Healthcare - Inoculations and Check-ups

Through the advances in animal health and medicine cats are now living for many years. The average age of a cat just 20 years ago was between four to six years whereas now it is not uncommon for cats to live to be between ten and twelve years. Some cats are even living well into their teens, providing their owners with additional years of companionship and love.

One of the most important factors in extending the life of a cat is to ensure that the cat is properly and routinely vaccinated and checked by your vet on a regular schedule. Vets are now able to identify may conditions and easily treat diseases with antibiotics and drug therapies rather than more traditional and more intrusive and potentially dangerous surgical procedures used in the past.

There are, however, still several fatal diseases that cats can come in contact with through unvaccinated animals, feral cats and cats in catteries and kennels that have not been properly vaccinated. Cats that are spayed and neutered and do not roam or wander will have less chance of coming in contact with wild cats or cats that may be strays without current vaccinations. Some owners mistakenly believe that housecats do not need to be vaccinated since they are not in contact with other cats. This is a rather simplistic view of your cat's life, as they may get out of the house or even come into contact with bacteria or viruses that are in water or in the air. Vaccination is really the most effective way to ensure your cats safety with regards to their health.

To understand the importance of vaccinations it is essential to review the common conditions that can be controlled or avoided by correct vaccination schedules. If the cat is regularly shown or attends exhibitions or events where cats from other countries are present it may be important to have additional vaccinations included in the regime. A vet can assist owners in preparing their cats for events or for travelling to other countries. In addition cats that are travelling from other countries to the United Kingdom must be covered under the guidelines in the Pet Travel Scheme or PETS to avoid quarantine.

This condition is very widespread in the environment with many wild and feral cats carrying the condition. FIE is caused by the feline parvovirus or the feline panleukopenia virus. This condition results in extreme abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and in serve infections it can also lead to death. Cats that are able to recover from the virus often take many months to fully recover and may have a chronically reduced immune system and will be highly susceptible to other infections during the recovery period. They may also be more prone to infections and viruses for the rest of their life.

This disease is highly contagious and owners may unknowing bring the virus home on their shoes or clothing if they have been in contact with a cat that has the virus. In addition faecal material, litter boxes and even bedding can carry the virus for many months after the infected cat is out of the environment.

Just like human flu vaccinations the cat flu vaccination treats two major types of flu including the feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). There are other variations of the flu strain that cats may contact, but typically FHV-1 and FCV are the most significant and risky of the flu strains. The more cats that are vaccinated against these conditions the more likely eventual control will be obtained over this disease.

Most healthy adult cats will typically have a few problems with the flu and will recover on their own. Young kittens, unhealthy adult cats, pregnant queens and senior cats are at the greatest risk for death. In severe cases in cats or kittens that are not treated the flu can be fatal, espeically if the cat or kitten is already ill.

Cats and kittens can get cat flu through the same mechanisms as humans, that is through saliva, direct contact and sneezing. Cats or kittens with the flu will cough, sneeze, have diahrrea, discharge from the eyes and nose, conjunctivitis (inflamation of the eyes), and poor overall condition. The flu may also cause lesions and ulcers in the mouth that can lead to excess salivation and an unwillingness to eat.

Some cats can be carriers of the condition that will not have any specific symtoms but will be able to spread the condition to other cats. These carriers, when stressed, may develop the symptoms of the cat flu, even though they have had the condition for a significant amount of time.

Feline Leukaemia Virus or FeLV is almost always a fatal disease although it can take several years for the symptoms to cause death. Many cats will eventually develop severe tumours, anaemia and even full leukaemia, which will be very painful and debilitating for the cat. It is estimated that approximately two out of three cats will be exposed to the virus within their lives, and the only way to prevent the virus from infecting the cat is through vaccination.

FeLV can only be passed from cat to cat through direct contact with saliva, urine, faecal material or blood. Typically this occurs when cats, especially toms, are fighting over females and during mating. While neutering and spaying will prevent a good deal of the aggressive behaviours, only the vaccination will prevent the disease by protecting the cat.

Pregnant queens may pass the disease to unborn kittens in the womb or through the milk. Young kittens that get FeLV will usually not live to reach maturity.

FeLV works very similar to HIV/AIDs in humans in that it causes the immune system to be suppressed, preventing the cats from being able to fight off any other diseases or bacterial infections that the cat may come in contact with. FeLV is not contagious to any other species of animals and cannot be passed on to humans.

While this condition is not fatal it can affect the overall quality of life for the cat. In most cats and kittens the condition starts with a discharge from the eye, often rather thick and yellowish looking. While it usually starts only in one eye it will rapidly spread to the other. Cats may have discharge from the nose as well, and will act like they have a mild cold or a case or the cat flu. The cat will be lethargic but otherwise they will have a normal appetite and a normal temperature, they may not want to move or may squint and avoid the sunlight. When the discharge gets very thick, the cat or kitten may not be able to open his or her eyes. In females the chlamydia can spread to their reproductive system and result in infertility.

Cats or kittens must be isolated from other cats when they show signs of this condition. Without treatment the cat can continue to exhibit these signs for many months or even years. Cats and kittens get the disease from the secretions of the respiratory system from infected cats and kittens.

Kittens will gain some protective immunity from their mother through her milk. This is only true if the mother herself has been vaccinated and has built up her own immunity. As can be noted from the examples above most of these serious conditions can be passed directly from the queen to the kittens if she is not correctly vaccinated.

All reputable breeders ensure that both the tom and queen are properly vaccinated and have all their shots and vet checks up to date. This is usually done at least a month before breeding to allow time for any laboratory work or confirmation tests that may need to be completed.

Most vets recommend that kittens should receive their first vaccination at approximately nine weeks and then again at twelve weeks. This provides a booster and increases the immunity that the kitten has developed. Before the second series of vaccinations at twelve weeks of age it is critical to keep the kittens isolated from any other cat except the queen. She should also be isolated from other cats to avoid bringing diseases to the kittens.

After the kitten has had the twelve week second booster it is still important to isolate them from other cats or kittens for an addition two weeks to give the immunity a chance to fully develop. Kittens will then need to start a regular regime of vet visits and vaccinations when they reach a year old.

The vet will provide a vaccination record that must be kept accurate and up-to-date. Most vaccinations will require a booster once a year and the vet will usually send reminders in the mail to keep owners aware of upcoming appointments and vaccinations.

At the regular yearly vet check-up the vet or vet technician will ask several questions so try to have answers ready. If you are not routinely treating your cat for worms with an inclusive quarterly worming tablet the vet may request that you bring in a stool sample for investigation under a microscope. This is necessary as the eggs and microscopic worms can only been seen in this manner.

The vet or vet technician will weigh the cat and record the weight in the chart. He or she will also listen to the cat's heart and lungs with a stethoscope and will let the vet know if there are any irregularities. They will also look closely at the cat's hair and skin to see if there are any signs of fleas or parasites such as ticks. Some vet technicians may also use a flea comb to check for flea dirt or the dried blood left from feeding fleas. Examining the skin for dry or flaky patches, hot spots or allergies is important to the overall health of the cat.

The vet or tech will also ask questions about the type and quality of food that the cat is eating, how much water they are consuming, and their general energy and activity levels. If you have any questions about what is normal or abnormal activity or behaviour in cats be sure to talk to the vet about your concerns. It may be a good idea to write your questions down before you go so you don't forget to talk about the issues.

Be prepared that the cat or kitten may not be very happy about being touched and examined at the vet or by strangers. Even though the vet and vet technician are very gentle and caring, the cat may be frightened or aggressive towards them. Many vets will have the cat restrained or wrapped in a towel if they appear to be aggressive to prevent injury.

If the cat becomes very upset after being to the vet it may be a good idea to not be directly involved in holding or restraining the animal. Often cats will hold a grudge for long periods of time, and if the cat is one that is very timid, aggressive or is just developing trust it is better to have strangers do the restraining and prevent damaging the trust and relationship that has developed between you and the cat. If this is the case consider talking to your vet prior to arriving to ensure that a vet technician will be available to hold the cat or kitten.

Usually the vet will also take a rectal temperature, an event that most cats become very upset about. The vet will let you know if the temperature is normal or abnormal. The vet will also look at the cat's teeth and regular dental care and brushing will help keep plaque or tartar build-up to a minimum.

Most vets will take extra steps to try to make visits positive for the cat or kitten. They will have treats, toys and will make every effort to make the procedures as gentle and non-invasive as possible for the cat. Often cats that are well socialised have no trouble with their yearly vet visits and are well behaved and friendly towards the vet. Proper socialisation will enable your cat to feel confident and comfortable with new people and in new environments.

While there are no specific techniques to get your cat prepared to go to the vet there are some things that you can do as the owner. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that some cats love riding in a vehicle and others simply do not. By transporting your cat or cats in durable, plastic or wire carriers your cat will be safe, can be strapped into a seatbelt, and owners will not have to worry about the cat getting away at the vets or through a window or open door in the vehicle.

Cat carriers come in different shapes and sizes, so getting one that is large enough for your cat is important. The carrier should be large enough that the cat can stand up and lie down with comfort, without being confined or overly restricted in his or her movements. Most cats enjoy looking out, so small openings or screen in the sides is idea. Any holes or screen areas should be small enough that the cat or kitten cannot escape. As a rule or thumb a cat can squeeze through any space that he or she can put its head through, so be careful of most of the adult cat containers that small kittens may be able to get out of.

To desensitise your cat to being in a vehicle take him or her for short rides in your vehicle on a regular basis. Always transport them in the carrier and provide treats while they are well behaved. Many cats will meow or yowl when first in a vehicle but typically this behaviour will decrease when the cat become accustom to the movement of the vehicle. In cases where the cat becomes extremely upset, consult your vet. They may prescribe a mild sedative to use prior to the ride in the car. Of course, only use this if the vet has indicated that it would be acceptable.

Consider bringing a small amount of your cat's favourite treats for the vet to give to him or her as a reward. In addition your cat's favourite toy is a great way to distract and entertain the cat both in the carrier and in the vet's office.

Finally if at all possible have another person come with you to assist in moving and handling your cat, at least for the first visit. Once you are aware of how your cat responds to visits to the vet you may choose to make the trip on your own or continue to have the help of a friend or family member.

Vaccinations and regular check-ups are just one of the many ways that an owner can help cats live healthy and happy lives. Ensuring that routine, yearly appointments are kept is a sign of a responsible cat owner.