Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know?

• Indoor cats get Heartworm Disease (among other things...)
• Cats must Eat "Or Else..."
• Vaccinations Should be Tailored to Risk of Exposure?
• Unbalanced Nutrition Can Be Fatal?

Basic Cat Care Info

• IS a Cat Right for your Lifestyle?
• Indoor Vs Outdoor?
• Basic Annual Care and Expectations
• What is ?Normal Cat Behavior? In the House?

Emergencies

• First Aid
• When to seek help?

Pearls of Wisdom or How To

• Pill or Give Liquid Medications
• Trim Nails
• The Dreaded Carrier
• Tips to Get a Sick Cat to Eat
• Giving Fluids Under the Skin
• Using Inhalers or Nebulizers at Home

FAQ

What vaccines does my cat need?

If you have a indoor cat we recommend the 3-way vaccine which includes feline rhinotracheitis-calici-panleukopenia viruses (FRCP). If you have an outdoor cat or one who comes in and out, we recommend the FRCP, Feline Leukemia, & Rabies vaccines. Out door cats run the risk of coming in contact with these diseases when they mingle with other cats or animals.

Should I test my cat for FeLV & FIV viral diseases?

We recommend viral testing for all cats. These viruses can lay dormant, similar to AIDS in humans, and can cause problems in the future. They can be spread to any other cat in the household by cat to cat contact, so it is safest to screen any new cat before exposure to other cats.

When should I sterilize my cat?

The surgery can be performed anytime over the age of 8 weeks, but we generally recommend waiting until six months of age. Cats usually do not reach puberty before 6 months. It is not better for a cat to go through a heat cycle or have a litter before being spayed. A spay is an ovariohysterectomy - the ovaries and uterus are removed. Male cats generally do not spray before reaching puberty. The smell of their urine and undesirable marking behavior is prevented with neutering. When a male cat is neutered, the testicles are removed.

Do you recommend declawing for my cat?

If you are comfortable with the idea and your cat will be kept indoors, then surgery can be performed. The surgical procedure involves amputating the last piece of bone off of each toe. This is where the nail grows from. Surgical recovery is more painful for older and heavier cats.

If you really don?t like the idea of the surgery, two other options are:

• Soft Paws: Vinyl nail caps that are glued over the cat's own nails. The cat cannot damage materials when it scratches due to the rounded ends. They last for 4-6 weeks and fall off as the nail begins to grow.
• Nail trimming once to twice a month.

How do I know if may cat needs dentistry?

Raise the upper lip of the cat's mouth and look towards the sides of the teeth. If the teeth are not white but are yellowish, brown, or look like they have tartar and plaque, they need cleaning. If a bad odor exists, this is usually due to bacterial overgrowth in the gums and is a sign of gingivitis. A raised red line above the teeth is another sign of gingivitis.

What are Ear Mites?

Ear mites are micoscopic bugs that can live in your cat?s ears. The only way to see them is by magnification. Proper treatment involves careful and thorough cleaning of the ear canals, then application of drops and/or treatment with a drug called ivermectin.

What should I do if my cat is urinating on the floor or spraying?

Cats can get urinary tract infections just like people, however they cannot tell us, so they may spray or urinate in inappropriate locations. If your cat exhibits this behavior, you should have it examined by a veterinarian, and a urinalysis should be performed to determine if a medical problem exists. If the problem is deemed behavioral, the veterinarian will discuss behavior modification and possible drug options.

What are the little white things under my cat?s tail and on his stool?

These are called tapeworms. A cat gets these from ingesting fleas that carry tapeworm larvae, or by eating small animals that are carrying larvae. Tapeworms can only be eliminated with prescription medication, There are no over the counter medications to effectively rid tapeworms.

What do I do for hairballs?

• You can use a hairball paste, which you can give your cat every other day. Most cats love this and will lick it right off your finger.
• You can also use fiber, such as pysillium, daily. Pre-measured veterinary capsules are available.

My cat has a lump or abscess, what should I do?

Your cat needs to be examined to determine what the problem is.

• Abscess from a cat bite
• Tumor
• Insect sting or bite
• Injection reaction, etc.

Why is my cat having hair loss?

Hair loss can be due to a number of things such as:

1. Ringworm, a fungus
2. Flea Allergies
3. Food Allergies
4. Other Dermatitis

What should I do if my cat has runny, closed, or swollen eyes?

Your cat should be examined to determine the cause. Possible causes are:

1. Foxtail under eye lid
2. Ulcer on the cornea
3. Conjunctivitis

What should I do if my cat is not eating or acting listless?

Your cat should be examined to determine the cause. Possible causes are:

1. Fever
2. Insect bite
3. Internal or metabolic problem

Why does my kitten or cat have runny stool?

Your cat should be examined to determine the cause. Possible causes are:

• Gastrointestinal parasites
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Diet change
• Bacterial or viral infection
• Metabolic problem