Cats

Health Care Recommendations for Cat Owners

 

Pet ownership carries with it the responsibility of being proactive in health care.  There are certain steps that you should take to prevent health problems.  We recommend the following:

 

  1. Keep vaccinations current
  2. Brush frequently to keep hair coat from matting. Many cats do not groom themselves well.
  3. Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth. (Most cats less than 10 years need no nail care.)
  4. Keep plenty of fresh water available and monitor its consumption.
  5. Monitor urine output by noting the amount of wet litter in the litter box.
  6. Keep pets from preventing each other’s free access to food and water.
  7. Keep cats indoors all the time if possible but at least at night.
  8. Weigh your cat on the same scale and record results at least every 60 days. Notify us if your adult cat’s weight varies by more than 10%

 

 

Early Signs of Disease

 

The following are early signs of disease.  Some of these are so minor that they may not seem significant.  However, our goal is to diagnose and treat diseases in their early stages when treatment is more successful and more economical.  Present your cat for an examination for any of the following:

 

  1. Sustained, significant increase in water consumption. (Abnormal is intake greater than 50 ml/#/day or approximately 1.5 cups (8 oz cups)/day or 12 oz total for 9-pound cat.)
  2. Sustained, significant increase in urination or amount of wet litter.
  3. Weight loss.
  4. Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than two consecutive days.
  5. Significant increase in appetite.
  6. Repeated vomiting.
  7. Diarrhea that lasts over 3 days.
  8. Difficulty in passing stool or urine or prolonged sitting or lying in the litter box.
  9. Change in litter box habits, especially if urination or defecation occurs out of the litter box.
  10. Lameness that lasts more than 2 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
  11. Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden onset or pupils do not constrict in bright light.
  12. Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persist more than 1 week.
  13. Foul mouth odor or drooling.
  14. Increasing size of the abdomen.
  15. Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping.
  16. Hair thinning, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized).
  17. Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest.
  18. Inability to chew or eat dry food