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CHAMPIONVET.com has listed advice to pet owners on some of the most common problems they face owning and caring for their animals.
Select the most appropriate category below and hopefully you will find the answer to your query:
• Cats
• Dogs
• Rabbits
• Small Furries
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Vaccinations
• Identichips
• Pet Insurance
• Pet Passports
Cats
Q. Are my kitten’s vaccinations absolutely essential?Q. When should I start my kitten’s vaccinations?
Q. Can cats look after themselves?
Q. How often do I treat my kitten or cat for worms?
Q. How often do I treat my cat for fleas?
Q. What should I feed my new cat?
Q. Should I “socialise” my kitten, as you would a puppy?
Q. Should I insure my new cat?
Q. Will I have to teach my new kitten how to use its litter tray?
Q. Should I microchip my cat?
Q. When will my cat go into season?
Vaccinations are vital. Cat diseases are easily spread and can be fatal. Even if you live out in the country or on a farm, this doesnt protect your cat from coming into contact with the major infectious diseases - Feline Leukaemia (FeLV), Cat Flu, Enteritis, Herpes and Chlamydia.
Q. When should I start my kitten’s vaccinations?
We recommend that you bring your kitten to us for its first vaccination at 9 weeks and then return for his second vaccination at 12 weeks. He will be protected against the major infectious diseases from 13 weeks old. At this time we will give him a thorough health check and give you essential advice on how to look after the family’s new arrival.
Q. Can cats look after themselves?
No. Cats need just as much attention as a dog - the only major difference is that you dont have to walk your cat, although many cats love to go for walks with their owners! Cats still need annual vaccinations, health checks, grooming, dental care, and flea and worm treatments. Also when cats are ill they tend not to show it as much as a dog would, so cat owners need to aware of what is and what isnt normal for their cat.
Q. How often do I treat my kitten or cat for worms?
Every 2 weeks from 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly, until six months of age, then every three months thereafter. If your cat is a hunter, then you should worm more often - every 1-2 months – since he will be susceptible to tapeworms. The worm treatments are not only there to treat your kitten, but are also there to protect your family. Toxocara is a roundworm commonly found in cats (and dogs). Toxocara cati , the cat roundworm, has been associated with rare cases of the disease “toxocariasis”. Toxocara is picked up by accidentally swallowing the infective/developed Toxocara eggs from the ground. Young children and babies are particularly susceptible, for obvious reasons! We recommend you worm your cat with Drontal Cat, which kills all UK round and tapeworms which may threaten your cat.
Q. How often do I treat my cat for fleas?
Every 1-2 months, if you use FRONTLINE or ADVANTAGE. You can buy both these products in a spot-on form, which makes the application far easier than a spray form, as some cats get very upset when they are sprayed. Fleas can carry worm eggs, so it is important to treat for fleas regularly. Remember - just because you cant see fleas, it doesnt mean you cat doesnt have them! For those living in a rural area, it is worth remembering that both Frontline and now the new “Advantix” have properties to kill ticks on your cat and Advantix has a claim to repell them from attaching too!
Q. What should I feed my new cat?
We would recommend that you feed your kitten Hills Science Plan Feline Growth. It is a balanced food that kittens seem to find really tasty. Its also far more economical than most tinned foods on the market. Let your kitten try it - its guaranteed, so you have nothing to lose! After about 12 months of age, move onto Hills Science plan Adult which he can stay on until about 8 years of age. At this stage he can be changed to Hills Science Plan Senior.
Q. Should I “socialise” my kitten, as you would a puppy?
Yes, definitely! It is just as important to socialise kittens as it is puppies. Cats that havent been socialised properly tend to get a reputation for being aloof, but it is more likely that they are in fact very nervous, and prefer to keep their distance from people. Making sure you handle your kitten as much as possible can prevent this.
Q. Should I insure my new cat?
We certainly recommend you insure your cat, and at CHAMPIONVET.com we most often recommend PetPlan, which for a small fee every month will insure your cat for potentially large bills. (A serious road accident involving your cat my cost for example £600 to £800 in treatment!) Any member of our staff will advise you on whether to insure your animal. All we ask, is that in the event of a claim, that you settle you account with us first then reclaim your costs from your insurance company. We will complete your claim form for you at no charge.
Q. Will I have to teach my new kitten how to use its litter tray?
You may have to teach your kitten how to use a litter tray, although its mother may have done that for you! If you have any problems with litter training, please phone Championvet.com for advice.
Q. Should I microchip my cat?
Cats have a great tendency to wander, get lost, stay away for days or weeks, or make new homes with people! Microchipping your cat is equally important as microchipping your dog. Please see the more comprehensive section on microchipping under the dogs section below.
Q. When will my cat go into season?
Most cats in Scotland have been spayed (neutered) and will thus not go into season. If you keep a breeding cat, then she will be seasonally polyoestrus. This means she is likely to go into season for about a week of every month from Spring to Autumn, although this is very variable. In cats this is called “calling” and if you have ever shared a house with a cat in season (I have!) you will see why! Kittens are usually presented for neutering at 5 to 6 months of age. Male cats are presented for castration at approximately the same time.
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