Feline Health Care

Feline Health Care...

Feline health is important for owners to know and understand.  Though some things about health are similar to other domestic pets, felines are unique in many ways.  Below are some areas of feline health that need to be considered in your cat's overall health. 

Physical Exam

It is an essential part of your cat's overall preventative health care.  Not only can your veterinarian help implement preventative health care protocols, but also he/she may catch disease processes in early stages that may otherwise go unnoticed.  We don't want to find anything bad, but when we do, catching it early can be easier on your cat's health. 

Vaccinations

• All cats face the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, even if they are indoor only cats.  Some diseases are life-threatening, while others present a risk to public health.  Preventative vaccinations are a reliable and cost-effective method of maintaining excellent feline health.
• The following infectious diseases can be prevented or lessened through regular recommended vaccinations:

*Rabies (required)

*Feline Panleukopenia

*Feline Respiratory Disease

*Feline Leukemia

*Feline Infections Peritonitis

Parasite Control

Cats, especially those that go outside, need to be on a regular, deworming and parasite preventative.  Parasites can cause illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and skin problems.  Some of these parasites are zoonotic-meaning that they can be transferred to people.  A fecal exam along with your veterinarian's physical exam can help detect parasites.  Your veterinarian can help set up the proper parasite preventative program for your cat.

Diet

When it comes to nutrition, your cat's needs are unique and constantly changing.  The proper diet considers your cat's life stage, as well as other nutritional concerns including weight, skin and hair coat, or other special dietary and health concerns.  Ask your veterinarian which issues are particularly important in meeting your cat's needs.  

Health Fair Blood Work

There are many benefits to Health Fair Blood Testing.  Blood screening can be useful to your veterinarian for determining healthy baseline, early disease detection, pre-anesthetic screening, and overall health screening.  Click here for information on our in-house health fair blood screening. 

Pain Relief

Cats have pain just like dogs, however treating them is a little different.  Anti-inflammatories are not as freely given.  Cats are too sensitive to aspirin and other non-steroids (NSAID's).  Steroids can be given periodically.  Because of these unique needs, your veterinarian may recommend alternative methods for pain relief.  Click here to read our information on our multi-modal approach to pain relief.    

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

Among the most common health issues seen in cats are a variety of urinary tract diseases.  While the process and treatments for these diseases may vary, one thing is common-abnormal urination.  Clinical signs of these diseases include: straining to urinate, discolored urine, frequent urination, urinating in unusual locations, or the inability to urinate at all.  Click here for more information on urinary tract diseases.