Worming

Recent research has shown that 25% of cats and dogs have worms on their coats!

Roundworms are white, smooth and look like strands of spaghetti.

Tapeworms are seen as small white segments that often dry and adhere to the fur around the anus, resembling grains of rice.

Regular worming is required.

Kittens should be wormed at 2 weekly intervals until 12 weeks old.

After that, we recommend you worm at least every 3 months.

If your cat is a regular hunter he/she will need to be wormed more frequently.

Fleas can spread tapeworms, so flea control should also be considered.

We can offer advice on all aspects of worming and sell very effective treatments.

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Fleas

Fleas are very much a year round problem and thus need regular treatment.

Fleas spend their adult life on your cat, laying eggs into the coat (hundreds per week!) These eggs will then be dropped onto the bedding, carpets, furniture etc where they will hatch back into adults. These adults then hop back on to your cat and the cycle begins again.

So in a very short period of time one flea can produce many thousands of fleas in your household, if effective treatment is not used.

These fleas produce itching and possibly an allergic dermatitis in your cat, but they may also bite you and make your life a misery as well.

We sell many effective products to help eradicate fleas both on your cat and also in your house. Our staff are always happy to give you advice on what is best for you and your cat(s).

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Vaccination

It is possible to vaccinate against the following diseases:

• Feline Enteritis
• Viral rhinotracheitis ('cat flu')
• Feline calicivirus ('cat flu')
• Feline Leukaemia
• Feline Bordetella

 As well as the 'cat flu' and enteritis we strongly recommend you vaccinate against feline leukaemia, as this is a fatal disease that is predominantly spread through fighting and mating.

Bordetella is a relatively new vaccine and helps protect against a respiratory infection that is especially likely to occur in multi-cat environments and when mixing with other cats at shows or in catteries.

Kittens need two doses of vaccines 3 weeks apart, starting from 9 weeks old.

Yearly vaccinations are advisable.

During the booster consultation your cat will receive a thorough health examination, which will help us to identify symptoms of early disease. Also advice can be given on worming, flea treatments, diets, behaviour etc.

It is important to ensure your pet's immunity does not lapse, as many of the diseases vaccinated against are potentially fatal. Also vaccinations are essential if your cat needs to go into a cattery .

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Micro chipping

These are very small (the size of a grain of rice) and are implanted under the skin.

Your pet's unique microchip number is registered with the national pet log.

If your cat should get lost they can be quickly reunited with you by having the microchip scanned and then obtaining your details from the pet log.

In some situations it can also be used to prove ownership.

Microchips are also an essential part of the Pet Health Scheme.

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Nutrition

High quality complete cat foods can make a big difference to your cat's general health.

There are many good foods available but we believe Royal Canin to offer the best range and palatability.

We also stock special prescription diets for use in certain conditions e.g. obesity, kidney and urinary problems.

We are always happy to give advice on your pet's nutrition

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Dental Care

Dental disease is common in cats.

In addition to the accumulation of plaque and calculus, the teeth may develop erosions of the outer enamel, which can be very painful.

Some cats will tolerate tooth brushing with animal specific toothpastes, but if not, we can recommend other preventative measures – including special foods.                                                                                                                   For how to brush your cat's teeth click here

Not only will this help to keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy but also it should help to keep their breath pleasant!

Regular dental checks will allow us to determine if other dental treatment (e.g. scaling, polishing and extractions) is necessary.

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Neutering

There are many reasons for neutering:

Females:

•  Prevent unwanted kittens

•  Avoid reproductive problems

•  Avoid womb infections

•  Reduced chance of breast cancer later in life

Spaying A Cat

The first incision is made and the ovaries and uterus located.

Both ovaries and the two uterine horns are tied off (ligated). These are then removed along with the body of the uterus.

We strongly advise the use of 'collars' to prevent interference with the wound / sutures.

Males:

•  Less likely to roam and get in fights

•  Marked reduction in likelihood of urine spraying

•  Avoids the distinctive 'tom cat urine' smell

•  Avoid testicular problems in later life

Unless you are planning on breeding, we advise neutering at about 5 – 6 months old.

Castrating A Cat

The scrotum are exposed and prepped for surgery

A small incision is made to expose the testicle

The testes are ligated (tied) off  before being removed 

The empty scrotum - no sutures are required and the small incision heals naturally

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Senior pets

As our pets get older they tend to develop many of the conditions we experience ourselves – arthritis, tumours, diabetes and heart disease.

Regular checks can allow us to detect and treat these conditions as soon as possible.

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