Feline Wellness and Vaccinations

Vet Visits

Why do I need to visit the Vet for annual and biannual visits?

Our feline wellness and vaccinations program helps catch these problems before they become serious, since many feline illnesses and health problems don’t show symptoms until it’s too late and damage to the body has occurred. Many of these health issues, if detected early, are easily reversible and provide the opportunity for you to have a healthy pet.

Remember, old age is not a disease. Many of the health issues that plague older cats, including heart problems, kidney and liver issues, tooth loss, and arthritis, start when they are young. Early care gives you the best opportunity to stop or slow their progression.

“An Ounce of Prevention Beats a Pound of Cure.”

Neutering or Spaying Your Cat

Is that the benefit of neutering or spaying my Cat?

Spaying your female cat at an early age prevents unwanted pregnancies and helps minimize the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, and it’s a key part of our feline wellness and vaccinations program. Spaying your cat also prevents pyometra, a serious infection of the uterus.

Neutering your male cat protects him from testicular cancer and prostate problems. Neutering also helps prevent aggressive or objectionable behaviors, such as fighting and marking (urine spraying).

Weight Control

What are the risks of obesity?

Managing your cat’s weight can improve his or her health. Obesity in cats can predispose them to conditions such as hepatic lipidosis, diabetes, and arthritis.

Secondhand Smoke

Is secondhand smoke bad for my cat?

Research shows that cats, much like humans, have a higher chance of developing cancer when living in smoking environments compared to cats in non-smoking environments. Cats living in smoking environments also run higher risks of developing lung infections and other respiratory problems such as asthma.

Feline Cancer

What is feline cancer?

Feline cancer can occur in cats at the age of 6 but is more common in aging cats, with most cancers occurring between the ages of 10 and 12 years.

Lymphoma and several forms of leukemia are the most common types of feline cancer. These cancers can be caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which can spread from cat to cat via saliva.

Potential Signs of feline cancer include:

  • rapid weight loss
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • coughing
  • decrease in energy
  • changes in behavior
  • lumps or bumps

If you notice any of these signs contact a Yankee Hill Vet immediately to schedule an appointment.

Dental Care

What should I know about dental care?

Taking care of your cat’s teeth helps protect your cat from numerous health problems. Plaque buildup can cause Periodontal disease, which will affect various organs of the body and the nervous system if left untreated. Older cats become more susceptible to dental diseases, so it is important to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean with professional cleanings as directed by your vet.

Visiting the Vet

When should my cat be visiting the vet?

Be sure to schedule annual vet visits for your cat’s routine checkup and vaccinations. Annual examinations allow your vet the opportunity to evaluate your cat’s health and detect feline health problems before they turn into serious diseases or illnesses.

Time for Vaccinations

When is it time for vaccinations?

To keep your kitten healthy, it may be given a series offeline core vaccinations are recommended. It’s best to begin these vaccinations as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age.

These vaccinations help protect cats against the following feline diseases:

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calcivirus are highly contagious respiratory diseases, which can be fatal. Signs of infection include serious cold-like symptoms accompanied by lack of appetite, depression, fever, and pneumonia.

Feline distemper or Panleukopenia can affect cats of all ages, although younger or non-immunized cats are most susceptible to infection. Signs of this serious viral disease include lack of appetite, high fever, depression, dehydration, and vomiting.

Testing and vaccinations for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may also be recommended depending on your cat’s risk of exposure.

Rabies vaccinations are required by law and are usually given at 14-16 weeks then again in one year.

Veterinarians at Yankee Hill Veterinary Hospital will tailor a vaccination protocol specifically for your cat.

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