Posts in Category: Fleas Ticks & Heartworm
Why the Prevention of Heartworm Disease in Cats Is So Important
Because the focus of heartworm prevention is commonly placed onto our canine friends, owners of dogs and cats may be surprised to learn that heartworm disease affects both species. The fact is, cats are equally vulnerable to the bites of infected mosquitoes. And, to make matters worse, while dogs are able to safely receive treatment for heartworm disease, it is incurable in cats. This is why preventing heartworm disease in cats is so important.
Continue…Heartworm Disease in Cats is Incurable and Preventable
There are numerous chronic health conditions facing cats today. Most of them can be managed effectively with little impact on quality of life or longevity. But among the different types of potential health concerns, heartworm disease in cats stands alone.
Spread by the bite of a single infected mosquito, a heartworm infection is fatal for felines. The good news is that year round adherence to your cat’s parasite prevention greatly reduces the risk.
The Straight Story
Cats are not the only pets that suffer from heartworm disease. Dogs and ferrets are good hosts to this parasite as well as various wildlife such as wolves, foxes, coyotes and sea lions.
Heartworm treatment for these other animals exists, but it is toxic in cats. That means that the only defense against heartworm disease in cats is complete prevention.
Continue…Is Cat Parasite Prevention Really That Necessary in Winter?
The majority of our beautiful state enjoys a sub-tropical climate. We have hot, humid summers and super mild winters that enable residents to spend as much time outdoors as they like (or not!). What this means for cat parasite prevention is that our efforts to keep bugs at bay must be a year-round affair. Without a consistent approach to disease prevention, the cats we know and love could be at risk. Not on our watch!
Not Just a Nuisance
Bugs, particularly those that spread terrible diseases, aren’t just a nuisance. Responsible for infecting countless numbers of mammals every year, a single bite from a parasite can result in an unexpected fatality if preventive measures aren’t enforced on a year-round basis.
Continue…The Heart Of The Matter: Cats and Heartworm Awareness
Here at Cat Care of Vinings, we often talk about heartworm disease with our clients–there are so many myths out there regarding its incidence, prevalence, and prevention. It sounds complicated, but it is actually very simple.
First things first, unless your furry kitty friend lives literally without ANY possible exposure to even one mosquito, your baby is at risk. Mosquitoes carry heartworm disease and pass it from dog to cat to cat to dog and so on. The best way to protect your cat or kitten is with year-round preventative measures EVEN when indoor-only.
Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states in cats, and risk factors are impossible to predict. The truth is that all cats are at risk, regardless of their life-style. Multiple variables, from climate variations to the presence of wildlife carriers, cause rates of infections to vary dramatically from year to year—even within communities. Nothing truly freezes or dies in the South East to end the life cycle of mosquitos and give us a well-deserved break!
Furthermore, heartworm disease in cats is NOT treatable, difficult to detect, life-threatening and very preventable. Signs of overt heartworm disease in our feline friends rarely manifests until very late; this makes a diagnosis difficult. This seems all “gloom and doom” but truly, the bottom line for cats and heartworm disease is prevention, prevention, and more prevention!
The Heart Of The Matter: Cats and Heartworm Awareness
Mosquitoes are a common problem that all areas in the Southeastern United States battle. Your kitty is a prime target for their feasting! Heartworm disease in cats is NOT treatable, difficult to detect, life-threatening and very preventable. Signs of heartworm in our feline friends can be misleading at best and make a diagnosis difficult. There are no approved treatments for cats who contract heartworm disease currently and none on the horizon.
So what is bottom line for cats and heartworm disease?
Prevention, Prevention, and more Prevention. Continue…
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I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats