All Creatures Pet Hospital
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Kitten Wellness
Congratulations on the arrival of your new kitten. It is our hope that we may help you have many years of companionship and fun with your pet. At this age it is the time to address many of the preventive care measures that will help promote a long, healthy life for your new friend.
Vaccinations
Kittens require a series of vaccinations to insure protection against the most common diseases of cats. This is necessary for several reasons but the most important is the passive immunity that kittens acquire from their mothers. Early in their life kittens receive antibodies directly from their mother that helps protect them during the critical first weeks of life. The level of antibody will fall gradually as the kitten grows and develops and may be different for each kitten. These antibodies must decline below a certain level before the kitten can respond to vaccines and develop his own specific immune response. We try to encourage the early development of this response. The series of vaccinations is designed to give immunity at the earliest age following the loss of passive immunity from the animal’s mother. It is for this reason it is very important to complete the series of boosters and for the boosters to come at the right time. If for any reason your personal schedule prevents you from bringing your kitten in at the proper intervals, please contact our office and explain your situation so that we may advise you on what the best solution may be. We recommend testing all cats or kittens brought into a new home for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These are life threatening viral infections that can be transmitted between cats or directly from the mother cat in utero in the case of Feline Leukemia, or through bite wounds wounds in the case of FIV. Not all cats show clinical signs of illness early in the disease, but they can still transmit the disease to other cats. Testing should be done prior to starting your kitten on its Feline Leukemia series to prevent against unnecessary vaccinations should your pet be positive for the disease. Unfortunately at this time there is not a good FIV vaccine.
Nutrition
One of the most rapidly developing areas of knowledge in pet preventive health care is the subject of proper nutrition. In recent years, it is rare to see nutritional deficiencies in pets that are fed modern cat foods, but of increasing concern to veterinarians is the subject of excesses in the diet. While deficiencies present themselves early in the pet’s life in the form of growth or developmental problems, excesses may be present for years before they manifest themselves in health problems. We recommend the Science Diet line of foods due to the manufacturers commitment to research and development of a food that has nutrient precision (a diet that has neither deficiencies nor excesses) and is appropriate for each stage of the pet’s life. The current research suggests that an excess of daily calories may also shorten the pet’s life and cause development of disease at an earlier age. Diabetes is highly preventable and other diseases that may not be prevented can be delayed until later in life. It is important to remember that even when feeding a high quality diet, that the benefits may be offset by overfeeding or supplementation with table food or treats. We no longer consider an animal whose ribs are showing to be below optimum body condition if muscle mass is adequate and the quality of the skin and hair coat is good.
Heartworm Disease
When worms are discussed in conjunction with preventative health care in cats, most people think of intestinal parasites. Heartworms are different parasites that slowly grow within the right chambers of the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs. Years ago it was thought that only dogs got heartworms, but we are now finding out that cats are being infected as well (many of which are considered indoor only cats). Heartworm disease spreads when mosquitoes bite a dog that has been previously infected, siphon up the microscopic heartworm offspring, then bite another animal. Heartworms are particularly dangerous because often animals do not show evidence of the disease until they have been present for months. Heartworm preventatives work by stopping the microscopic larva soon after being injected from the mosquito bite before they have arrived in the heart or began to do damage. As these larvae mature they become progressively more difficult to kill, this is why heartworm preventatives must be used regularly (once monthly) to effectively prevent the disease. Because heartworm disease affects cats differently than dogs, a blood test is not required before starting the prevention. However, it is recommended that heartworm prevention in kittens begin before 4 months of age to be assured that the kitten is negative at the time the medication is started.
Flea Prevention
Flea prevention is very important for many reasons. Fleas can make an animal anemic, act as a carrier for tapeworms, and are a contributing factor in many skin diseases (including allergy to flea bites). Fleas can be a particularly bothersome parasite because of their ability to reproduce so quickly. One adult female flea can produce up to fifty eggs each day. Because fleas can be present for many days before they are noticed, modern flea control is aimed at controlling reproduction of the flea as well as killing the adult fleas. This is truly a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once fleas become established in your pet’s environment it can take weeks to eliminate them.
Heartworm and Flea Preventatives
Revolution – This is the number one choice in heartworm and flea medications for cats in our practice. In addition to preventing against heartworm disease it also kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and ear mites, deworms your cat monthly for hookworms and roundworms, and protects against the sarcoptic mange mite. This medication is applied topically at the base of the neck once monthly and is absorbed into the skin so that protection will not be lost with self-grooming.
Early Training Is The Key
Socialization of your kitten is critical at this age. Kittens are most impressionable during the stage of 5 to 16 weeks of age. Socialization is nothing more than exposing the kitten to all the things that he will be exposed to later in life so that he may begin to become comfortable with these things. Introduction to things that may be new (interacting with your family, other pets, people outside your family, the vacuum cleaner, vehicles, and any other thing that may potentially frighten your pet) will help him accept them more readily when he is older. Allow your kitten to watch these things from a distance, give a treat and praise, and then slowly lead him closer as his comfort level increases. This will help your kitten become a well-adjusted, confident cat.
All cat owners should teach their cats to enjoy and allow handling of their body. When kittens are young, they can be taught to allow all parts of their body to be examined. You can reward the kitten with food rewards (such as a favorite treat or a small piece of meat) for allowing handling. Pet the kitten and give a treat. Look in the kitten's mouth and give a treat. Pick up the kitten's feet and give a treat. Soon the kitten will realize that when you approach the kitten you bring good things and will learn to trust you and not be afraid to have different areas of the body examined or handled. Early handling can make later medical treatments, dental care, ear cleaning, and nail trims easier. For long hair kittens, it is also recommended that the kitten be brushed regularly so that they may become used to the routine that will be necessary to keep the coat at it’s best.
It is also important to provide an outlet for use of your kitten’s claws from the beginning. Cats don’t use scratching posts just to sharpen their claws. They are actually using these posts to get rid of the brittle ends of their nails, to leave a scented mark to let other cats know when they were last there, and to stretch when they get up after a long nap. If we do not provide them with an outlet, then they will find their own. They will often choose our couches and curtains because they provide a good surface to snag their nails on and they are often along a path they normally take through the house. It is important to provide a scratching surface in any room that your cat will be spending a lot of time in and in the main hall that your cat will use. Offering a variety will also help to ensure that you are providing a substrate that your cat will like, such as corrugated cardboard, looped carpet, wood, or even rope. Many cats do not like the “fuzzy” carpet on most scratching posts because it does not snag well. Placing catnip on the scratching post will help attract your cat to that area. Also consider both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces. If you are planning on having your kitten declawed we still recommend providing them with a scratching outlet until they are old enough for surgery. This will also give them a surface to stretch on and mark even after surgery.
Keeping a clean litter box will not only keep your kitten happy, but it will reduce the likelihood of your kitten urinating outside the litter box. This is one of the biggest reasons for pet owners giving up their pet or turning an indoor cat into an outdoor cat. You should have the same number of litter boxes as you do cats, plus one. The litter boxes should be scooped daily (2-3 times a day if there is a lid) and the entire box should be emptied and sanitized every 3-4 weeks. Avoid using citrus scented products in the litter box as it discourages cats from going there. Cats tend to prefer the fine granular unscented clumping litter. If at any point your kitten stops using the litter box he should be seen right away to make sure there is not a medical reason for his inappropriate elimination. The longer a cat urinates or defecates outside of the litter box, then harder it is to get them back to using the litter box consistently.
Introducing Kitten to Dental Care
Your kitten is beginning to lose his baby teeth and cut his first permanent teeth. The conditions in a cat’s mouth are different than in a human mouth. The saliva is much less acidic and the teeth are less prone to decay and the development of cavities. While tooth decay is much less of a problem, the development of gum disease is much more of a problem. Cats are prone to build-up of tartar at the gum line, inflammation of the gums and the development of pocketing under the gum line around the tooth root. These changes can lead to premature tooth loss and the absorption of bacteria (and their toxins) through the gum tissue. Research demonstrates that good oral care can not only preserve the teeth but also reduce the development of organ disease (heart valves, kidneys and the liver can be affected). Oral care is divided into two areas, slowing the build-up of tartar and dental cleaning to remove tartar at the gum-line.
Slowing Tartar Build-up
Tartar build-up can be reduced by several methods. Prescription veterinary diets (Hill’s Prescription Diet T/D) can be very effective. After years of research it was found the most effective texture of food to prevent tartar build-up is neither hard nor soft, but somewhere in-between. This food is soft enough that when the animal’s tooth bites into the food and is withdrawn it will retain the impression of the tooth. But the food is hard enough that some plaque on the tooth is removed as the tooth is withdrawn from the bite. It is often used for pets when brushing of the teeth is not possible.
Brushing the teeth is the gold standard for the removal of plaque. C.E.T. Toothpastes have mild abrasives and cleaning enzymes that combine with the mechanical scrubbing of the toothbrush to give the greatest reduction in tartar and gum disease. Although your kitten does not have all of his permanent teeth at this age, it is a good time to introduce him to the toothbrush. Begin by allowing your cat to taste the toothpaste off of the toothbrush. Once he’s developed a taste for it, place a small amount on your fingertip and gently rub your finger along his gums and then give him another taste. Gradually increase the amount of time you rub the gums. Then gradually introduce the toothbrush with some of the toothpaste on it along the gum line, brushing only one tooth and then remove the brush and reward the kitten with praise and a treat. Gradually increase the number of teeth that are brushed before the reward is given over the next 4 weeks. Often times your cat will chew on the bristles and essentially brush his own teeth. Animal toothpastes differ from human pastes in that they do not foam or contain fluoride (making them edible). Remember anything less than three times weekly will not significantly reduce tartar build-up.
Dental Prophylaxis
You can help us watch for the early signs of inflammation of the gums and the earliest signs of gum disease. Tartar build-up occurs first on the cheek-side surface of the upper rows of teeth. Keep a watch on these areas at least once monthly. At the first sign of redness and swelling where the gum tissue and tooth meet, please call our office. Professional dental cleaning is most effective before the gum tissue has begun to recede. As is the case in your mouth, once the gum tissue has receded it will never again be the same. 80% of cats over three years of age have some evidence of gum disease. In our hospital, we use scaling and polishing instruments similar to what is used in human dentistry to remove the tartar both from the crown and the area just below the gum line. Dental cleaning is potentially one of the most important things we can do to prevent pain and extend the healthy years of your pet.
Care of Ears
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your pet at or before six months of age is important for many reasons. Behavioral problems are much less common in neutered animals and it reducing the risk of developing certain diseases later in life.
Male Cats
Neutering is the surgical removal of both testes. The beneficial effects that are seen following this procedure are directly related to reduction in levels of the male hormone, testosterone. A reduced level of this hormone affects many behaviors. Neutering male cats has been shown to reduce the percentage of cats that bite, roam, urine mark, urinate outside the litter box, and exhibit overly territorial behaviors (such as cat fights). Neutering is much more effective at preventing these behaviors than it is in eliminating them once they have begun. It is for this reason that it is advised to have this procedure performed before six months of age.
Female Cats
Spaying is the common name for ovariohysterectomy. This procedure is the complete removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. This eliminates a female cat from having heat cycles, which occur every 2-3 weeks throughout the spring and summer until they mate. This cycle is often very obvious to pet owners because the cat becomes very vocal, will rub her head and neck against objects, and will start rolling around on the floor. During this time she will also show an exaggerated response to stroking of the back and rubbing of the base of the tail by lowering her front end and raising her pelvis. It is around this time that the female cat becomes receptive to breeding.
Spaying at an early age (at or before six months of age) has numerous health benefits in female cats. Mammary tumors in cats are almost always malignant (aggressive tumors that often spread to the lungs). Research has shown that if a female cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, which usually occurs at 6 to 9 months of age, her chance of developing this type of cancer is greatly reduced in later years. Pyometra is another serious medical condition that occurs in older unspayed females. It is a condition in which the uterus fills with infection and enlarges to many times its normal size. As the female cat ages her cycles often become irregular. This can lead to the cervix remaining open and allowing infection inside the uterus. The toxic principles released by this infection often lead to this life threatening disease. Spaying early in life is preventative and is our recommendation for all cats not intended for breeding purposes.
a. What is the AVID Microchip?
The microchip is a tiny computer chip, which has an identification number, programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification, which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed – a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft. b. How much does the injection cost?
The fee includes placement of the microchip. The fee is $37.25. A one-time $15.00 registration fee with the national microchip registry insures that your pet is identified any place in the United States. c. What is the youngest age a pet can be identified?
Animals of any age can be injected with the AVID Microchip. We recommend puppies and kittens be identified during their initial vaccine series. Birds and exotics can be identified at any time. d. My pets never leave my yard. Why should they be identified with an AVID Microchip?
It only takes one time for the mailman, meter reader, neighbor or friend to leave the gate open or the door ajar. Unaltered pets in particular have a desire to roam. Pet theft is also a frequent occurrence. Well-behaved pets are stolen by individuals to be their own pet or for resale. Most shelters destroy the majority of pets they impound. They are destroyed only because they are not identified. The Southwest Missouri Humane Society has agreed to scan every pet for the presence of a microchip. e. Does my pet have to be sedated for the injection?
No! Injecting the AVID Microchip is just like any other injection or vaccination. Anesthesia is not required or recommended since there is minimal discomfort with the procedure.
f. How do I know the shelter/veterinarian will be able to check for the AVID Microchip?
AVID offers an innovative program designed to place readers in shelters at no cost to the shelter! The Southwest Missouri Humane Society has agreed to check every pet soon after arrival. More area shelters are getting readers.
g. If my pet is found, how does the shelter know to contact me?
When a shelter finds a pet with a microchip they will call AVID. If the pet is registered with AVID’s recovery network, PETtrac, the shelter will be given the owner’s name. If the pet is not registered, they will be given the name of the veterinarian who injected the microchip. The veterinarian will provide the owner’s latest information.
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