Cats
Please refer to this information for guidance on the routine healthcare requirements for cats.
Vaccinations
We can vaccinate cats against four viruses:
- Panleucopaenia virus
- Feline herpesvirus
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline leukaemia virus (optional)
Schedule of vaccination:
Kittens
Kittens need a course of two injections. The first one should be give at around the age of 9 weeks, and the second vaccine should be given 3-4 weeks later.
Adult cats
Adult cats need annual booster injections. However, if your cat's booster has lapsed, it will be required to restart their vaccinations with the two-injection course in order to generate the necessary immunity.
Please note, if your cat is travelling outside the UK there may be additional vaccination requirements.
Fleas
Fleas are external parasites which may be found on your pet, and survive by feeding on their blood. Flea infestations can be harmful to your pet and a nuisance in your home. It is easier to prevent fleas than it is to clear an infestation, therefore we reccommend using a flea treatment year round. This is typically in the form of a 'spot-on' medication which is a liquid that is applied onto the skin on the back of the cats neck.
Our vets are able to clinically assess your cat and dispense an appropriate prescription-only flea treatment, which are more effective than over-the-counter flea treatments. Please note that your cat must be assessed by a vet once a year in order for any prescription parasite treatments to be dispensed. We aim to coincide this with your cats annual booster and general heath check, however this assessment can also be completed in a seperate flea and worm consultation.
Since flea treatments are weight-dependent, it is important that your pet is regularly weighed. For kittens, we require an up to date weight monthly in order to dispense any flea treatment, to ensure that they receive the correct dose. This is because they are still growing therefore their weight should be increasing monthly. Our nurses are able to weigh your kitten and apply the treatment in practice monthly, at no additional cost to the price of the treatment.
Once your cat reaches their stable adult weight, flea treatment can be dispensed for you to apply at home, however you can continue to bring your cat into practice for our nurses to apply the treatment if you prefer.
Worming
Worms are internal parasites which can affect your pet, as well as having health implications for you and your family. The types of worms that affect cats are:
- Roundworms
- Tapeworm
- Hookworms
Treatment regime
Kittens should be wormed monthly until 6 months of age.
Adult cats should be wormed at least once every three months. However, factors such as whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, or whether they have a tendency to hunt, may indicate that more frequent worming treatment is required. This can be determined during your cats parasite assessment.
Microchipping
It is now a legal requirement for all cats to be microchipped by 20 weeks of age, including indoor cats.
Microchipping is beneficial because it facilitates your cat being reunited with you in the event they were to go missing. Consequently, it is important that you keep your cats microchip details up to date with any changes of contact information or address, for instance. This can be done by contacting the company your pet's microchip is registered to.
Neutering
Neutering can be beneficial for your cat since it prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and may reduce certain unwanted behaviours developing. We can neuter kittens from 4 months of age, once they weigh over 2kg.