healthtips

Screening is used to help us identify abnormalities in organ function and in Red & White Blood Cell lines. This includes: anemia, infection, inflammation and other blood disorders. We also recommend Wellness testing so that your veterinarian is able to quickly identify changes in your cat’s condition and provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment before the problem gets more serious.

Feline Leukemia (FELV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two contagious and fatal diseases in cats. Cats at most risk for these diseases are those that go outdoors, fight, or come from multi-cat households. Your cat can be positive for either of these diseases and not show any symptoms such as weight loss, oral lesions, anemia and poor immunity with secondary infection. The best way to determine your cat’s FELV and FIV status is through a simple in-house blood test.

your Cat at Home: The most important tool for grooming the long-haired cat is a good metal comb such as the Belgian made “Greyhound” comb. Start when your kitten is young to get him used to the process. If your cat is older, start slowly - patience will reward you both. Try when your cat is tired and start at his head and back. Combing along the tummy and under the legs are more difficult because these areas often mat first. Never try to remove mats with scissors as the skin pulls up easily with the mat. We have sutured many such wounds on client’s cats. The only answer for the heavily matted cat is the electric clipper and professional grooming. Small mats are easily removed by working them apart with a “Furminator”.

We no longer do routine grooming but if your cat needs to be sedated for severe matting or other medical problems requiring grooming please call for an appointment. We can do minor procedures such as hygienic shave or nail trims with a technician appointment.

If gardening or maintaining a beautiful indoor plant arrangement is one of your leisure activities, make sure to choose non-toxic plants for your home/garden. Plants such as catnip, dwarf zinnias and wheat grasses are considered safe but may cause vomiting. For more information about safe indoor/garden plants refer to: poison control

Cats use their teeth for grasping, tearing and chewing food. Proper care of your cat’s teeth is just as important as proper care of your own teeth. General health is improved by eliminating tooth infections and related gum disease. Many owners believe that gum disease will not occur until their cat becomes older; however, this is not true as gum disease can occur at any age. Regular dental checkups by a veterinarian are very important. He/she can perform professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia to remove accumulated tartar and plaque and remove any infected teeth. These procedures are performed under anesthesia. After your cat has its teeth professionally cleaned you can provide regular dental care to control the buildup of tartar and plaque. Ask us for help with methods and products to help keep your cats teeth clean and gums healthy. Never use toothpastes meant for humans because they can be toxic.

~~~~~~ Top Ten Reasons for Kitty to Visit C.F.C. ~~~~~~

1. Annual Examinations
2. Vomiting and Diarrhea
3. Increased water consumption and weight loss
4. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and Lethargy (listlessness)
5. Straining to Urinate/Defecate or Blood in the Urine
6. Bad Breath and Dental Disease
7. Wounds and Abscesses
8. Itchy Skin
Head shaking or Ear Scratching
10. Sneezing