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Feline Care
We offer the following services to assist in the care
of your feline:
 | Kitten care |
| Neutering and spaying |
| Implantation of identification microchips |
| Well visits and vaccinations for adult cats |
| Feline dental care |
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Boarding your cat |
| Feline emergency treatment |
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We
currently do not provide after hours emergency care. In the event of an
after hours pet emergency, we suggest contacting the Animal Emergency Center in
Reno, Nevada at 775-851-3600.
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Information for Cat Owners
Kitten care
A cat is naturally inclined to investigate its new
surroundings. It is suggested that the cat's areas of exploration be
initially limited so that these natural tendencies do not create an
unmanageable task. After confining the cat to one room for the first
few days, you should slowly allow access to other areas of the home.
Most kittens receive a hostile reception from other
household pets, especially another cat. The other cat usually sees no need
for a kitten in the household and these feelings are reinforced if it
perceives special favoritism is being shown to the kitten. |
The existing cat must not feel that it is necessary to
compete for food or attention. The new kitten should have its own food and food
bowl and it should not be permitted to eat from the other cat's bowl. Although
it is natural to spend time holding and cuddling the kitten, the existing cat
will quickly sense that it is being neglected. The new kitten needs lost of love
and attention, but the existing cat should not be slighted. In fact, the
transition will be smoother if the existing cat is given more attention than
normal.
The introduction period will usually last one to two
weeks and will have one of three possible outcomes:
- The existing cat will remain hostile to the
kitten. Fighting may occasionally occur, especially if both try to eat out of
the same bowl at the same time. This is an unlikely occurrence if competition
for food and affection are minimized during the first few weeks.
- The existing cat will only tolerate the
kitten. Hostility will cease, but the existing cat will act as if the
kitten is not present. This is more likely if the existing cat is very
independent, has been an only cat for several years, or if marked competition
occurred during the first few weeks. This relationship is likely to be
permanent.
- Bonding will occur between the existing cat
and the kitten. They will play together, groom each other, and sleep near each
other. This is more likely to occur if competition is minimized and if the
existing cat has been lonely for companionship.
Stimulating play is important during the first week.
Stalking and pouncing are important play behaviors and have an important role in
proper muscular development. If given a sufficient outlet for these behaviors
with toys, your kitten will be less likely to use family members for these
activities. The best toys are lightweight and movable. These include wads of
paper, small balls, and string or ribbon. Kittens should always be supervised
when playing with string or ribbons to avoid swallowing them.
Vaccinations
There are many diseases that are fatal to cats.
Fortunately, most are preventable by vaccination. In order to be effective,
vaccines must be given as a series of injections. Ideally they are given at
about 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Booster vaccinations should be given
annually thereafter.
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites are common in kittens. Kittens can
become infected with parasites almost as soon as they are born. The most
important source of roundworm infection in kittens is the mother's milk. The
microscopic examination of a stool sample will usually help us to determine the
presence of intestinal parasites. We recommend this exam for all kittens. Even
if we do not get a stool sample, we recommend the use of a broad spectrum
deworming product that is safe and effective against almost all of the common
worms of the cat. Cats remain susceptible to reinfection with hookworms and
roundworms. Periodic deworming throughout the cat's life may be recommended for
cats that go outdoors.
Destructive behavior
Disciplining a young kitten may be necessary if its
behavior threatens people property, but harsh punishment should be avoided. Hand
clapping and using shaker cans or horns can be intimidating enough to inhibit
undesired behavior. Remote punishment is preferable, and consists of using
something that appears unconnected to the punisher to stop problem behavior.
Examples include using spray bottles, throwing objects in the direction of the
kitten to startle (but not hit) it, and making loud noises. Remote punishment is
preferred because the kitten associates punishment with the undesirable act and
not you.
Cat owners may also consider four options: frequent
nail clipping, nail shields, surgical declawing, and tendonectomy. Effective
nail clipping must be done one to two times per week. Nail shields or caps
are commercially available and are generally made of smooth plastic and attach
to the end of the nail with special glue. The nails are still present, but the
caps prevent them from causing destruction. Due to nail growth, caps will be
shed and must be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks. Surgical declawing is the removal
of the nail at its base, and is performed under general anesthesia. This surgery
can be done as early as 12 weeks of age and anytime thereafter. Once declawed,
your cat should always live indoors as its ability to defend itself has been
compromised. Tendonectomy is the surgical removal of a small part of the tendon
on the bottom of each toe. This tendon is needed to make the nail extend. The
cat retains its nails, but cannot extend them for sharpening and scratching. The
only disadvantage of this procedure is that the nails continue to grow and may
grow into the pads. Therefore, nails should be clipped every 7 to 14 days.
Spaying or neutering your cat
More than 4 million pets are euthanized in U.S. animal
shelters each year simply because they have no home. Many are puppies and
kittens less than 6 months old. Help stop this needless loss of life by
spaying or neutering your pet.
The ideal age for spaying or neutering is between 4 and
6 months of age. Contrary to common myths, spaying or neutering your pet
does not: cause laziness or hyperactivity; cause obesity; reduce your pet's
instinct to protect your family and home; cause immature behaviors; postpone or
delay normal behavioral maturity; or alter its personality in any manner.
Advantages of spaying your female cat:
| Prevention of unplanned litters. |
| Prevention of heat or estrus, which occurs when a
cat reaches puberty (around 7 months) for approximately one week every 2 to 3
weeks until she is mated. |
| When in "heat," the female displays
unsociable behavior such as loud and persistent crying and frequent rubbing
and rolling on the floor. Such behavior and her scent will attract tomcats
from miles around. This is eliminated. |
| Prevention of uterine infection (pyometra). |
| Prevention of breast cancer. |
| Elimination of the risk of uterine and ovarian
cancer. |
| There is no medical reason for allowing your cat to
have a litter before she is neutered. |
Advantages of neutering your male cat:
| Following puberty, at approximately 8 to 9 months
old, the male cat develops a number of undesirable behavioral changes -
including becoming territorial and starting to mark areas (including indoors)
by the spraying of urine which will have a particularly strong and difficult
to remove odor. He will start to enlarge his territory by straying ever
farther from the house, particularly at night. Many cats hit by cars are
non-neutered male. By increasing his territory he will come into contact with
other cats and fight for dominance, exposing himself to inflicted fight
wounds, severe infections, abscesses, and exposure to incurable diseases from
the bites of unvaccinated cats. Neutering prior to the onset of puberty will
eliminate these behaviors. The longer a tomcat sprays and fights, the less
likely it is that neutering will stop it. |
| Reduces the risk of prostrate cancer and prostatitis. |
| Reduces the risk of hormone-related diseases such as
perianal adenoma. |
| Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. |
| Removes the sexual urge which results in less
roaming behaviors. |
| Reduces certain types of aggression. |
Both spaying and neutering are considered major
operations and require general anesthesia. With today's modern anesthetics
and monitoring equipment, the risk of a complication from either surgery is very
low. There are no safe alternatives to surgery at this time.
Food should be withheld for 12 hours prior to surgery,
but should have free access to water during this period. Your pet will be examined and pre-anesthetic blood
tests are usually performed. If everything is acceptable, your pet will
then be anesthetized. Most pets will have an intravenous catheter placed
to administer the anesthetic and to provide fluid therapy during the surgery.
After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube will be placed in the trachea
(windpipe). This will allow us to deliver oxygen and the gas anesthetic. Spaying surgery consists of making a small incision
in the abdomen and
removing the ovaries and uterus. Normally, skin stitches are used that will be
removed 10 days after the surgery, unless absorbable material has been used. Neutering surgery consists of making a
small incision in the scrotum and removing the testicles. Stitches are rarely
required in the skin.
Rest and restriction of activity are the primary
post-operative care you should provide. Most cats can resume normal
activity five to ten days after surgery. Until then no
running or climbing stairs, and lots of rest are the rules.
Feline dentistry
Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and
cats. More than 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of
periodontal or dental disease; however, most pets show few signs of dental
disease. It is up to the cat's family and veterinarian to uncover this
hidden and painful condition.
The most common problem in man is tooth decay. For
felines most dental problems are
caused by periodontal disease, which is simply an inflammation or infection of
the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar (calculus) on
the teeth contributes to gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede. Untreated infection can then
spread into the tooth socket and ultimately the tooth loosens and is lost.
Tartar is thickened, mineralized plaque. Special
feline toys and feeding the newer dental diets can help reduce tartar build up,
as well as regular home care in the form of tooth brushing. Once tartar is formed it must be
removed with professional sealing and polishing under general anesthesia. Never
use human toothpaste on cats as these are not designed to be regularly swallowed
and could cause problems.
Boarding your cat
It is always worthwhile to board your pet for a weekend or a few days to see how
they do before your trip. One or two short stays at a kennel will help
your pet adjust to being without you and get used to the boarding facility and
staff.
All pets that are boarded should be current on their
vaccinations. Distemper combination, rabies, and upper respiratory tract
infection vaccines are universally required. Most boarding kennels require
written proof of vaccination prior to boarding your pet. Be sure to call
and find out what is required to prevent last minute delays.
We offer an
on-premises boarding kennel.
Recommendations for senior cats
Improved nutrition, prevention of infectious disease,
and advances in veterinary medical care have resulted in pets living longer and
healthier lives. As cats age, all of their body systems are affected:
| Reduction in exercise may result in reduced muscle
tone, which may further reduce the cat's ability to jump, climb, or exercise.
This may also lead to a stiffening of the joints an arthritis. |
| When coupled with a reduced metabolic rate, lack of
exercise can result in a fall in energy requirements of up to 40%. If a cat
maintains good appetite, its daily food intake must be reduced to prevent
excessive weight gain. |
| Inappetance (lack of desire to eat) may develop in
some senior cats since the senses of smell and taste become dull with age and
periodontal (dental) disease is common. |
| Gut function and the ability of the intestines to
absorb nutrients are reduced in older animals. |
| Thirst is also decreased, caused an increased risk
of dehydration, especially when combined with concurrent renal insufficiency
(kidney disease which is common in older cats). |
| It is generally assumed that older cats have some
degree of subclinical (underlying) disease, particularly of the kidneys or
liver, hence a diet with moderate protein restriction is usually recommended.
Feed your older cat a senior diet, and provide easy access to fresh drinking
water. |
| Elderly cats should have easy access to a warm bed,
situated where the cat can sleep safely without fear of disturbance. |
| Some cats will experience a reduced ability to
control urination and defecation. It may be necessary to allow access to
multiple litter boxes. |
| Regular booster vaccinations are recommended and
prompt treatment of disease is essential. Senior cats should have
regular health checks with their veterinarian every six months. |
Feline emergencies
Emergencies occur suddenly and without warning.
It is important for all pet owners to have a basic understanding of common
veterinary medical emergencies and basic first aid for their pet. While no one
can be prepared for all emergencies, there are some simple guidelines and
clinical signs that all pet owners can follow and look for to help their pet
loved ones.
Are there any particular emergencies that I should look
out for?
Listed below is a list of common emergency situations
with a brief description of their clinical signs. This list is not intended to
be comprehensive and should serve only as a guide. In any emergency or illness,
be sure and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for more specific
recommendations and assistance.
| Anaphylaxis -
This is a severe allergic reaction and is often recognized by sudden collapse
and severe breathing problems. There are many causes that vary from insect
stings to contact allergies to injection reactions. Seek veterinary care
immediately. |
| Bites and fight wounds
- These can be particularly serious if: there is a lot of bleeding, they
involve the head (particularly the eyes, ear, nose or throat); or they have
penetrated internal organs or the abdomen. Clean with warm water and seek
veterinary attention. |
| Bleeding - Blood
pumping out or dripping so fast that it is making a pool on the floor or blood
soaking through a normal bandage within a very few minutes is cause for alarm.
These may be cases of severe hemorrhage. Ears, nose, feet, and even torn nails
can bleed severely and need veterinary attention to stop the loss of blood as
quickly as possible. |
| Burns and scalds
- Unless you witness these injuries, frequently they are not apparent until
some time later when scabs or loss of hair or skin are noted. If you see
your pet burned or scalded, contact your veterinarian immediately. |
| Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Repeated or continuous vomiting and/or diarrhea, with or without blood,
could be a sign of poisoning, obstruction, or acute gastrointestinal
infection. Dehydration is a major concern. Contact your vet immediately before
forcing fluid or administering human medications. You may inadvertently give
something that worsens your pet's condition. |
| Convulsions or seizures
- This is a series of violent, uncontrolled spasms. Seizures lasting for
more than 3 to 5 minutes or accompanied by loss of bowels or urination are
considered serious and medical attention should be sought immediately. |
| Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- This condition is characterized by bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting. Causes
range from a change in diet to stress to internal obstruction. Contact your
veterinarian if you observe blood in the stool, if the vomiting or diarrhea
persists beyond 6 to 12 hours, or if your pet becomes less responsive or weak. |
| Heat stroke -
This can happen at any time in warm, humid weather. Most frequently it is the
result of dogs left in cars in hot weather with too little ventilation. The
signs are excessive panting, lethargy, and distress. Unconsciousness can
quickly follow. Place your cat in a tub of cool water. When you are ready to
transport your cat to the veterinary hospital wrap it in a cool, wet towel. |
| Injuries - When
do injuries become medical emergencies? This is determined by the type and
extent of wounds and may be difficult to tell without medical tests. Any
penetrating wound to the chest or abdomen and virtually any injury involving
the eye should be regarded as an emergency. Injuries to the head or causing
difficulty breathing should also be treated as emergencies. |
| Poisoning -
Poisoning of any sort will be regarded as an emergency. If you see your cat
ingest a suspicious substance contact your veterinarian. Your pet will most
often lick, swallow, or contact toxic materials without your knowledge.
Clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, skin damage due to caustic
substances, etc. Do not induce vomiting if your cat has ingested products
(plastic, paper, etc.) Seek veterinary care as soon as possible to help reduce
the spread and further damage of toxins to your pet. |
| Shock - Signs
include rapid breathing which may be noisy, rapid heart rate with a weak
pulse, pale (possibly even white) mucous membranes (for instance, gums, lips,
under eyelids), severe depression (listlessness), and cool extremities (limbs
and ears). The cat may vomit. Keep your cat warm and quiet. Seek immediate
veterinary help. |
| Unconsciousness or collapse
- This may occur with or without seizure activity. It often occurs without
warning, e.g. sudden heart failure or following a blow to the head. Collapse
should always be treated as a medical emergency. |
What should I do in an emergency?
- Keep calm and try not to panic. By doing so, you
will be able to answer any questions from your veterinarian and help your pet
loved one.
- Contact your veterinarian. Explain what has happened
and follow the advice given.
- Keep your cat warm and as quiet as possible.
- Keep your cat as still as possible when moving to
reduce the risk of further injury to limbs or spine.
- Carry out any procedures (first aid) advised by your
veterinarian.
- Obtain a suitable container such as a strong
cardboard box. Drop a blanket or thick towel over the cat. Tuck it in
carefully or maneuver the cat onto the blanket so it can be gently placed in
the cardboard box or directly in your car.
- Transport your cat safely to the veterinarian as
directed.
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