Skip to main content

Posts

Stomach Problems

Mild stomach upsets in cats are not uncommon - a sudden change in diet, over eating, or an intolerance to a food not usually consumed can cause stomach upsets in cats.  Starving for a short time and giving a bland diet for 7 days before transitioning back onto their normal food is recommended.  Its important that cats should NOT be starved for longer than 24 hours and kittens NOT longer than 4 or 5 hours without contacting your vet for advice. Hairballs can also be a problem in some breeds of cats which can be a cause of digestive problems.  Having owned Bengals since the year 2000 we have never had a hairball from one of our Bengals.  Having owned Savannahs since year 2007, quarantined in our own cattery in 2008 and never had a hairball from any of our Savannahs, although Marguerites do produce hairballs as do many other breeds of cats. However, there may be more serious causes of acute stomach upsets in cats such as an intestinal obstruction, ingesting a toxic substance, parasites,
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Arthritis in Cats

Arthritis is commonly first diagnosed in older cats during the winter months.  This is due to the lower temperatures in winter can seize up the limbs and make symptoms of Arthritis and stiffness more painful.  There are various things that you can do to make their lives more comfortable. When you first notice it they will have pain so anti-inflammatory and medications will help with immediate relief. Long term you will need to research for joint supplements which can be purchased on line as well as from your vet. Glucosamine can be purchased from Holland and Barrett or from the internet which can be of great help to your cat once it gets into their system which can take up to several weeks to show a difference.  This is a long term treatment and tablets can be crushed and simply sprinkled onto their food. Soft beds /blankets, pet friendly hot water bottles or heaters, or simply being able to curl up next to a radiator will make them more comfortable.
Post a Comment
Read more

Cat/Kitten Pet Passports

If you are planning to take your cat/kitten with you abroad in the neat future you will need to plan a few weeks ahead. They will need a pet passport which your vet can issue: Make an appointment with your vet several weeks before you are due to travel to give plenty of time for your pet passport to become valid.  You will need to take all your cat/kittens details with you, and your details as their owner, so that they can be added to the pet passport. You vet will give your cat/kitten a health check and microchip your cat/kitten if they don't already have one.  These details will be added to your pet passport. Your vet will then take the vaccination details from your vaccination card and enter these on your pet passport - some countries insist on these details on your pet passport and not on a separate vaccination card. Your cat/kitten will then receive a rabies vaccination which will be recorded on their pet passport. Its worth mentioning at this time that a kitten canno
Post a Comment
Read more

Euthanasia

Its a heart-breaking thought, but putting a cat to sleep (euthanasia) is something that every cat owner may have to consider towards the end of their cats life. MOST VETS WILL AGREE THAT ITS THE QUALITY OF HIS/HER LIFE THAT MATTERS MOST RATHER THAN THE LENGTH OF A CATS LIFE. Unless your cat has been involved in a serious accident you will probably have time to think through your options.  Speak with family and your vet about the kindest thing for your cat.  When a terminal condition is diagnosed then there will be medication to extend your cats life until that heat-breaking decision needs to be taken.  However, if your cat is suffering from extreme pain which is difficult to control, your vet may suggest that euthanasia is the kindest option.  You can then discus with your vet for the right time to book your cat in to PTS for your cat to die in peace and dignity which can also be a relief for your cat. Euthanasia is usually quick, very straightforward and most importantly, painless
Post a Comment
Read more

Kitten Costs

The cost of a new kitten in much higher than most people consider.  Cats are a life-long commitment so its important to factor in lifetime costs. PDSA found that the majority of cat owners thought the cost would be significantly less than the estimated £17,000, so below are some of the costs to consider: Purchase price of Kitten/Cat // Carrier // food and water bowls // bedding // scratch post or activity centre // insurance // Food // Litter // Litter box. Then preventative care such as Vaccines // wormers // flea control. The there are the extra costs Veterinary Visits // Toys // possible accessories such as jackets or collers// Long haired cats may require trips to groomers. Consider pet insurance for those unexpected illness costs or even in the event of a serious accident.  Read the policies carefully to ensure that it meets your requirements.
Post a Comment
Read more

Worming

WORMING Regular worming is vital for cats and kittens - a kittens first wormers should be given by their breeder before you collect him/her. Thereafter they should be wormed at least every three months, especially if you have children or are regularly visited by children. Once every month a "spot on" can be given to protect your kitten/cat from round worm as well as fleas, ear mites and lung worm. Its coming to that time of year when there will be flies around, they can bring worm eggs, as well as bacteria, and other internal parasites onto our cats food.  Worming is required even if your cat doesn't go outside.   Your footwear can also bring in unwanted parasites into your home that you cat can pick up.
Post a Comment
Read more