|
Neutering
An adult cat adopted from a rescue shelter may
already have been neutered (altered) or you must
sign a contract to have it neutered. If you have
adopted an unneutered stray, you should have it
neutered. Neutered cats live longer. Neutering
tackles feline overpopulation as well as
antisocial habits. Neutered cats are at reduced
risk from Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), mammary tumors (females), pyometria (womb infections) and
injuries sustained through fighting. Even later
neutering can prolong your cat's life.
Vaccinations (Innoculations)
Keep Cat Flu (Calicivirus) and Feline
Infectious Enteritis (Distemper) vaccinations up
to date as your cat ages. It is tempting to let
these lapse, but older cats have less efficient
immune systems. If an adopted oldie hasn't been
vaccinated, or you aren't sure about this, you can
start vaccinations at any age. Depending on where
you live, vaccinations are available for Cat Flu,
Enteritis (Distemper), FeLV, Chlamydia, FIP and
Rabies. Your vet will advise on which are required
in your area.
Rabies is an acute viral infection of the
central nervous system and is found in America and
mainland Europe, but not in the UK, Hawaii,
Australia, new Zealand and several other declared
rabies-free states. It is spread by saliva e.g.
bites or saliva entering broken skin. Wild animals
such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes may carry
it. After being bitten by a carrier, it takes 4-8
weeks for your cat to show symptoms. He will act
oddly and may become restless or excitable or
reclusive. He will later go into body spasms, may
become aggressive (cats more often become
withdrawn) and even paralyzed. Where rabies is
prevalent cats require a rabies vaccination at 3 -
6 months of age with annual boosters. Rabies is
incurable and dangerous to humans so a rabid cat
must be destroyed. A cat which has been bitten by
a potentially (unconfirmed) rabid creature must be
specially quarantined for observation to see if he
develops the disease.
Parasites
The most common skin parasite of cats are fleas. Indoor/outdoor cats may also pick up
ticks.
Fleas and ticks are more problematical to older
cats and may cause anemia and skin problems as
his body is slower to repair itself. Many cats
suffer an itchy reaction to flea bites. Use a flea
spray or flea powder formulated specifically for
use on cats and in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions. Flea collars are convenient, but
less effective, and must be elasticated for his
safety; some cats are allergic to them. Skin-drops
(on the back of the neck) and food additives are
available with the drawback that the flea must
bite the cat in order to be zapped. Treat the
surroundings as well, but never use an
environmental product on your cat as environmental
flea sprays are highly toxic if applied directly
to the cat.
|
