Health Problems
Worms
Most cats suffer from roundworms at some time in their lives and the fact that you do not see them does not mean that none is present. Six-monthly treatment for roundworms is advisable for adult cats, two-weekly treatment for kittens from one to six months of age.
Tapeworms, if present, will be noticeable, as segments are passed in the faeces and can be seen clinging to the cat's legs. When dry, the segments are cream coloured and resemble small grains of rice.
Treatment for all types of worms is available from veterinary surgeries.
Fleas
Even cats in the best circles may pick up fleas when outside the house. To eliminate fleas, not only the cat must be treated but the whole house, e.g. skirting boards, carpets, the base of curtains, furniture, etc., as well as the cat's bedding. Treat the cat with a safe insecticide spray or powder. Treat the house with a product containing methoprene, e.g. Acclaim Plus, available from veterinary surgeons or chemists, or Canovel from pet shops.
Ear mites
An infected cat or kitten will scratch his ears, shake his head and even damage the skin on his ears and temples. Ear mites live on dead skin, inside the ear. Brown wax will be seen in the outer ear. Your vet will prescribe ear drops and show you how to treat your cat.
Ear mites
An infected cat or kitten will scratch his ears, shake his head and even damage the skin on his ears and temples. Ear mites live on dead skin, inside the ear. Brown wax will be seen in the outer ear. Your vet will prescribe ear drops and show you how to treat your cat.
Feeding
No matter how well we provide for our felines in terms of warmth, safety, companionship and health care, the one thing that finally attracts and binds a cat is the food we provide. Throughout his life a cat will have a variety of dietary needs according to its age and state of health. A cat who does not receive a balanced and varied diet may well move elsewhere!
Vaccinations
Feline Enteritis is a rapidly fatal disease of cats which can be effectively prevented by vaccination. This should be done as soon as the cat has settled in or at nine to 12 weeks of age in the case of kittens. Your veterinary surgeon will give you a certificate; keep it safely, for no boarding cattery worth its salt will accept a boarder without it. Booster injections are required every year and need to be budgeted for.
Feline Leukaemia is a common, fatal disease of cats. It may affect cats of any age. A vaccine is now available which involves an initial course of two injections and annual boosters. In addition, the manufacturers advise a blood test before the initial course. Your vet will advise you on the best time to vaccinate your kitten against this disease.
Cat 'Flu is another common disease of cats, though much less serious than the other two. Given good veterinary treatment and nursing care, it is rare for a cat to die of cat 'flu. However, if you wish to prevent it, and if your budget will stretch to it after the feline enteritis and feline leukaemia vaccinations, there are two vaccines available; one against the viral forms of cat 'flu and one against chlamydia which causes persistent conjunctivitis. Because cat 'flu has considerable nuisance value in indoor boarding catteries, many cattery owners insist on an up-to-date vaccination. Do not expect the vaccination to be 100% effective; cats can still catch other strains of 'flu.
A combined vaccine is now available for all three diseases. Please contact your vet for more information.