Better Health for Your Cat

I am still amazed at the number of cat owners who tend not to have annual check-ups for their cats. This is crucial to the health of your pet. As I mentioned in my last blog, there are many diseases that can be contracted and especially by those pets that roam outside.

Feline Leukemia Virus
Is your cat at risk? The virus is spread among cats through infected saliva and urine and kittens can contract FeLV from their mother. Cats that go outdoors are more likely to be infected because they can come in contact with other cats or urine from territorial marking.

Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces exposure to FeLV. If you do allow your cat outdoors, make sure it receives the FeLV vaccine, which boosts its immune system. Kittens receive a series of vaccinations and yearly boosters thought their adult life. It is also important to test any new cats or kittens for FeLV infection before introducing them to your household. Cats that go outdoors should be tested yearly.

Here is what to look for. Veterinarians often suspect FeLV infection in sick cats with incomplete vaccination histories and kittens that don't gain weight and have recurring infections. The signs often mimic other diseases, such as feline AIDS, and may include a combination of the following symptoms;

Weakness, lethargy or depression
Vomiting
Decrease or no appetite
Coughing
Weight loss
Ocular (eye) abnormalities
Fever
Anemia
Swollen lymph nodes
Dental disease

It is recommended that cats be tested for FeLV infection annually and that you call or take you pet to a vet whenever you suspect any health problem.

I hope you will take the time to visit our website at austincitypaws.com and take advantage of our pet referral plan. It is pretty cool. You can get free in-home pet services for a week when a friend books visits.

Also check out “Dukes Dog Duty Service.”

The Freezing Weather and Your Dog
What did you do with your outdoor pet when they weren't trained to be indoors? I would love to hear back from you on that subject. Just add a comment below or email me.

Have a Yappy Week,
Gerry