Health Issues
Grooming:
All cats should be brushed regularly. This keeps their
fur and skin in good condition, allows
you to check for any signs of ill health, and helps build
the relationship between you. Long-haired cats need to be
brushed thoroughly every day to remove all tangles,
otherwise
they quickly become matted. There is no reason to
routinely bathe your kitten as this will cause distress and
may damage
the animal’s coat. Occasionally, your vet may recommend a
shampoo to treat specific
skin conditions. If you need to use a prescription shampoo
on your pet, follow the vet’s advice
carefully and use it only as frequently as recommended.
Vaccinations:
To provide protection against potentially fatal
infections such as feline infectious enteritis and
feline influenza (cat flu), kittens need to be vaccinated.
The first injection in the course is
given at eight to nine weeks of age with a second at about
12 weeks. The kitten should be
kept away from other cats and stay indoors for ten days
after the second injection to ensure
maximum protection. To maintain the level of protection
provided by vaccination, adult cats require regular
boosters. Your vet will advise on what is required.
Worming:
Kittens should be treated for roundworms at four to six
weeks of age then regularly every two
to three weeks until they are four months old. They should
be treated for roundworms and
tapeworms every two to six months thereafter, depending on
how much they hunt and whether
they have fleas. Use a proprietary wormer available from
your vet and follow the dosing
instructions carefully. Fleas:
Prevention is better than cure where fleas are concerned
so consult your vet about routine
treatment to keep your cat healthy and free from fleas. Many
owners find products to dab on
easier and less stressful to administer than sprays.
Shampoos for the treatment of fleas are
not effective and should be avoided unless prescribed by
your vet. If your cat has fleas, you will also need to
treat your home to remove flea eggs, thus
preventing new fleas hatching. The kitten’s bedding should
be thoroughly washed or replaced
and the floors and carpets of the house should also be
treated. Your vet can provide a spray
for use around the house. Ear mites:
Many cats have ear mites. Often there are no symptoms but
in some cats they cause irritation,
leading to the production of a grey-brown matter in the ear.
In severe cases the ear canal
becomes blocked and infection follows. Where the mites do
not cause a painful reaction,
they can still be irritating and be passed to other dogs and
cats. If you have a dog which is
persistently troubled by ear mites, your vet should check
your cat’s ears too as they may be
the original source of the mites. If your kitten’s ears
appear dirty, itchy or full of dark-colored
wax it is worth consulting your vet. |
