Cat Health Information

This brochure will give you basic information about the care of your cats and some of the common issues cats face. These recommendations are based on current knowledge and guidelines. Thanks to research, there are always new developments. We strive to be current with the latest information and promise to do our best to keep you well informed. We ask that you read this information and keep it with your pet’s health records, so that you can refer to it as a handy and quick reference. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions – a well-informed client is the best pet owner.

Your Cat’s Health

Physical Examination

This is the most important and valuable service a veterinarian provides to patients on a regular basis!

Thankfully, most people understand this nose-to-tail exam is critical to identifying problems early and treating them before they escalate into a life threatening and often costly illness. We look for and identify weight issues, skin and coat problems, assess nutritional needs and dental and heart health during the exam. In addition, vaccines are only to be given to those pets healthy enough to receive them and those at risk for a given disease. This exam needs to be performed at least annually! Remember, one “human year” may equal an average seven “dog/cat years”.

The Experts

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) represents a group of cat health experts who have generated the most complete guide to infectious disease testing and vaccinating. Their goal is to evaluate and limit the risk of diseases and the adverse effects of vaccines in cats. The information that follows highlights their recommendations. (http://www.aafponline.org)

Infectious Diseases

Rabies:

What it is: a uniformly deadly viral infection that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is shed in saliva and transmitted through bite wounds.

Vaccination options: 1. Purevax Rabies is a 1 yr vaccine and has the least likelihood of an adverse effect. Its pure formulation lacks the additives that can create an injection site tumor where it is given in the right hind leg. (Occurrences are estimated at one in several thousand doses).2. The traditional type (3 yr.) rabies vaccine used in dogs and cats. It is more potent and the possibility of a reaction is slightly greater; however, administration frequency is less and therefore less often overdue. Forgetful clients or clients with outdoor cats should choose the 3 yr vaccine, since outdoor cats often present with bite wounds and are often overdue for rabies vaccination. 3. For extremely old or chronically ill patients a waiver or exemption may be chosen. The state does not however recognize them as protected when addressing bites and exposure risks.

Law: Maine law stipulates that all cats, even if indoor only, be current on their rabies vaccination. If your pet is unvaccinated or overdue and has a bite of unknown origin, Maine law suggests euthanasia first. If the owner is unwilling, a six month quarantine after notifying the local Animal Control Officer is required.

“Distemper”:

What it is: This is actually an important “core” vaccine that protects against three common viral diseases of cats: Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis (herpes) and Panleukopenia (parvo). Vaccination lessens the severity and likelihood of infection.

Calicivirus and Rhinotracheitis (herpes): These cause respiratory illness, characterized by eye and nasal discharges, sneezing, fever and decreased appetite. Certain cats can persistently carry these diseases and periodically become sick, especially when stressed.

Panleukopenia (parvo): This is more life threatening and causes severe gastroenteritis (diarrhea). The vaccine is extremely effective at limiting risk even for life.

When to vaccinate: The distemper combination product is typically given every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is at least 16 weeks old. It is then boostered at one year of age. Vaccinating intervals thereafter can vary. Typically, it is given every third year in cats over two years old.

Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus:

What they are: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two diseases that cats typically acquire early in life, sometimes from their mothers. These diseases cause immune suppression. Aggressive outdoor cats (males?) tend to have the greatest risk of acquiring either disease.

When to test: Test your cat for both diseases as a kitten, as a newly adopted older cat, or when a cat not recently tested becomes sick. Outdoor cats should be tested periodically, especially with history of fighting.

When a cat should have the vaccine: We now have two FeLV vaccines to choose from. One is given annually and the other can be protective for up to three years. The difference between the two is very similar to the difference in rabies vaccines that we offer. Regardless of which one is chosen it is typically given to outdoor cats over 12 weeks old twice, 3-4 weeks apart, then yearly. Owners should consider its use for indoor cats if there is any possibility of contact with a carrier cat. This can include sneaking out or coming in contact with another cat that goes outside or is untested. Studies show adult cats much less commonly become infected compared to young cats, but we acknowledge an ongoing risk. As your cat ages, we will talk with you about when it might be acceptable to discontinue this vaccine. We would do this only with your consent.

Symptoms: Cats ill with FeLV or FIV or with diseases related to FeLV or FIV infections can have a wide variety of symptoms, including loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, anemia (pallor) and difficulty breathing. Secondary infections such as abscesses are common.

The sick cat: There are no cures for persistently infected cats, however, they may lead a long life and should be kept indoors to avoid transmitting the disease to neighborhood cats. They are also a risk to other cats in their homes. The FeLV vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing the disease but greatly limits the risk of acquisition. There is a FIV vaccine that is experiencing mixed acceptance because it interferes with testing and is moderately effective.

Other Infectious Diseases:

Several vaccines that will not be discussed here are available. They are typically not appropriate for use in the “average” cat, but are indicated in special risk situations. They may protect against FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), Bordetella bronchiseptica, Giardia and Ringworm

Internal Parasites

Fecal testing or empirical deworming are important and we recommend it annually. This limits parasite risk to the cat and people living with them. Human Dangers: The Center for Disease Control has recognized the human risk, especially to the very young, very old and the immune compromised. They suggest twice yearly testing and strategic deworming is aggressive. If a parasite egg is ingested by humans, the worm does not know where to go and can migrate to sensitive organs such as the brain and eye!

Heartworm disease

What it is: Feline heartworm infection is nationally recognized and like dogs, cats can be tested and given a preventative. It too is a mosquito born illness. The illness may cause respiratory signs (cough), heart failure and sudden death by stroke. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for removal of heartworms in cats. Risk for cats: The incidence is estimated to be 10 % that of the disease in the dog for a given region. Generally the risk for a cat in Maine is reasonably low however this remains an issue you need to evaluate individually for both indoor and outdoor cats.

Prevention: Revolution, a topical spot-on medicine, prevents most intestinal worms, mites, fleas and heartworm disease.*We now have a test that detects feline heartworm disease. It only takes 3 drops of blood and 8 minutes to perform.

Roundworms All kittens should be dewormed for roundworms. A kitten heavily infected with worms may experience diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, growth problems and potentially a blockage. Stool samples may be brought to an appointment or dropped off at other times. We recommend giving all kittens and many adult cats a dewormer as a preventative measure referred to as empirical deworming.

TapewormsTapeworm segments (look like a flat grain of rice or a sesame seed) may be seen at the cat’s rear and are easily treated with the appropriate deworming. These are acquired when the cat eats either a rodent or a flea (the intermediate hosts), so look for the underlying flea problem and eliminate it also or risk having your cat become infected again.

Common Feline Diseases/Disorders

Obesity:

Along with dental disease, this represents an extremely common adult cat problem. Single and indoor cats are more at risk. Overweight cats are difficult to examine and are more prone to diabetes, arthritis, certain liver disease and live a shorter life on average. We welcome questions about feeding and use of our cat scale. There are several ways to help with weight loss although there is no specific cure. A combination of the following help:

1) Calorie restriction- including added fiber, reduced fat and decreased volume (allow for a daily fasting period)

2) Separate Feeding area from resting or comfort area

3) A carbohydrate-restricted diet much like the Atkins/South Beach diets for us that promotes the metabolism of fat stores.

4) Increase exercise/play time (string toys, lasers), leash walks, another cat to play with

Renal (kidney) disease:

Disease of the kidneys occurs in many older cats. Blood and urine tests are needed to categorize and monitor this illness. Early diagnosis can help slow its progress and guide intervention. Dietary changes, medicine, supplements and fluids are often necessary. Always keep plenty of fresh water available. We recommend blood testing routinely in older patients to screen for this illness. Typically, signs to look for are increased drinking and urine production, weight loss, dehydration, weakness, loss of appetite or vomiting.

Dental disease:

Our domestic cats are less likely to chew on hide, bone and cartilage, which toughen and clean their teeth and gums. They also live longer; often well into their teenage years. Consequently plaque, tartar, gingivitis and periodontal disease are common. Dietary and home care options are available and help control these changes. Thankfully, dental cleanings can return your cat’s teeth and gums to health. These cleanings are extremely safe and thorough with liberal use of pain relief if extractions are performed. Without cleaning, bacteria can enter the blood and infect distant organs such as the kidneys and heart. We will examine your cat’s teeth during its annual exam. Meanwhile watch for weight loss, lack of grooming and difficulty eating (not chewing well/head tilt on eating) as signs of a painful mouth.

Wellness Blood Testing

What it is: The evaluation of blood in an apparently healthy animal. This may include a complete blood count, which evaluates blood for anemia or infection, and a chemistry profile to evaluate levels of serum components that may relate to disease.

Why it is important:1. As our patients age, we often suggest wellness blood testing to evaluate for and monitor health conditions we cannot check by a physical examination.2. Early identification can make a world of difference in the treatment of diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid illness, etc.3. Normal results provide us with baseline information on the patient that we can later compare with new results if needed. This allows better monitoring over time if a sickness should present itself.

Results: We have a complete in-house laboratory. We also use an outside laboratory for most elective blood work and receive results usually in 24 hours..

External Parasites

Fleas

Fleas are very common, especially in multiple outdoor dog/cat households. Please don’t ignore them! They not only annoy your pet but may transmit serious disease and lead to skin allergies as well. They can also overwhelm very young and very old pets, leading to anemia and weight loss.

What to look for: Note if your cat might be grooming and scratching a lot more, especially in the summer and fall. Part the fur over the back towards the tail. You may see fleas, but more likely, you will see the black specks of “dirt” left behind after feeding on the pet’s blood.

Treatment: We currently use Frontline and Revolution. All pets in the home need to be treated monthly for a few consecutive months to get rid of fleas completely. Frontline also works well against ticks and Revolution kills roundworms and ear mites and prevents heartworm infection. Apply one drop at a time to the skin (part the fur) from the top of the head to include the ear bases and extending to the shoulders. Do not rub in. With Frontline and Revolution, you will not need to bathe, dip, or bomb (fumigate)! These are stand-alone products that kill adult fleas and break the life cycle. You may treat/clean the home (to kill eggs, larval and pupal stages) if the infection has progressed.

Ticks

Ticks may also transmit disease. Lyme Disease, however, is not a significant risk for cats. Frontline kills ticks especially when the spray is used around the head.

Ear mites

Ear mites commonly affect cats and are mostly seen in kittens and cats from multi-cat households especially after a new cat is added. There are many methods of treatment. We recommend and use a potent one-time treatment called Acarexx. A thorough deep cleaning and evaluation of the ear canal is needed either at diagnosis or a follow-up.

Hyperthyroidism:

This illness is caused by a usually benign tumor of the thyroid gland in the neck. The tumor makes the gland over-produce its hormone, causing the metabolic rate to be abnormally high. If left uncorrected, the disease will lead to wasting of body condition and eventual death. Ninety percent of affected cats are over 9 years of age and have a growth in the neck we can feel on examination. The illness is very manageable by medical and surgical means. Signs include: weight loss despite a healthy or increased appetite, abnormal sleep/wake cycles, increased activity and heart rate, increased vocalization or voice change. We often screen older cats for hyperthyroidism as part of the wellness blood testing.

Diabetes mellitus:

Similar to the illness in people, this is a problem of blood sugar metabolism and control. Overweight cats are most commonly affected and diet changes along with insulin are used for control. This condition, left untreated, can become further complicated and lead to death. Common signs include drinking and urinating large volumes, weight loss despite a strong appetite and later lethargy and vomiting. Diagnosis is made with simple blood and urine testing. Controlling the illness with insulin is often a difficult process and requires guidance and devotion.

Lower urinary tract disease:

Most cats with this problem will frequently visit the litter pan, or non-approved areas, to void small amounts of sometimes bloody urine. These cats present with classic signs but may suffer a variety of underlying disorders; such as crystals forming in the urine, a bladder infection or a poorly understood (idiopathic) inflammatory disorder. A urine sample is imperative in making the absolute diagnosis. Pain and stress relief, antibiotics and fluids are part of the initial treatment. These cases are often managed long term with dietary measures. In general, a premium, meat-based diet along with good water intake is preventative for all but infections. Feeding a good amount of premium canned food daily is considered to be of great benefit. Providing a water fountain can also improve intake, dilute the urine and thereby limit disease. A complete blockage occurs most commonly in males and is characterized by pain, vocalizing and straining without urine production. This is an emergency situation.

Food and Water

Wet foods have a more natural moisture content and dry food keeps teeth and gums in better health. Semi-moist foods (rubber-like consistency) have added sugars that promote dental disease. A combination of wet and dry food is best. Dental diets are especially good at minimizing tarter build up. We suggest premium dry and canned foods only (This helps prevent urine crystal formation). With cat food, you get what you pay for.

Tips:

- Always have multiple fresh water sources available!

- “Lite” foods help keep heavy cats more trim (see prior section for dangers associated with overweight cats)

- Limit the amounts of treats

- Start out young cats by feeding two meals per day. This helps with weight control as they do not expect food to always be available and we can cut back on the amount fed if needed.

Litter Box

Routine litter box care helps prevent house soiling. The ideal set-up is one box for each cat plus one extra. Boxes should be in various locations. Non-scented scoopable litter should be scooped daily and changed completely every 1 – 2 weeks.

Caution! Pregnant woman should avoid the litter pan and wash their hands after any questionable handling because of Toxoplasma infection risks!

Elective Surgery

Spaying and Neutering

All cats should be spayed or neutered, preferably by 6 months of age. This helps limit the risk of disease and over-population. There are way too many kittens without homes. Male cats that go through puberty are routinely more aggressive and mark their territory with urine even in your home. This often produces an odor which is very difficult to get rid of. Unspayed females have a much higher risk of mammary cancer and uterine infection (pyometra).

Declawing Whether to have your cat de-clawed or not is a personal decision. The procedure should be avoided if the cat is going to go outside. We believe it is wisest to make your decision early. Typically, just the front feet are operated on.

Best time for the procedure: The procedure, if you choose it, is best performed on cats between 4 and 6 months of age. This helps minimize pain and speed healing. They are most often spayed/neutered at that time.

Description of procedure: All declawed cats are nerve “blocked” with a local anesthetic, given injections of a potent (narcotic) pain reliever pre- and post-operatively and kept in the hospital for 2 days. They usually are back to their normal activity and antics by the next week. Pain relievers are given in multiple forms and doses for multiple days.

Behavioral Tips and Other Helpful and Important Information-

Behavioral issues are common and need to be dealt with as soon as possible so they do not become regular habit.

- To help prevent home destruction, start nail trims with young kittens and provide multiple things to scratch.

- Have one litter pan for each cat plus one extra. Clean often (daily), clumping litter is best.

- Stay with one good food, as switching promotes finicky eating habits.

- Accustom longhaired cats to grooming early in life.

- Baths are rarely needed.

- Allergies of the skin and airways are common. Watch for signs such as hair loss and crusts on skin or wheezing and coughing respectively. If you see these signs, call us.

- Cats often vomit undigested food when they eat too quickly (smaller meals, larger or star shaped kibble or golf balls in the bowl may slow intake).

- Potted grass is ok but many house plants are toxic.

- Antifreeze: Even very small amounts of antifreeze are toxic (deadly!). If your cat has ingested any, call us immediately.

- Many pain relievers are unsafe. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is deadly.

We hope you have had the chance to read this in its entirety and that it has given you a better understanding of some of the issues we mention during an exam. If you do, then great, we did our job! If not, please feel free to ask questions about your cat’s health and care. Thank you for wanting to know more about our job and your cat’s health.

207-582-8800

office@athomeveterinarycare.com