Should be clean, moist and free from discharge or sneezing. |
| Ears Should be clean and pinkish inside, without brown debris or scratching
and head shaking which can indicate infection or mites. |
| Eyes Bright, clear and free of any discharge. If the "third eyelid"
(nictitating membrane) is up across the inner corner of the eye it could
indicate illness. |
| Mouth Should be clean with pink gums, free of redness or swelling, and white
teeth without excessive build up of brown tartar.
Check for bad breath - it could indicate infected gums or kidney problems. |
| Coat/Skin Should be smooth, shiny and
unmatted, without signs of flea dirt or
balding areas.. A dull coat shows loss of condition or illness. The skin should
be healthy without soreness, inflammation or flaking patches. Check for any
wounds under the fur, and any lumps or growths. |
| Limbs Movement should be free, without stiffness, lameness or unusual gait..
Check the paws are free from foreign bodies and cuts. |
| Under Tail Should be clean and free from redness, inflammation or any signs
of diarrhoea. Nibbling and licking the anal area could mean worms. |
The caring cat owner is observant for changes in behaviour and signs of ill
health in their cat. One or more of the following symptoms could mean your cat
has an injury or illness: if in doubt, contact your vet. Watch for:
| Changes in routine habits or demeanour. |
| Lameness, stiffness or changes in gait. |
| Pain when touched (may be displayed as aggression or unwillingness to
play or be handled). |
| More frequent defecation or diarrhoea. |
| Constipation. |
| More frequent urination. |
| Straining to urinate. |
| Changes in the appearance of stools or urine. |
| Frequent or persistent vomiting. |
| Weight changes - especially rapid weight loss. |
| Loss of appetite. |
| Increase in thirst. |
| Wheezing, panting or coughing. |
| Sneezing or mucus/discharge from nose or eyes. |
| Head shaking. |
| Scratching at ears or skin. |
| Excessive attention and licking to any area can indicate a problem, which
needs investigation. |
If you notice any of the above you should contact your vet immediately
| Recommendation by friends or local pet owners can be invaluable |
| Contact practices to ask about the number of Vets, and what equipment and
facilities they have; some will be able to post you information about the
practice. |
| Ask what additional services they provide |
| Register your cat with a practice before things go wrong and familiarise
yourself with their opening hours, appointment system and so on. Keep this
information ready in case your cat needs treatment. |
| Always keep your vet's number (including 24-hour emergency number)
somewhere close to hand. You can stick it to the fridge or near the
telephone with your other 'emergency' numbers, or even on the cupboard where
your cat's things are kept. |
| Vets value client loyalty, and it's important for your cat too that a
full record of his medical history is built up. |
| Veterinary treatment can be very expensive, so responsible owners find
pet health insurance invaluable. |
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