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Feline GuidelinesVACCINATIONS:DISTEMPER (FVRCP): This vaccination contains a combination of viruses that commonly affect the feline species. This includes rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. No earlier than 6 weeks of ageVaccinate every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age16 weeks and older will receive two doses 3-4 weeks apartRevaccinate 1 year after initial series then every 3 years thereafter.FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FELV):This is an aggressive virus that is spread by infected cats and causes cancer, blood disorders, and hinders their immune system which can make them more susceptible to infections. It is more likely to affect young cats. This disease is VERY contagious to other cats!It is spread through cat’s saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and milk of infected catsRecommend all kittens/cats are TESTED for this virus before vaccinatingYour pet can be a carrier and not show symptoms.The clinical signs of this disease include poor appetite, poor coat conditions, pale gums and mucus membranes, infections of the skin, bladder, upper respiratory system, persistent diarrhea, seizures, and a variety of eye conditions.POSITIVE TESTS - Most cats who are positive have a greatly shortened lifespan of an average of 2-3 years of age, although some can live longer with proper management of the disease. It is vital that positive cats are not allowed to spread it to other cats! We wait 30 days after the test to retest to make sure it is a true positive.Our test for FELV also includes testing for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)FIV also affects the immune system affecting the lymphocytes, making them more prone to illness, and it is less aggressive than FELV and cats can live entire life with it.Found in cats who tend to fight with other cats.No vaccination that is adequate on the market.NEGATIVE TEST MEANS WE CAN VACCINATE FOR FELVNo earlier than 8 weeks of age.Give two doses 3-4 weeks apart.Revaccinate 1 year after initial series, then every 3 years thereafter.HIGH RISK- vaccinate every year (indoor/outdoor cats, people who foster other cats regularly)RABIES: This vaccination is recommended to help protect your pet from contracting the rabies virus which is spread by bites of infected mammals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. IF YOUR PET BITES SOMEONE and is NOT current on rabies, the law will require quarantine and possible euthanasia depending on the case. This vaccine is the most important because rabies is zoonotic (can be transferred to humans). No earlier than 12 weeks of ageRevaccinate 1 year after initial dose, then every 3 years thereafterHigh Risk-vaccinate every year (indoor/outdoor cats, people who foster other cats regularly, etc)EVEN THOUGH WE WILL NOT BE VACCINATING YEARLY ON MOST CATS, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND BRINGING THEM IN FOR THEIR YEARLY EXAMS!!!!DEWORMING: Minimum of two rounds of general deworming medication 2-3 weeks apart.Always check a fecal sample as a kitten.MAJORITY OF WORMS ARE NOT SEEN WITH THE NAKED EYE - If you are seeing worms, your pet has a large parasite infection.Some protozoa and a few other worms are not covered by general deworming medication and left unchecked can cause illness.FECAL EXAMINATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED YEARLYEspecially indoor/outdoor cats - Indoor only cats are susceptible too!Insects can carry parasite eggs on their legs and transmit them to indoor dogs and cats. Fleas are one of the primary transmitters of tapeworms and their eggs. Parasites can also be transmitted by outdoor pets who share an indoor pet’s food or water dish or otherwise come into contact with them.SPAYING (female):No sooner than 4.5-6 months of ageRecommend before their first heat cycle as it greatly decreases the chance of mammary cancer. Any age is always recommended!Spaying helps prevent a condition called pyometra (a condition in which the uterus fills with infection) which is serious and can be fatal. NEUTER (male):No sooner than 7-9 months of ageMale cats spayed early in life tend to have underdeveloped genitals. This creates problems with urinary tract infections in the future.We will neuter sooner if spraying or showing aggressive behaviors.MICROCHIPPINGA small rice like chip implanted under the skin that provides an identification number.This number will be linked to your information once you set up a profile online.Veterinary Clinics, humane societies, rescues, and some police stations carry these universal readers to read the implanted chip.It is a one time fee that lasts a life time.Can be done at any age.IT IS NOT A GPS!Remember, collars and tags can easily be removed or lost which can make returning your pet to you much more difficult.We have an ONLINE STORE to purchase preventions, medications, food and much more. You can find the link to our store on our website.FLEA AND TICK: Fleas and ticks carry pathogens and other parasites that put your pet at risk.We recommend using flea and tick products sold by veterinarians.There are more reactions to the OTC brands, cannot guarantee effectiveness and cannot guarantee safety of product because of unknown distribution (where did it really come from?)Flea/Tick Collars and Shampoos are not true preventions and if misused can cause illness in your pet and/or skin irritations.Flea and Ticks are active YEAR ROUND! You don’t always see them, but they are there.WE CARRY A VARIETY OF THE MOST ADVANCED TOPICAL AND ORAL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE!DIETWhat to feed?We recommend Hills Science Diet, Purina, EukanubaIams, Royal CaninThese are all foods with great quality control and are science based with a staff of board certified veterinary nutritionists.Check that your brand of food has a board certified veterinary nutritionist(s)You can find this online or call the company Ingredients are wordy, its not always about how ingredients are listed. Ingredients are important, but how the food is made and the quality control is what allows those healthy ingredients to not be destroyed in the formulation process. Grain Free, Boutique, Exotic, Raw, or Homemade Diets are not necessary and can actually pose potential health risks to your pet from lacking certain nutrients your pet requires.There are certain cases in which these diets may be appropriate, but it is not common practice.Dilated Cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart) is a disease that has been linked to some of these diets.VISIT: The same guidelines are recommended in cats as well!!! Cats also need certain nutrients such as taurine to prevent health problems.This website has a wide variety of articles and publications related to this topic. It also answers many questions about which diet is appropriate for your pet.How much to feed? Start by following the feeding guidelines on the bag of food. If you feel these guidelines on the bag do not properly fit your cat, feel free to discuss with the veterinarian or veterinary technicians how we can alter it to fit your pet.Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust as needed. Every bag of food will require different amounts so there is no set amount. When to feed? For most cats, we recommend feeding on a SCHEDULE! Especially in multi-cat households.We recommend 2-3 times a day depending on your schedule and the size/age of your pet. Only leave the food available for 10-15 minutes, then pick it up.Also make sure to feed separately away from distractions to allow them to be fully focused on mealtime. You will be able to notice sooner if they are choosing not to eat, which can be an indicator of illness.LITTER BOX: Clean the litter box often and thoroughlyDo not have too much litter (1-2 inches is preferred)Choose a quiet location and one that will not make them feel cornered especially if there are other pets in the householdMost cats prefer clumping, unscented litters Not using the litter box may indicate a health or behaviour problem, or BOTHSeek medical attention if your pet starts urinating outside of the litter box, visiting the box more frequently, or vocalizing while urinatingSeek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if your cat is unable to urinate for more than 12 hours. This is a medical EMERGENCY!Male cats are more likely to become blocked and not urinate, but can happen in some females as wellUrinary issues is the number one issue that veterinarians see cats for. We highly recommend choosing an adult cat food with urinary care in it. This may help to prevent the causes of urinary tract infections.What to expect each year at your veterinary visit:ExaminationVaccinations (if due)Fecal TestingEven if using dewormer, not all worms are covered.Remember, indoor pets are at risk as wellUsing monthly parasite preventions including:Flea/Tick PreventionEven on indoor only pets!The Animal Health Clinic strives to provide the most up to date vaccination, parasite prevention, and medical protocols in the veterinary field. Our clients and their pets deserve the best care available. If you have any questions about any of our recommendations, Please Call our clinic at 605-665-4291 or email at animalhealth@For additional information on feline care, please visit our website where you can find documents such as the ones listed below.Emergency Urinary Blockage in CatsHow to Feed a CatGetting Your Cat to the VetManagement of Feline FIV and FELVMeeting Your Cats Environmental NeedsLitter Box ProblemsDegenerative Joint Disease in CatsFeline AggressionRaising Orphaned KittensWeight Loss Tips for CatsAlternatives to DeclawingUrine Marking in CatsParasites and the Indoor CatHow to Recognize Feline PainWhat Can I Catch From My Cat? Feline Zoonoses ................
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