1. Is it better to feed my cat canned food?
Yes, a canned food diet is a great diet. It most closely resembles the diet of a carnivore with 70% moisture and lower carbohydrates in the pate form. Dental treats or small amounts of a dry dental diet can be used to help curb tartar formation.
2. My cat stays indoors, should I still use a flea preventative?
Yes, they can hitchhike in on you, your other pets, or just be in the environment. Also remember if your cat goes out on a leash or in your arms they should still be on prevention year round. Revolution is a great product that treats for fleas, internal parasites, as well as heart worms. So even if your kitty stays inside there is nothing stopping the outside from coming in. When we open doors we offer the opportunity for mosquitoes and other insects to fly in.
3. My female cat stays indoors, does she still need to be spayed?
Yes, it is best for their overall health to be neutered, because they will be less likely to develop reproductive cancers. It will also help to prevent inappropriate urinations and behavioral changes like aggression and roaming.
4. How old should my kitten be in order to spay or neuter them?
Kittens can be spayed or neutered quite early. However, we like to allow them time to mature somewhat prior to surgery. An age of 5-6 months typically allows some maturity but avoids the development of libido or aggression.
5. Why use a one year rabies vaccine?
The vaccine we use at Charlottesville Cat Care Clinic is the Merial PureVax 1 year rabies vaccine. This vaccine does not contain an adjuvant. Adjuvants are helpful by aiding in stimulating immunity. However, they can also stimulate significant inflammation at the site. This has been associated with vaccine-related sarcomas (very aggressive cancers).
6. Why should my indoor cat be vaccinated for Rabies and Distemper?
The State of Virginia requires all cats be vaccinated for rabies. Upper respiratory diseases are extremely contagious. Just like our flu viruses, these upper respiratory viruses live in the environment. Our “distemper” vaccine is actually a 3-way vaccine that helps to protect cats from Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, and the Calicivirus. We require our patients to be vaccinated for rabies and distemper in order to stay in our hospital. Otherwise, they will be placed in isolation for their and our other patients’ protection.
7. When should I change my kitten over to an adult diet?
This can be somewhat dependent on breed and condition of your kitten. For most kittens, a gradual change should be implemented between 6 and 10 months.
8. My male cat is squatting and having difficulty urinating, should I take him in to the vet?
Yes! Your cat may have a urinary obstruction. This can be a life-threatening medical condition. The longer the obstruction is present, the more damage to the kidneys and bladder may occur.
9. My cat’s nose is dry and hot, is this an indication that he/she is sick?
No, not necessarily – their nose is not a thermometer. A much better indicator is their appetite, appearance, and activity level.