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An
annual physical exam is a critical necessity for your cat's health.
Young, middle age, and older cats are at risk for dental disease,
infectious diseases, parasites, heart disease, ear infections, kidney/liver
diseases, skin diseases, immune mediated diseases, and many other
feline problems. Unfortunately, cats have shorter life spans than humans.
The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the greater the chance of successful
treatment to prolong your cat friend's life. |
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Feline
Leukemia Virus Infections
A cat may appear normal and yet still carry
this immune suppressive virus which will likely end the cat's life
in 2-5 years. All cats should be blood
tested to determine if they are carriers. If you have other cats living with Feline Leukemia positive cat, the potential for the transmission of the virus to the other household cats is a risk factor. Other cats can be blood tested and, if negative, preventative
vaccinations given to decrease the chances of transmission to healthy
cats. Any cat going outside should be blood tested and, if negative,
vaccinated to decrease the chances of contracting this disease.
There is no cure once infected.
FIV,
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
A cat may carry this virus for years before exhibiting symptoms.
A blood test can diagnose carrier cats before they become ill. Other
cats in the household may be vaccinated if they test negative for
the virus to decrease the potential for transmission to healthy
cats. Any cat that goes outside should be blood tested and, if negative,
vaccinated to decrease the chances of getting this disease. Once
infected, there is no cure.
Parasites
The elimination of internal and external parasite infections in
domestic cats is of great concern for human health as well as animal
health. Many species of worms and protozoan parasites can cause
illness in cats and are transmissible to humans. Regular stool tests
should be done. Veterinarians are looking for microscopic eggs and
organisms that cannot be seen in the stools. For more information
on health concerns, please see the Companion Animal Parasite Council
website: www.capcvet.org.
Feeding Your Cat
A balanced and nutritious diet is one of the most important ways
that you can ensure a healthy feline companion. There are so many
choices currently available. Our best recommendation is to choose
commercial cat diets that are backed by extensive nutrition research
showing that a diet has maintained a cat in good health through
all stages of life and needs. Pet food companies that have conducted
extensive nutrition research are Purina, Friskies, Hills, and Iams.
Before you purchase a diet, ask for research data to review. If
the data shows only a 2-4 month study, then it has not been fully
tested through all life stages. St. Louis Cat Clinic has many cat
patients who are in their teens and twenties on excellent commercial
diets.
Cats should be fed measured amounts of food twice a day. Leaving
food out all of the time may lead to obesity which is an all too
common health problem. Wild cats eat when they catch prey and they
must exercise to catch it.
Cat's require all amino acids (protein building blocks) supplied
in their food. A cat is not able to be a vegetarian. Raw meat
diets have been recommended by some companies. Feeding raw diets
can expose a cat and human caretakers to E. Coli and Salmonella
bacteria infections from raw meat sources.
Vaccinations
The clinic recommends a Distemper/Respiratory (FVRCP) and Rabies
vaccination series for all cats including indoor cats. The respiratory
viruses are airborne and can be carried into a home on shoes and
clothing. Rabid bats have been found inside homes risking human
and cat exposure. Cats that go outside and risk exposure to other
direct contact viruses should receive Feline Leukemia and FIV vaccinations
also for protection. A feline leukemia and FIV test should be done
before vaccination to ensure that a cat is negative. The vaccine
will not be of any value if the cat is already infected.
Some vaccines may result in the development of fibrosarcoma tumors
at the site of the vaccination in a small number of cats. It is
very important to evaluate the risk potential for individual cats
and give only the vaccinations needed. Non-adjuvented vaccines,
if available, (the safest) and the vaccines with
the longest duration are recommended.
St. Louis Cat Clinic recommends the appropriate vaccinations for
all cats and the clinic veterinarians vaccinate their own cats according
to clinic protocols. The greatest good will be achieved by protective
vaccinations to prevent illness. Our veterinarians will discuss
all options with all clients.
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