CAT CONCERNS

SCARS

strongly encourages and advocates for animal owners to know their pets' needs so that this lovable new addition to your family is as safe and healthy as can be.


Vaccines
Cats should be immunized against feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and rabies, and, depending on their lifestyle, against feline leukemia. Most vaccines require boosters and it is vital that you adhere to the schedule set out by your veterinarian. Without boosters, the immunity given by vaccination will disappear and leave your pet susceptible to diseases. The following are certain diseases that can be controlled by vaccination.


Distemper Caused by a parvovirus
Distemper in cats is distinctly different from distemper in dogs. Also known as feline parvovirus or panleukopenia (FP). Since most cats are likely to be exposed to panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination against this virus is extremely important. Clinical signs of panleukopenia include vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and lack of energy or depression.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
Upper airway disease is caused by a group of viruses and bacteria that attack the cat's upper respiratory tract. URI is highly contagious among cats. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a herpes virus. It, along with Calicivirus (FVC) is responsible for 90% of URIs. Signs are sneezing, tearing/ pusy discharge from the nose and eyes and hypersalivation. Some cats will also have a moderate fever and suffer dehydration. Infection in kittens can be fatal. Much less commonly, bacteria called chlamydia can cause URIs. Signs of chlamydia are usually limited to the eyes. Even if treated successfully, URIs can lead to a lifelong disease making vaccination extremely important. Transmission of URIs is by aerosol spray or from direct contact with an infected animal.

Rabies
Caused by a virus and contagious to all warm blooded animals by attacking the nervous system. It is invariably fatal once symptoms occur. The greatest incidence is in foxes, skunks and a new strain that is affecting raccoons. While the HRM does not currently require vaccination for licensing, due to the nature of the disease and the fact that it can be transmitted to people vaccination is strongly recommended. It is important to know the laws regarding rabies vaccination when travelling with your pet.

Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a serious viral disease that researchers now considered the number one infectious disease causing death in cats. FeLV can potentially affect any cat at any age. Indoor cats living in single cat households are least likely to be exposed. In the natural environment with cats going outside, the incidence of infection is only about one percent. In multi-cat households or in catteries, it can run as high as ten percent.
The virus itself is highly contagious, readily transmitted from cat to cat through saliva, blood, feces and urine. Close cat contact is necessary for transmission, yet without the cat the virus is very unstable and will die within a few hours outside of a victim. It is highly unlikely you will bring this virus home on your clothing.

Research has shown that kittens can become infected while still in the womb, and for this reason it is very important for breeders to have their cats tested for FeLV prior to mating.

What is surprising to many cat owners is that the majority of cats at some time in their lives actually come in direct contact with FeLV. Fortunately, some cats will never show any clinical signs, let alone succumb to the disease. In these fortunate cats, their own immune system is able to fight off the virus. For the cats in which FeLV does cause disease, it occurs either in the form of cancer or as a suppression of the immune system. This, in turn, causes the system to be weak against other offending diseases. A second form of cancer, although less common, occurs when the virus attacks the bone marrow and blood cells leading to leukemia.

TestingTrying to determine if your cat suffers from FeLV is not a straightforward issue.

Diagnostic testing has its limitations. In most cases the test results have to be determined by a veterinarian in the light of all the other information on your cat's condition. Routine screening of your cats should be done before being introduced into a household containing any other cats. Treatment Unfortunately, there are no long term, successful treatments or cures. Efforts have therefore directed at finding a means of prevention in the form of a vaccine. Vaccination The initial vaccine program consists of a series of two injections followed by an annual booster. It is important when the vaccine program is initiated for your cat that you carefully adhere to the booster schedule outlined by your veterinarian. Missing a booster will require starting the program again from the beginning.

Homecoming
Hopefully, you have picked up all the necessary items and have them ready at home. That way you can take Whiskers home without unnecessary stops.

Try to remember that this is a time of great change for your new pet. If you have a brand new pet, this is his first time away from mom and littermates. With adult pets it is a move to a new home, different from their current residence. It is a good idea to bring your new buddy home in the morning so you have the better part of the day to spend together. Weekends or the beginning of holidays are excellent times for homecomings as well. This will help to make his first few days at home as smooth as possible.

To help with the transition, please remember to get all of the pertinent information from the people who know your pet best. Find out what diet is being fed and the feeding schedule. Then be sure to get the exact same food and follow the same feeding routine. A problem we see quite commonly in pets going to a new home is diarrhea - often due to sudden diet change or the addition of too many new treats. If you would prefer your pet be on a different food that what is currently being fed, simply wait about 2 weeks. Once your pet has had this initial period to "settle in" you can gradually switch to the new diet. We also often see intestinal upset when milk is given to puppies and kittens. Many of these little furry guys are lactose-intolerant. Once they are weaned, puppies and kittens really need only water and a good quality diet to meet all of their needs.

Your pet's health record contains vital information as well. Be sure that you get a copy of this and that you understand the immunization and deworming status of your pet. Once you get home, if you are unsure about repeat deworming or booster immunization date, do not hesitate to call your local veterinarian or your pet's original home.

On the car ride home, the driver should have an assistant to hold the new pet even if you are getting an adult - maybe Fifi will want to be on the driver's lap. If you are going alone to pick up your new addition, a kennel is a great idea. If you have a long drive, plan some stops along the way. Regardless of the length of the drive, have paper towels and bags handy in case of accidents or vomiting.

Once at home, take your pet immediately to his new "bathroom" area. Give him ample time to sniff around and do the necessities. Once in your home, your new pet should be given the opportunity to explore your pet-proofed home. Give him some space and time - resist the temptation to crowd around him. Speaking of crowds, you probably want to keep them to a dull roar for a few days. New pets draw lots of well-intentioned family and friends. Try to give your pet time to get familiar with things before introducing him to the "whole" gang.

Then there is the picking of a name. Try to pick something short and that doesn't sound like any of the commands you will teach him later. Oh, you may want to make sure you know the sex of your pet –so you don’t have to change Charlie to Charlene when you realize the cat is actually female!