Cat Health Care

(Page 2 of 2)

September/October 2006
Jon Geller, DVM 
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If avian influenza arrives in the United States – and remember, it hasn't yet – it will probably be via migratory birds. Hunting cats who eat these birds may very well be the sentinels for the arrival of avian influenza when they become ill. It is unknown whether humans can acquire avian flu from cats, but vigilant cat owners should be alert for any dead birds on their property that might coincide with respiratory signs in their cats. The risk for avian influenza virus infection in cats is very low, however.

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A Preventive Health Care Plan for The Friend in Your Barn As Kittens

  • Deworm with fenbendazole (Panacur) or Pyrantel palmoate for roundworms and hookworms every two weeks from 3 weeks to 6 months of age.
  • Vaccinate with combination core vaccine for feline panleukopenia, calichi virus and
  • Test for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), herpes virus at 10 weeks and 13 weeks.vaccinate if negative.
  • Spay or neuter (at 3 to 6 months of age).
  • Rabies vaccination, repeat as booster at one year.

Ongoing Care

  • De-worming every one to three months.
  • Annual vaccinations.
  • Monthly heartworm preventative medication.
  • Annual check-up from a mobile veterinarian.

Meow Wow

  • The Egyptians first domesticated cats about 4,000 years ago. Cats' history with humans ranges from being worshipped in ancient Egypt to being persecuted for their association with witches in the Middle Ages.
  • An estimated 100 million cats live in the United States, including both pets and free-ranging cats.
  • A rural domestic cat can kill up to 1,000 wild animals per year. Nationwide, cats kill over a billion small mammals, like mice and other small rodents, and millions of birds each year.
  • In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens.
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