What kind of care do cats need at the vet?
This includes routine veterinary care for vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care; proper nutrition; grooming; and protection from household hazards. Adult cats should have a complete veterinary examination at least once a year.
How often should I take my Cat to the vet?
Many cats also like scratching pads. Your cat should see the veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots, and immediately if she is sick or injured. Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian.
How to take care of a new cat as a parent?
Read on for useful tips for new cat parents, and for those looking to brush up on their pet care skills. We recommend purchasing high-quality, brand-name kitten or cat food. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your new cat or kitten and determine the best diet.
How often should I give my indoor cat FVRCP?
Currently, the recommendation for indoor/outdoor cats is to administer the FVRCP vaccine annually. For indoor-only cats, the recommendation is to administer the vaccine every three years. Cats heading into stressful situations, such as boarding, may benefit from a core vaccine booster 7-10 days before.
How to keep cats from scratching?
How to pick up a cat?
What do cats wear when they are outside?
Can cats live indoors?
Do cats need baths?
Can you give a cat a medicine?
Can you feed baby food to a cat?
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What treatments do cats need regularly?
Basic healthcare in catsAnnual health checks.Annual vaccinations.Flea and worming treatment.Neuter your cat.Check your cat's ears.Look after their teeth.Feel for lumps on your cat.Keep your cat fit and healthy.More items...•
Does my cat need a yearly checkup?
All adult cats should be seen by their veterinarian at least once a year for a routine wellness examination. This annual check-up draws a baseline of the cat's normal physical condition, which lets the vet easily spot differences in the cat's condition should illness or emergencies arise.
What preventative treatments do cats need?
Preventative Healthcare - CatsVaccinations. Your kitten's initial vaccination course consists of two injections. ... Flea & Worming. Fleas are an all year round problem for both you and your pet, but they are easy to prevent. ... Nutrition. Your kitten's diet is very important. ... Neutering. ... Dental Care. ... Microchipping.
What vaccines do cats need yearly?
There are two basic types of vaccinations for cats.Core vaccinations should be given to all cats, as they are essential for protecting them against the following common but serious feline conditions:Rabies.Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) ... Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1)More items...•
What vaccines do indoor cats need?
Vaccines for Indoor Cats There are two primary vaccinations your indoor kitty will need to stay healthy throughout her life: the rabies vaccine and the combination vaccine FVRCP—this vaccine protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (feline herpes), Panleukopenia virus (feline distemper) and Calicivirus.
What happens if you don't take your cat to the vet?
Without proper veterinary care, these conditions can lead to oral discomfort, difficulty eating, and even tooth loss. Cats can also develop dental resorptive lesions, which are very uncomfortable and require veterinary care.
Do indoor cats need worming and flea treatment?
Indoor Cats Because fleas can carry worms, your indoor cat should be wormed as well. It's better to be safe than sorry, and both flea and worm treatment is easy and safe, whereas elimination of parasites once they have taken hold can be more complicated.
How often do cats need flea and worm treatment?
Worming at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks of age. Flea and worming: Monthly from 10 weeks. A combined flea and worm treatment, including protection against mites.
At what age do you stop vaccinating your cat?
The AAFP guidelines suggest giving a FVRCP booster 1 year after the last kitten vaccine – i.e. – when the cat is ~ 16 months of age. However, if the kitten responds as he should to the kitten series, this booster should not be needed.
What happens if I miss my cats booster?
Your cat will need their first booster one year after their primary course. They then need boosters every 1-3 years (depending on what they're being vaccinated against). If you cat misses a booster, they may need to restart their primary course again, depending on how overdue they are.
Do indoor cats need feline leukemia vaccine?
For cats, we currently recommend all cats be vaccinated for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Feline Leukemia vaccine is considered a “core” vaccine for kittens and outdoor cats only and a “non-core” vaccine for all indoor adult cats....Hours of Operation.Monday7:30am – 5:30pmSundayClosed5 more rows
All About Cats - A Cat Friendly Community
The educational cat health content on All About Cats is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that it’s in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines.
How to keep cats from scratching?
Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post, at least three feet high. The post should also be stable enough that it won't wobble during use, and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads.
How to pick up a cat?
To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.
What do cats wear when they are outside?
A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And for both indoor and outdoor cats, an ID tag or an implanted microchip can help ensure that your cat is returned if he or she becomes lost.
Can cats live indoors?
Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats. Outdoor cats are at risk of trauma from cars, or from fights with other cats, raccoons and free-roaming dogs. Coyotes are known to eat cats.
Do cats need baths?
Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs. Please visit our Cat Grooming Tips page for more information.
Can you give a cat a medicine?
Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435.
Can you feed baby food to a cat?
Many people feed baby food to a cat or kitten who is refusing food or not feeling well Please read labels carefully: If the baby food contains onion or garlic powder, your pet could be poisoned. Take your pet to your veterinarian if signs of anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy continue for more than two days.
What is routine care for cats?
Routine Health Care of Cats. Routine health care refers to the non-emergency, general care that is needed to keep your cat healthy throughout its life. This includes routine veterinary care for vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care; proper nutrition; grooming; and protection from household hazards.
What is the most commonly associated with cancer in cats?
Vaccines using killed feline leukemia virus and rabies vaccines are most commonly associated with this form of cancer. Debate over the best approach to vaccination is ongoing. Your veterinarian can advise you about the best vaccination program for your cat.
What parasites can cats get?
Several internal and external parasites can infect cats (see Table: Common Parasites of Cats ). Common intestinal parasites of cats include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Worm infections are often passed through eggs in feces or directly from mother to offspring through the placenta or milk.
Why do cats like to be brushed?
Brushing also limits the amount of hair that cats ingest, which helps decrease the development of hairballs. Many cats like being brushed, and grooming can be used as a reward and time of bonding. Mats should be removed with electric clippers (not scissors) to avoid cutting the skin underneath.
How to tell if your cat is sick?
Because you are more familiar with your cat than anyone else, you should watch it carefully for subtle signs of illness that another person or even a veterinarian may miss. General signs of illness include a lack of appetite or decreased activity. Other more specific signs include vomiting and diarrhea, urinating more (or less) frequently, coughing and sneezing, or a discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose. Illness can also show up as a loss of hair or itchy areas on the skin or around the ears. Problems with the musculoskeletal system are often seen as stiffness or lameness, such as not putting weight on a leg. If your cat shows any of these signs for more than a day or two, a visit with your veterinarian is a good idea.
Why do cats stop grooming?
Short-haired breeds usually require little brushing or bathing by their owners. Routine brushing of long-haired cats, or of cats that stop grooming because of illness, is important to remove shed hair and prevent hair mats.
Where to put liquids in a cat's mouth?
Liquids can be given via a syringe into the rear of the cat’s mouth by inserting the tip of the syringe near the back teeth on either side.
How often should I give my cat a booster?
A booster should occur at one year of age. I do not recommend that any cat receive subsequent boosters any more often than every three years; many owners of indoor cats elect a 5-7 year period. The FVRCP is the most important vaccine kittens receive. There are two other vaccines that are in common use.
When should I give my kitten a shot?
I therefore recommend that all cat owners diligently have their cats vaccinated (with the so-called FVRCP) at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks. A booster should occur at one year of age.
Can cats get heartworms indoors?
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, which are perfectly capable of making their way indoors. Although outdoor cats are more likely to be bitten, indoor-only cats have the potential to be infected with these serious parasites. The American Heartworm Society recommends heartworm prevention in all cats.
Do indoor cats get fleas?
This does not necessarily mean that every cat requires a monthly flea preventative. Cats with no skin problems and no visible flea infestation can often get by with only occasional applications of flea preventatives.
Is it safe to give cats fleas?
Be aware, however, that fleas are insidious, and it is not uncommon for cat owners to be unaware of significant infestations on their pets. Modern flea preventatives generally are safe, and fleas can cause all sorts of health problems.
What do cats need to stay healthy?
They need a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to stay healthy. There’s a great amount of choice when it comes to what to feed your cat.
How old do cats need to be to use the litter box?
Most cats easily work out how to use the litter box, and by the time they’re just a few weeks old, they will happily use their litter box without any training.
What are the symptoms of a cat with a fever?
Symptoms to look for include a fever, weight loss, poor appetite, skin redness, and wounds that take longer than normal to heal. There’s no specific vaccination for FIV, but your vet can advise you on how to keep an infected cat comfortable and healthy for as long as possible. Feline Leukemia Virus (FelV).
Why does my cat have bumps on her paws?
This is either caused by a cat’s body not producing enough insulin or failing to respond to the insulin that’s being produced. Untreated diabetes can lead to hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar levels.
Do cats need interaction?
If you’re ready to welcome a beautiful cat into your home, read this guide! Cats might seem relatively independent and low-maintenance, but they actually need plenty of interaction and care. Whether you’re considering adopting a cat or buying a kitten and watching them grow up, you’ll want to make sure you can provide for their needs for the rest of their life.
Do cats need grooming?
Cats also need grooming, and some longhaired breeds have high-maintenance coats. Make sure that whichever breed you choose, you can keep up with their grooming requirements. That might be a daily brush or a biweekly one. Fleas and other parasites can be picked up by cats, even indoor ones!
Is it a good idea to rehome an older cat?
It’s also a good idea to ask for details of health checks and references from previous purchasers. Any reputable breeder will be happy to answer all your questions. Rehoming an older cat from a shelter is an excellent way to find a cat that’s already housetrained and in need of a loving home.
What is preventive care for cats?
A preventive health care plan revolves around regularly scheduled exams of an apparently healthy cat in order to maintain her optimum health. To standardize wellness plans, the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) gathered medical information from various specialty groups (American Heartworm Society, American Association of Feline Practitioners, Companion Animal Parasite Council, to name a few) and devised guidelines focused on preventive health care for cats.
Why do cats need to be given medication?
Cats should be given medication to prevent heartworms and intestinal parasites all year long in warmer climates or those living outdoors. Many of these medications also prevent fleas and ticks. A parasite prevention protocol can be tailored to a cat’s specific needs within their personal environment. Immunizations.
What are the two groups of cats that need to be immunized?
Immunizations. Vaccines are divided into two groups: core vaccines and non-core (optional vaccines). All cats (without medical problems that prevent vaccination) should be immunized against rabies, feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus 1, and calicivirus (usually in a combined FVRCP vaccination).
Why does my cat lose hair?
Hair loss may indicate systemic disease or hormonal imbalances. Testing. Even though the incidence of feline heartworms is less than canine infection, cats suffer serious effects from heartworms and should be tested, especially in warmer climates.
How old is a 10 year old cat?
After that, one feline year is about 4 human years which means that a 4 year old cat is about 33 years old and a 10 year old cat is about 57 years old. "The bottom line is this: cats age faster than we do.". The bottom line is this: cats age faster than we do.
Why do cats hide their illnesses?
Plus, innate survival instincts make cats hide their illnesses so they do not appear weak and vulnerable to predators. That means thorough physical exams are crucial. In addition, since your veterinarian cannot see what is going on inside a cat’s body, blood and urine tests are needed to complete the health picture.
How many years does a 2 year old cat live?
Cats mature very quickly during the first two years of life, so it is generally thought a 2 year old cat equals about 25 human years.
Grooming
Pretty Kitties: Get the Basics on Brushing Regular brushing maximizes shine and minimizes hairballs.
Fleas and Ticks
All About Flea and Tick Medications Spot medications, shampoos, collars: How flea and tick treatments work.
Other Care
High-Rise Syndrome Why cats fall from high places, and how to keep your cat safe.
Vaccinations
Vaccines – Core Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats. Find out what your cat needs and when.
How often should cats get their FeLV shots?
However, based on most recent data, the Vaccine Advisory Panel recommends that subsequent vaccines may be administered based on risk: yearly for high-risk cats and every two years for lower risk cats. Your veterinarian can assess your cat’s risk of FeLV infection and decide on an appropriate vaccination schedule.
What is the FVRCP for cats?
FVRCP Vaccine for Cats. The other three core vaccines are combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccin e. This allows veterinarians to efficiently administer the vaccines all at once, instead of having to inject a cat three separate times in one visit.
Why is rabies fatal to cats?
Rabies is significant not only for its effect on the cat but because it is a disease that is transmissible and fatal to humans. While cats are not natural carriers for the disease, they can be infected by a bite from any infected mammal and then pass it on to others.
How long does it take for a cat to get a core shot?
For this reason, initial core kitten vaccinations occur at three- to four-week intervals until the cat is 16-20 weeks old and maternal antibodies are out of the system. For any cat over 16 weeks old whose vaccine history is unknown, the initial series consists of two doses given three to four weeks apart.
What happens if a cat gets a virus?
In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration and pneumonia. After the cat recovers from the initial infection, the virus enters a latency period in the nerves.
Can cats get sarcomas without a history of a reaction?
Sarcomas occur with about the same rare frequency as anaphylactic reactions. For cats without a history of vaccine reactions, the risk of sarcomas is usually outweighed by the benefit of the core vaccines. Pet owners can minimize the impact of sarcomas by monitoring injection sites for swelling after vaccinations.
Why do cats need shots?
Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. They can also strengthen their immune system. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your vet can help you figure out which vaccines are best and how often your kitty should get shots. It usually depends on their age, overall health, and lifestyle.
When should kittens get shots?
When to give vaccines. Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Then they must be boostered a year later.. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks.
What is the FVRCP shot for cats?
Feline viral rhinotracheitis. The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP), which is sometimes called the “distemper shot.”. Your cat may need extra shots depending on how much time they spend outside, how often they are around other cats, ...
Can a kitten get leukemia?
Feline leukemia: This serious viral infection spreads through many bodily fluids like saliva, feces, urine, and milk. The vaccine is recommended in kittens and then 12 months later. Future vaccine recommendation will be based on the cat's lifestyle. Feline leukemia cannot be cured, so prevention is a priority.
Can cats stay inside all the time?
Continued. If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think they are automatically protected from these kinds of diseases. But they could still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it.
Do indoor cats get viruses?
And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure they are protected. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home. Keep in mind that vaccines don’t offer total immunity from diseases.
Is it confusing to get a cat's shots?
PetMD Editorial. Cat vaccinations can get confusing. Not only are there different schedules and needed vaccines for cats and kittens, but there are also some extra vaccines for different lifestyles. It’s difficult for pet parents to understand their cat’s vaccination schedule—from which ones they need to how often they need them.
Do cats need core shots?
While there are certain mandatory, or core vaccines for cats, there are also noncore vaccines for different lifestyles or vaccines that are only recommended during the kitten years.
How to keep cats from scratching?
Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post, at least three feet high. The post should also be stable enough that it won't wobble during use, and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads.
How to pick up a cat?
To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.
What do cats wear when they are outside?
A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. And for both indoor and outdoor cats, an ID tag or an implanted microchip can help ensure that your cat is returned if he or she becomes lost.
Can cats live indoors?
Be sure to wash the bedding often. Please keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats. Outdoor cats are at risk of trauma from cars, or from fights with other cats, raccoons and free-roaming dogs. Coyotes are known to eat cats.
Do cats need baths?
Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath, but you should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs. Please visit our Cat Grooming Tips page for more information.
Can you give a cat a medicine?
Never give your cat medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426-4435.
Can you feed baby food to a cat?
Many people feed baby food to a cat or kitten who is refusing food or not feeling well Please read labels carefully: If the baby food contains onion or garlic powder, your pet could be poisoned. Take your pet to your veterinarian if signs of anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy continue for more than two days.
Feeding
Grooming
Handling
Housing
Identification
Litter Box
Scratching
Health
- Your cat should see the veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots, and immediately if she is sick or injured.
Medicines and Poisons
Spaying and Neutering