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Diet
A cat's diet is just as important to it's
health and well-being as ours. Feeding proprietary brands whether
wet or dry will ensure that it has a healthy and long life. If
feeding a dry diet always ensure that there is a plentiful supply of
fresh water.
Cats are carnivores (meat-eating animals) and should
not be fed a vegetarian diet. Also avoid feeding a cat dog food as it
doesn't contain the correct nutrients for felines. Commercial cat foods are specially designed to meet a cat's dietary
needs and provide all the nutrients they need. Kittens, pregnant and
lactating queens have specific nutritional
requirements 
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Worming
There are two main
types of worms that infect cats - roundworms and
tapeworms. Most
cats will suffer from roundworms at some point in their lives and
infection is not always visible. It is advisable to treat for
roundworms in adult cats and for kittens.
Tapeworms, if present, will be noticeable, as segments are passed in
the cat's faeces and can be seen clinging to the animal's legs/fur. When
dry, the segments are cream coloured and look like grains of rice.
Good treatments for both tape and roundworms are available from
veterinary surgeries. Please consult your vet for advice on
treatment frequency, as this depends on the preventative product
used.
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Fleas & Ear Mites
Fleas often affect cats,
even meticulously clean ones, because the eggs can survive in the
environment for a very long time. Fleas can be present all year
round especially in milder climates. The good news is that they are
easily prevented and treated using the very effective flea
treatments now available from vets.
An infected cat or kitten
will scratch his ears, shake his head and sometimes damage the skin
on his ears and temples. Ear mites live on dead skin, inside the ear
and brown wax will be seen in the outer ear. Treatment is required
to eliminate them so it is best to take your cat to the vet.
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Vaccinations
A kitten
should be vaccinated around nine weeks of age, with the important
second dose being given at 12 weeks.
A booster vaccination one year on is important to enhance the
initial level of immunity.
Regular boosters throughout a cat's life will help maintain a good
level of protection against cat 'flu, feline parvovirus and feline
leukaemia.
To help you care for your cat we
have listed these below: |
Cat 'flu
- a vaccination must
Two types of cat 'flu are vaccinated against feline herpesvirus
(FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These viruses are very common
and vaccination will protect your cat against prolonged illness, but
because there are many different strains of cat 'flu the vaccine
will not totally eradicate the threat. |
Feline
infectious enteritis (FIE)
- a vaccination must
Feline infectious enteritis (a severe and often fatal gut infection)
is caused by the feline parvovirus (or feline panleukopenia virus).
Vaccination against FIE has been very successful. Unvaccinated cats
are at great risk because the virus is widespread in the
environment. |
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
- a vaccination must for outdoor cats
FeLV is a lifelong infection and unfortunately most cats will die
within three years of diagnosis, usually from a subsequent disease
like leukaemia, lymphoma (tumours) or progressive anaemia. It is not
an air born disease and can only be passed on via direct contact
between cats (usually by saliva or bites). Because of the serious
nature of the disease, CP recommends FeLV vaccination. |
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Feline chlamydophilosis
- depends on your circumstances
This bacterium, which causes conjunctivitis in cats, can't survive
in the atmosphere and is thus spread by direct contact between cats
(affecting multi-cat households and kittens predominately). Your vet
will discuss your situation and advise as to whether this vaccine is
necessary. |
