CAT HOSPITAL

Page Morrison Photography

Nutrition: Just as in people, good nutrition for your pet translates to good health.  In addition, premium foods are more digestible and result in less stool volume.  We recommend that you feed your cat a high quality diet such as Hill’s Science Diet or Wellness.

Fresh, Clean Water:  As with humans, water consumption is very important for a healthy body.  Your cat needs access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.               

Litter Box:  Scoop your cat’s litter box at least every other day and completely change out the litter at least once a week.  This will help control the build up of bacteria in the box and keep your cat from seeking out other places to urinate and defecate.

Comprehensive Physical Examinations:  Since pets age 5-7 times faster than we humans do, it can be estimated that a yearly physical exam is the equivalent to one exam every 5-7 years in humans.  A visit to Central Texas Animal Hospital for an annual physical exam includes a detailed medical history along with a “nose to tail” physical examination.  Once your cat is a “senior,” (about 7 years old) it is recommended that he come to see us at least twice a year.  We also recommend an annual Fecal Parasite Screen to rule out or treat intestinal parasites, some of which can be contagious to humans. 

Vaccinations*:  It is important that your cat be vaccinated at all stages of her life.  We recommend the following vaccines for most of our feline patients:

• HCP, or the “Feline Distemper/Upper Respiratory Vaccine” protects against these diseases

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calicivirus – result in the majority of most reline respiratory diseases and are easily transmitted.  Symptoms include nasal or ocular discharge, sneezing, conjunctivitis, ulcers of the oral cavity, anorexia and depression.
    

  • Panleukopenia – (Feline Distemper) a highly contagious,
    often fatal disease.  Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain.

  • We administer this vaccine every 3 years once adult immunity has been established.
    
  
  
• FeLV, or the “Feline Leukemia” vaccine protects against the virus that produces immunosuppression, which can lead to other diseases or infections and eventually, some forms of cancer.  The disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected cats.
  
  
• Rabies  - The law requires that all pets be kept current on their rabies vaccine.  Failure to do so could result in a fine and citation.  In the event your pet bites someone, quarantine or other public safety measures may be ordered by local law enforcement. 
  

• For cats, we vaccinate using the annual vaccine.  Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals.  

Grooming – Brush frequently to keep coat from matting and trim toenails to prevent overgrowth.  Or, bring your pet to our Professional Pet Groomer, Janice Francis.  Janice has been grooming at Central Texas Animal Hospital since 1989 and is known for her skill in making cats comfortable during their visit.

Parasite Prevention – There are numerous parasites that can “bug” your cat:
Fleas – We recommend Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control. We also recommend Revolution flea control.

**We caution against the use of over-the-counter flea control products, as some have proven to be toxic to cats.**

Heartworms – Revolution- is a great heartworm preventative and prevents other parasites such as roundworms, ear mites and hookworms.  This is very important, since some of these parasites are contagious to humans.

Indoor or outdoor? – While we understand that some cats love the great outdoors and can’t resist strutting through the tall grass like their wilder relatives, we generally recommend that cats be kept indoors.  Cats who live totally inside have a much longer life expectancy.  Even if your cat never ventures outside, make sure he has a breakaway collar with an ID tag and is microchipped in case he loses his collar.  We are proud to help you keep your pet safe by carrying Lupine Safe-Cat collars and AVID microchips.

Dental Hygiene* – Dental exams, routine use of dental hygiene products, specially designed dental-health diets and professional dental scaling/polishing are important for a healthy mouth.  If the tartar is not removed, it builds up under the gums. It separates the gums from the teeth to form "pockets" and encourages even more bacterial growth. At this point the damage is irreversible, and called "periodontal" disease. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, and bone loss or infection. As bacterial growth continues to increase, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream. This can cause infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), liver, and kidneys. If treated by your veterinarian with special instruments and procedures, periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.

Prevent Obesity:  Extra pounds burden the heart, kidneys, muscles and joints, decreasing life expectancy 30-50%.  Ask us about the different options for foods that help with weight management.

Spay/Neuter*:  Spaying or neutering your cat will help prevent overpopulation.  Cats breed at a phenomenal rate, resulting in countless unwanted animals.  Spaying/neutering also provides other benefits for your pet.  Altered cats are more content, and far less likely to roam, bite, scratch, fight, mark territory or develop uterine, mammary and testicular cancers.  The latest medical findings indicate that an altered animal will live a longer, healthier life. 

Senior Care:  We at Central Texas Animal Hospital are dedicated to improving the lives of all of our feline patients, but have the needs of seniors close to our hearts.  Conditions that may affect seniors in particular, such as chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism and feline diabetes are manageable if diagnosed early.  We have specially priced senior diagnostic packages to help you manage the health of your senior cat.

*Central Texas Animal Hospital has a schedule of discounts for these services.

When to see the Veterinarian:
***NEVER give human medication to your cat unless instructed to do so by a Veterinarian.  Some medications, such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen, are deadly to cats.

• Sustained, significant increase in water consumption.
• Sustained, significant increase in urination.
• Weight loss.
• Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Diarrhea for more than 2 days.
• Difficulty defecating or urinating.
• Inappropriate (outside of the box) elimination.
• Lameness that lasts for than 2 days or lameness in more than 1 leg.
• Noticeable or sudden decrease in vision.
• Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than 2 days.
• Increased size of abdomen.
• Persistent coughing gagging or panting.
• Hair loss.
• Seizures.
• Reluctance or inability to chew food.

Call us any time you observe a potential problem or need additional information or advice.

A Cat's Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.
I pray for gourmet kitty snacks,
And someone nice to scratch my back,
For windowsills all warm and bright,
For shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool
And keep the secret feline rule
To NEVER tell a human that
The world is really ruled by CATS!