Cats:  An Indoor Cat Is A Safe Cat!!

Our feline patients, both adults and kittens, are some of the most beautiful, yet fiercely independent, animals that we treat.  Each one is different from the others, but we try to approach every one gently and give them the same tender care we would our own cats. 

Preventive medicine and proper vaccinations, regular physical examinations, and diagnostic tests at times, a loving home, castration for male and ovariohysterectomies (spay) for female non-breeding pets, tender loving care from a young age and good lifelong nutrition extend their lives, adding years of healthy life during which we can more fully enjoy our treasured pets. 

 Caring for Your Cat

Even though cats are common household pets, many pet owners do not realize how much one needs to know about their needs in order to care for them properly.  Here are some basics of cat care that we hope you will find helpful.  However, we encourage you to seek more comprehensive sources of information, too. 

 The Daily Routine 

Adult cats may eat either small amounts of food throughout the day or one or two large meals. The exact type (canned, semimoist, or dry) or brand of food is not important unless your cat has a health problem that requires a special diet.  What is important is that "complete and balanced diet for cats" be written on the label.  This assures you that the food contains all the nutrients your cat needs. Some cats do not drink very much, but fresh, clean water should be available at all times. 

 Solid waste should be removed from the litter box every day, and litter should be changed when wet or smelly.  Clean litter helps to encourage your cat to use the litter box.  You and your cat need to agree on one of the many types of litter that are available. 

 Many cats, especially those with long hair, vomit hairballs.  You can help alleviate this problem by brushing your cat two or three times per week.  If the problem persists, ask your veterinarian to prescribe medication. 

 Because cats are naturally clean animals who bathe themselves, some people do not realize that they can give them a bath.  For cats with hairball problems, bathing and brushing are especially helpful because excess hair is removed.  Be sure to use a shampoo that is safe for cats; some dog shampoos may be irritating or otherwise harmful.  Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate product.  

 Your Cat's Health 

Your cat should have a complete physical examination every year, as well as booster vaccinations for protection against the viral diseases rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and panleukopenia (one vaccine).  Rabies vaccinations are required annually (yearly) by law in Texas.  Other vaccines for protection against chlamydia, feline infectious peritonitis, and feline leukemia virus are available and should be discussed with your veterinarian. 

 All cats should have a blood test for both feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.  Once your cat tests negative, testing need only be repeated if you suspect that your cat has been exposed.  These viruses are contagious to cats, and the infections they cause are incurable, but they are not contagious to people.  It is important that you know whether your cat has one of these infections, because special care and medications will help your cat to remain as healthy and comfortable as possible.  You will also want to avoid having your cat infect other cats.  Your veterinarian can answer questions you may have about these two infectious diseases.  

 Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur: 

1. Lumps anywhere on the body
2. Vomiting/diarrhea 
3. Excessive drinking 
4. Excessive urination 
5. Straining to urinate, defecate
6. Sneezing 
7. Vomiting
8. Weight loss 
9. Bad breath or drooling
10. Coughing 
11. Lack of energy 
12. Bleeding 

                       Neutering

Unless you intend to breed your cat, we recommend that you have it neutered.  Neutering is the removal of a cat's sex organs.  In females, it is called spaying (ovariohysterectomy), and in males, it is called castration.  Your cat can be neutered as early as 6 months old, and anytime thereafter. 

Spaying has a health benefit that cat owners should consider.  An unspayed (female) cat can develop life-threatening uterine infections requiring surgery.  Also, unspayed cats are frequently in heat and exhibit annoying behavior such as excessive friendliness, excessive rubbing against people and furniture, continuous crying, and sometimes, urinating outside the litter box. 

 The behavior of uncastrated (male) cats can also be annoying because of their tendency to spray strong-scented urine to mark their territory.  Moreover, castrated cats who are allowed outside are less likely to roam and fight with other cats. 

 Another compelling reason to neuter your cat is the extremely serious problem of pet overpopulation.  More than 12 million cats and dogs are put to sleep in this country each year. If your cat remains unneutered, one chance rendezvous with another cat can result in an unwanted litter of kittens.  

 Safety at Home 

Cats like to play with string, but this should not be permitted.  String, twine, cord, ribbon, tinsel, rubber bands, dental floss, and similar items are potentially lethal to cats.  When string is chewed and swallowed by a cat, it often becomes caught on the tongue or lodged somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract.  It continues to be carried through the tract by the natural actions of the digestive system.  The taught string slices the intestinal tissues, causing severe infection and death if   surgery is not performed in time.  Sometimes the end of a string foreign body can be seen in the cat's mouth or protruding from the anus, but many cannot be seen on examination.  Your cat should be taken to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that he has swallowed string or anything else that might cause damage. 

 Cats seem to think that house plants are meant to be eaten.  Plants such as diffenbachia, rhododendron, philodendron, and mistletoe are poisonous to cats, and other plants, though not as poisonous, will cause vomiting.  If your cat likes to eat greens, plants that are safe for cats to eat can be purchased in pet stores. 

Cats who are allowed outdoors face certain dangers that indoor cats do not. 

Outdoor cats are more likely to be exposed to feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline infectious peritonitis, which are fatal infections.  Outdoor cats are more likely to get into fights and motor vehicle accidents.  An indoor cat is a safe cat.