 THE CAT HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE LIBRARY
- Checklist for a Healthy Cat
- Use this systematic checklist frequently to monitor your cat's
health at home. If any problems are identified, schedule your
cat for a physical exam.
1. My cat is active and alert, in good spirits and appears
to be his/her normal self.
2. Eats normally.
3.
Uses the litterbox regularly and exclusively for both
bowel movements and urination. Does not appear to
strain when urinating or defecating.
4.
Has clear, bright eyes.
5.
Has clean ears that are free of debris and do not itch.
6.
Has a glossy coat.
7.
Has white teeth, shrimp-pink gums and no bad breath.
8.
Breathes normally without noise or excessive effort.
Does not cough or sneeze.
9.
Has a smooth body with no lumps or bumps felt.
10.
Does not vomit or have diarrhea.
11.
Walks, jumps and stretches without stiffness or pain.
12.
Is maintaining his/her normal weight. (Adult cats)
- Dental Health
- Keep your cat's teeth and gums healthy. With
cat toothpaste, CET dental treats and dental cat food, there are many products
available to aid in this goal. We recommend dental cleaning to remove tartar
and plaque accumulations that lead to more serious periodontal diseases.
A
cat's dental health status is determined during the yearly physical exam. Many
owners also detect dental problems on their own. Cats do feel mouth pain and a
change in eating habits can be an indication of a dental problem.
Cats should
have shrimp pink colored gums, white teeth and no breath odor. If you notice
any of the above not to be true or if your cat is suddenly drooling or having
trouble eating please call for a dental evaluation.
- Emergencies
- We strongly encourage you to notify a
veterinarian as soon as you notice a change in your cat's behavior that
concerns you. It has been our experience that early intervention can make the
difference in treating sick cats. Don't delay. If you think something is
wrong, have your cat examined as soon as possible.
- Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
(FeLV/FIV)
- The FeLV/FIV status of every cat should be known. A
simple blood test will detect these viruses. Both of these viruses are cat
viruses that your seemingly healthy cat could be carrying. If your cat has
contact with other cats or gets into a fight, the FeLV or FIV status may
change and your cat may need to be retested.
Currently, there is no vaccine
against FIV. However, there is a vaccine to protect against FeLV. If your cat
can have contact with other cats of unknown FeLV status, he or she should be
tested and kept current on this vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor
- Please make this choice with care. The
national average life expectancy of an indoor cat is 14 years while an outdoor
cat's average is 3 years. The difference is that cats who stay indoors have
much less chance of injuries and accidents.
- Physical Exam
- Even if your cat isn't due for any vaccines,
all cats need a yearly physical exam as many changes in your cat's health can
occur within a year. For comparison purposes, past and present health factors
such as weight and coat condition form an important baseline to determine your
cat's health. A vaccine schedule will be recommended based on your cat's
individual health status, age and lifestyle.
- Parasites
- All cats should be kept parasite free. Parasites
can rob your cat of important nutrients and cause a variety of symptoms from
weight loss to diarrhea.
Fleas: Advantage and Program are two flea products
that are more effective than traditional sprays and dips and are easier and
safer to use. Advantage is a topical medication and Program is an oral
medication.
Internal parasites: Even indoor cats can get
internal parasites or worms. We will perform a fecal test to detect any and
treat the cat.
Heartworm: Yes, cats can get heartworm! Heartworm
is transmitted to the cat by the bite of a mosquito. The preventative Heartgard comes in a tablet that most cats eagerly eat. Heartgard effectively
prevents this disease in the cat.
- Spay and Neuter
- A spayed or neutered cat makes a better
pet. An altered cat is less likely to wander and develop bad habits such as
spraying. Altering your pet also lessens the risks of certain types of
reproductive cancers. Ideally the surgery is done when the cat is young, but
it can be performed at any age. If your pet is already spayed or neutered, we
appreciate your participation in controlling pet overpopulation.
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