Other Feline Topics

Other Feline Topics

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Feline Nutrition

All kittens should be fed a high quality, dry kitten or "growth" diet until 9 months to one year of age. Adult cats should be fed a high quality dry maintenance diet or a "light" diet if the cat tends to be overweight. Cats and kittens do not need milk, canned food or table scraps. These foods can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, bad breath and dental disease, obesity, and other health problems. Very cheap dog foods also can cause health problems such as urinary tract blockage and infections. In general with pet foods it is better to invest in a high quality food: it pays off in the long run with better health, feeding a smaller volume of food (higher nutritional quality means lower volume of food), and lower fecal volume (less litter box cleaning).

Feline Spaying / Neutering / Declawing:

Cats should be spayed or neutered between 4 - 6 months of age. Spaying female cats is recommended as it prevents unwanted pregnancies, uterine infections, and prevents having a female cat in heat in your home! As well, cats that aren't spayed are at much greater risk for mammary cancer. Male cats fight more, roam more and can spray urine to mark territory. Castration helps prevent these behaviors. Declawing can be done at the same time as the spay or neuter. At our clinic these procedures are done on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. If declawed, your cat will need to stay overnight. When you schedule surgery you will be given more detailed information regarding these procedures and other options available such as blood testing and microchipping.

Indoors versus Outdoors:

Although there are many cats which love the outdoors, the outdoors is much more dangerous for cats. They are at risk for fights with other cats and exposure to feline leukemia virus, exposure to many parasites, traumatic accidents and unwanted pregnancies. Indoor cats have a much longer and healthier life. The best way to have a happy indoor cat is to never let a kitten outdoors in the first place. They will become quite content with their indoor world and usually not even be interested in venturing out.

Dental Care:

It is important to start thinking about dental care even with a kitten. Middle-aged and older cats can have dental problems such as excess tartar, gum recession, cavities, periodontal disease and abscessed teeth. Long term dental problems can cause difficulty eating, significant oral pain, poor overall health, systemic infections, and other serious problems. This can be prevented by starting appropriate dental care early. For cats, feeding a dry food is essential to good oral health. Canned food causes accelerated tooth and gum problems. Cats can also be trained to have their teeth brushed! We have toothbrushes and even flavored toothpastes appropriate for cats. There are also treats which help break down tartar. We are happy to discuss your cat's dental care with you.

Feline Behavior Issues:

Please ask us for advice with any behavior questions you may have. We want to help you have a good relationship with your cat. We have many written resources available as well, addressing such issues as not using the litterbox, destructive cats, aggressive cats, and introducing a new cat to a home.

Cat-proofing Your Home:

All of the following items can be dangerous to kittens and should be kept out of reach: electrical cords (they like to chew on them), plastic bags, human medications, rubber bands, strings such as dental floss, tinsel and thread (they can eat them and become very ill), ribbon, sewing needles and the like. Do not allow access to common household chemicals such as antifreeze, which is very deadly, or bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, rat poisons, or gasoline. Turkey, chicken or rib bones should never be given as a treat as they can splinter and cause serious problems. Chocolate can also be toxic to pets. Even getting into the garbage can be dangerous for your cat as eating unusual items can cause major gut upset or intestinal obstruction. Dangerous house plants include lilies, philodendron, elephant ear, eucalyptus, spider plants, azalea, ivy, amaryllis, pyracantha, oleander, boxwood, Jerusalem cherry, plant bulbs, holly, and mistletoe.

CANNON VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC

Full Service Animal Care