As your cat matures, the satisfaction and bonding grows within the family. Cats between the ages of one and seven are considered to be an adult cat. During this age, some subtle changes are occurring that might be a problem later. As many as half the cats seen in our hospital are overweight or have gum disease or both. These and other conditions pose a risk to your cat's health. These risks need to be managed now, before they become advanced and untreatable.
Our veterinary health care team will carry out a management program designed to promote good health for your cat. This program will include behavioral and environmental counseling, internal and external parasite control, routine vaccinations, nutritional guidance and exercise, grooming, and dental care. This kind of program allows our veterinarian to identify problems that might pose a health risk to your cat during his/her life. Our veterinarians will be able to discuss these risk factors based on medical history that you can provide, the results of physical examinations, diagnostic studies, and on basic knowledge of disorders that commonly affect pets of the same age, breed and sex.
As a responsible pet owner, follow our veterinarians' advice every day to keep your pet in good health.
1. Vaccinations:
Your adult cat will still need vaccinations. A yearly FVRCP booster (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and pneumonitis) is recommended as well as the rabies vaccine, which is required by law. Feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis vaccinations may also be indicated. Without the protection of vaccines, your cat is susceptible to various, possibly fatal, diseases.
2. Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus:
Your adult cat should be tested for feline leukemia and FIV if not tested when he/she was a kitten. A simple blood test will tell us if he/she is positive or negative for these viruses. If negative, feline leukemia vaccinations can be given. Cats that are positive need to be kept isolated from other kittens and cats. See our veterinarians if you have any questions about these diseases.
3. Internal Parasites:
Internal parasites are very common in cats. Internal parasites that are commonly seen in cats are hookworms, Giardia, coccidia, and tapeworms. These parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, and even death. Even adult cats can still get internal parasites. Always remove fecal waste from the litter boxes daily to lower the risk of internal parasite reinfection and transmission. Routine fecals should be check for these parasites.
Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and pulmonary vessels. This type of parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause heart, liver, lung, and kidney disease. Heartworms can be fatal if not treated. Monthly heartworm preventative year round is highly recommended for your cat.
4. External parasite and fungal infections:
External parasites in cats include fleas, ticks, and ear mites. When grooming your cat, check the skin carefully for evidence of parasites. Fleas can cause hair loss, skin infections, anemia, and scratching. Finding fleas, flea debris (flea feces look like black pepper), or tapeworm segments on your cat's coat are signs of a flea infestation. Ticks appear as brown or white parasites that attach to your cat's skin. Use extreme caution when pulling a tick off of your cat's skin. Make sure the tick's head is removed. Ringworm is a fungus that causes hair loss almost anywhere on the body and can also be transmitted to people. There are tests than can be done to check for ringworm. Our veterinarians can diagnose skin disease and use safe insecticides and/or fungicides to rid your cat's body or external parasite.
5. Grooming:
A poorly groomed coat increases the risk of skin infections and makes control of external parasites more difficult. By taking just a few minutes a day you can help prevent some serious problems. Besides, your cat will love the extra attention. Daily grooming also helps remove dead, tangled hair and debris, and allows you to notice sores, rashes, parasites, and other changes that may be hidden by your cat's coat. Some breeds require professional grooming or routine hair trims. Contact our veterinarians if you notice any changes in your cat's hair coat or skin. Cat nails should also be trimmed every four weeks. Your cat could have problems walking or even tear a nail on the carpet, which can be very painful, if you don't trim his/her nails.
6. Exercise:
Exercise is beneficial for the general care of your cat. Encourage playful exercise with safe, enjoyable toys to avoid obesity.
7. Periodontal Disease:
Periodontal or gum disease is one of the most common illnesses in pets over two years old. Some of the risk factors for periodontal disease include plaque, tarter buildup, and retained baby teeth. Your cat's oral health can best be managed by frequent removal of plaque and by checking for reddened gums, loose teeth, or swelling of any kind. Our veterinarians can show you how to use a toothbrush or soft cloth for plaque removal. This home care, along with routine dental checkups that include cleaning, polishing, and treatment, if necessary, is important to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
8. Proper Nutrition:
Throughout your cat's life, he/she should be fed a nutritionally balanced, highly digestible food specifically formulated for his/her age and life style. Adult cats normally require foods containing medium amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat and taurine. See our veterinarians if your cat seems to be getting too fat (you should be able to feel but not see his/her ribs) or if any skeletal problems arise (lameness). Never supplement cat food with table scraps or other food. Meat, scraps, or other foods may result in dietary imbalances and an addiction to the wrong kinds of food. Our veterinarians can help you determine the amount and types of food your cat needs to maintain optimum weight and avoid urinary tract infections.
9. Neutering/Spaying:
Neutering or spaying your cat is highly recommended. This procedure will have the maximum beneficial effects when performed at a young age. Cats are never too old to be spayed or neutered. Neutered and spayed pets live longer than non-neutered or non-spayed animals. It is a good idea to see our veterinarians for a free pre-surgical exam prior to your cat's surgery date. This gives our veterinarians a chance to examine your cat and talk to you about optional recommended procedures, such as pre-anesthetic blood work and laser surgery.
10. Environmental Conditions:
Outdoor animals are exposed to extreme weather conditions, infectious diseases, internal and external parasites, accidental poisoning from plants or chemicals, and injury from people or other animals. As a responsible pet owner, there are certain things you can do to reduce some of these risks. Keep your cat’s living and sleeping areas comfortable and dry at all times. For indoor cats, provide each cat in your household with his/her own litter box and remove soiled litter daily to avoid inappropriate urination and defecations. Always provide plenty of fresh water.
Understanding preventative health care, the risk factors your cat can be exposed to, and seeking advice from our veterinarians when problems arise will help keep your cat healthy. Routine checkups, daily exercise, and prudent home care are vitally important to your cat's health.