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 For
your cat pet to enjoy time with you, she must always be in good health. Like
you, if the pets are feeling pain they are unable to feel the mood of having
fun!
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Congratulations
- you have a new kitten!
You’ve anticipated the new arrival by ‘kittenproofing’
your home and had lots of fun choosing the carrier, bed, blanket,
toys and other supplies he or she will need. This adorable little
bundle of fluff is sure to bring you much joy. In return, you can
make a major contribution to your pet’s longevity, happiness and
quality of life by providing him or her with good nutrition, loving
attention in a safe, sanitary environment and regular checkups at
your veterinarian’s.
Spaying
or Neutering your kitten
Many veterinarians believe that spaying or
neutering not only helps solve the serious problem of a burgeoning
population of unwanted cats, but also makes for friendlier, easier-to-live-with
pets. Spayed female cats are more relaxed, playful and affectionate,
while neutered males are calmer and less likely to ‘spray’ or urine-mark
their territory, wander away from their home or fight. Plus, sterilization
has health benefits - it minimizes the risk for breast cancer in females
and enlarged or tumorous prostate in males.
Spaying removes the uterus and
ovaries of a female cat, usually around the age of 4-6 months. A
major surgical procedure, it is performed under general anesthesia
and most often involves an overnight stay at an animal hospital.
Complications are rare and recovery is normally complete within ten
days.
Neutering, also carried out under
general anesthesia, removes the testicles of a male cat. The small
wounds that result usually heal in about a week. Less complicated
than spaying, it is often performed on a ‘day surgery’ basis when
the cat is 4 to 12 months old.
Your
kitten’s basic health check
| Your new kitten
should visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The first visit
will probably include: |
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Thorough physical examination to determine
his or her state of health. |
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Check for external parasites (fleas,
ticks, lice, ear mites). |
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Check for internal parasites (tapeworm,
roundworm, etc.), if you can bring a stool sample for analysis. |
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Initial vaccination and/or a discussion
of the types of vaccinations your kitten needs and when they
should be scheduled. |
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Discussion about whether your kitten
should be sterilized (spayed or neutered) and when. |
This first health check will give your
veterinarian the information he needs to advise you on your kitten’s
immediate diet and care. Plus, it will give him a “knowledge
base” from which, on subsequent checkups throughout your cat’s
life, he can better evaluate, monitor and manage your pet’s health.
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Make
your new kitten feel at home
With sensitive handling and friendly contact
for at least an hour a day, your new kitten should soon be very comfortable
with you and his new home. Be sure if there are also young children
in the home that they are taught that a kitten is not a toy but a
living creature who must be treated with gentleness and respect. Also
provide your pet with lots of opportunities for interesting, challenging
play that will satisfy his natural instincts. Toys that he can pretend
to 'hunt' and capture and special posts that he can scratch (instead
of your carpets and furniture) will help make your kitten a joy to
live with.
Your
Geriatric Cat
When is the best time to start caring for
your aging pet? When he's a kitten. Starting off your cat's life with
good nutrition, scheduled veterinary appointments and a happy home
life sets the blueprint for a high quality of life in his older years.
Most cats are considered geriatric by the age of 8 to 10. Much like
humans, time takes its toll on vital organ functions as your cat ages.
Cats are more subtle than dogs in showing you when they are sick or
in pain. Paying attention to your cat's behavior will make detecting
problems easier and help them live healthy lives well into their teens.
What
you can do at home
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Check your cat’s mouth, eyes or ears regularly.
Watch for loose teeth, redness, swelling or discharges. |
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Keep your pet’s sleeping area clean and
warm. |
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Make fresh water available at all times. |
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Maintain a regime of proper nutrition and
loving attention. |
How
old is your cat?
If
your cat is... |
In
human terms, that's |
1 month
2 months
3 months
4 months
5 months
6 months
7 months
8 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years
8 years
9 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
13 years
14 years
15 years
16 years
17 years
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5-6 months
9-10 months
2-3 years
5-6 years
8-9 years
14 years
15 years
16 years
18 years
25 years
30 years
35 years
38-40 years
42-44 years
45 years
48 years
55 years
60 years
62 years
65 years
68 years
72 years
74 years
76 years
78 years
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Common
Problems
Obesity is
a big health risk. An older cat is a less active cat, so adjustments
to your pet’s diet to reduce caloric intake are imperative. This will
relieve pressure on his joints as well as manage the risks of heart
failure, kidney or liver disease, digestive problems and more. Other
changes to his nutrition should include increasing fiber, fatty acids
and vitamins while decreasing phosphorus, sodium, protein and fat.
Arthritis’ severity
can range from slight stiffness to debilitation. You may detect this
problem when he becomes less attentive about his grooming and litter
box habits. These signs may also indicate the slowing down of his
cognitive functions. Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve
the pain. Your veterinarian will prescribe any necessary medication.
Intolerance to hot and cold temperatures occurs
because your cat produces less of the hormones which regulate the
body’s normal temperature. Move his bed closer to a heat source.
If he is an outdoor cat, avoid letting him out on cold days.
Tooth loss or decay not
only makes it harder to chew but also increases the likelihood of
infection or tumors. Cats are very sensitive to oral pain. Brushing
and cleaning the teeth will keep tartar, gum disease and gingivitis
at bay.
Constipation may
point to colon problems or hair balls. A diet that is easily digestible
and rich in nutrients is essential.
Skin or coat problems in
aging cats means the skin loses elasticity, making your pet more susceptible
to injury while the coat’s hair thins and dulls over time. Regular
grooming to maintain the coat’s luster and fatty acid supplements
are highly beneficial.
Frequent colds and infections may
indicate an impaired immune system. Bring your cat in for a check-up.
Your veterinarian may suggest a test for Feline Leukemia Virus and
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
Increased thirst is
a possible sign of diabetes, kidney failure or hyperthyroidism. Your
veterinarian will determine this and prescribe the appropriate medication.
Decreased sense of smell may
drastically reduce your cat’s appetite. Try serving smaller portions
more often throughout the day. Ask your veterinarian about foods
formulated for geriatric cats. They may have a stronger concentration
of aromas.
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