Preventative Health Care for Cats

Want to learn more about your cat’s preventative health care?
Preventative care is essential for your cat’s health and well-being. By taking appropriate preventative measures tailored to your cat’s breed, age, lifestyle, and travel habits, you can help extend their lifespan, improve their quality of life, and potentially reduce future veterinary costs.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of healthy cat care:

Vaccines

Vaccines, often called “shots,” prevent diseases by providing immunity. This immunity can either completely clear the disease upon exposure or significantly lessen clinical signs and illness if contracted.

Most vaccines require a booster 3-6 weeks after the initial dose because the initial immunity is short-lived. For kittens, whose immune systems are still developing, some vaccines need to be boostered every three weeks from 6 weeks of age until they are 4 months old. Your veterinarian will provide a specific vaccine plan and schedule for your kitten.

General Care for Cats

Rabies Vaccine: This vaccine is required by law for all cats annually, although a 3-year vaccine is also available. It’s typically first given around 4 months of age. Rabies is a deadly neurological virus that can be spread to people and other animals through bites, and there is no treatment once contracted. Failure to vaccinate for rabies can result in significant penalties, including mandatory relinquishment, quarantine, or euthanasia of your pet, as well as financial penalties for not registering and certifying your pet’s vaccine with the county. While rabies cases have decreased due to vaccines, the virus still exists in unvaccinated pets and wildlife, including raccoons, opossums, bats, and feral cat populations. Florida has seen hundreds of positive cases in cats, dozens in dogs, thousands in raccoons, and human deaths from rabies in the past 20 years. Additionally, over 2,000 people have required treatment due to possible rabies exposure.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP): Rhinotracheitis: Caused by Feline Herpesvirus, this is a very common and incurable respiratory disease in cats, often leading to lifelong intermittent symptoms. Clinical signs include sneezing, eye and nose discharge, eye discomfort, and squinting. Advanced cases can cause dehydration and loss of appetite as cats rely heavily on their sense of smell for eating. It spreads easily through airborne respiratory secretions and direct contact with infected cats or contaminated objects. Unvaccinated, very young, and very old cats are most susceptible.

Calicivirus: Another common infectious viral respiratory disease that can cause severe oral pain, mouth sores, and ulcers. It spreads through direct contact with infected cats or contaminated objects like food dishes. This virus is highly resistant to disinfectants and can persist in the environment for extended periods. Unvaccinated and inadequately vaccinated cats of all ages are at risk.

Panleukopenia: A severe, highly infectious, and often fatal viral disease that significantly decreases white blood cells, compromising the body’s defense against disease. It can lead to secondary infections and severe gastrointestinal and nervous system issues. This virus also persists in the environment and spreads through direct contact with infected cats or microscopic viral particles. Unvaccinated and inadequately vaccinated cats of all ages are at risk.
It’s important to note that your indoor cat can still contract these viruses, as they can live as microscopic particles in the environment (dirt, soil, grass) for extended periods. You can inadvertently track these viruses into your home on your clothes or shoes. This combination vaccine should be started around 6 weeks of age, boostered every three weeks until 4 months of age, and then given annually throughout your cat’s life.

Heartworm Disease Testing and Prevention

Heartworm disease is a life-threatening illness transmitted by mosquitoes; a single bite from an infected mosquito can transmit the disease. Larvae travel through the bloodstream to the heart, where they mature, reproduce, and produce microfilaria (baby heartworms). Adult heartworms clog heart and lung vessels, leading to heart, lung, or liver failure. Common signs in cats include lethargy and not eating, though some may cough. Some cats show no signs but die suddenly. A blood test diagnoses heartworms, but it’s not a routine screening for cats unless the disease is suspected.

Prevention is crucial, even for indoor cats, as mosquitoes can easily enter homes. While eliminating standing water helps reduce mosquito populations, 100% prevention isn’t possible. Prevention is especially vital for cats because there’s no treatment for feline heartworm disease.

Heartworm preventatives for cats come in oral (e.g., Heartgard) or topical (e.g., Revolution Plus, which also protects against fleas and certain intestinal parasites) forms and must be given every 30 days.

Flea Prevention

Fleas are a year-round threat in Florida. Even if you don’t see them, they could be present. Some cats are flea allergic and can have severe skin reactions from just one bite. By the time you notice fleas, there are likely millions of eggs in your home waiting to hatch. Flea cocoons can survive in the environment for over a year, and nothing kills fleas inside them, making infestations difficult to eradicate.

Fleas also transmit diseases like bloodborne parasites and bacteria, and can lead to anemia from blood loss, sometimes requiring emergency care and blood transfusions. Even indoor cats are at risk; fleas can enter through cracks under doors or on your shoes, socks, or pants. They prefer animals over humans, so you might not even realize they’re feeding on your pet. They live in carpets, cracks in tile and wood floors, and furniture folds. Treating the environment often requires multiple exterminator visits and home treatments, and some chemicals can pose risks to humans and animals.

Prevention is key! Prescription-strength preventatives from a veterinarian are most effective, as many over-the-counter products are insufficient and can irritate your cat’s skin. Never use dog flea preventatives on cats, as they can be deadly. Flea baths and some flea collars are also ineffective and potentially irritating. Recommended preventatives include the combination flea and heartworm medication Revolution Plus.

Fecal Parasite Testing (Microscopic Testing)

This test should be done every six months to screen for gastrointestinal parasites. Parasites typically reside in the intestinal tract and pass microscopic eggs into feces, which can survive in the environment (dirt, soil, grass, household surfaces) for extended periods. Common intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. While most heartworm preventatives protect against some parasites, not all do, making routine testing important.

Even indoor cats can be exposed, as microscopic eggs can be carried into your home on shoes or present in potted plant soil. These parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, and weight loss, and most can be transmitted to people, especially children, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised. They also spread rapidly between pets in a household and are difficult to eliminate from the environment, so early detection and prevention are crucial\!

Urinalysis (Urine Testing)

Annual urine testing for cats is important for screening common urinary problems like crystalluria (urinary crystals). These microscopic mineral particles are like sand and can irritate the bladder lining. They can be present for long periods, causing discomfort without obvious clinical signs. Urinalysis also screens for other urinary diseases, such as infections and inflammation.

A severe outcome of urinary crystals is urinary tract obstruction, where crystals block the urethra, preventing urination. This is a life-threatening, painful condition that can lead to sudden illness, extreme lethargy, vomiting, bladder rupture, and potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. Most cats won’t show signs until the condition is advanced. Male cats are more susceptible to obstruction due to their smaller urethra, but females can also be affected. Detecting urinary crystals early helps prevent disease or obstruction; special diets or supplements can dissolve or prevent them.

Oral Care

Dental disease is prevalent in pets because they can’t care for their oral health like humans do. Oral bacteria release enzymes that cause gum inflammation, breakdown of periodontal ligaments (leading to loose teeth), and tooth surface decay, which can result in fractured teeth. These bacteria can also cause tooth root abscesses/infections and spread to the bloodstream, colonizing organs like heart valves, kidneys, and the liver. A recent study linked dental disease to kidney disease and kidney failure in cats.

Periodontal disease is very painful, though pets often hide their discomfort by chewing on the opposite side of their mouth or not chewing at all. The best at-home oral care is daily tooth brushing with cat-formulated enzymatic toothpaste. Cat-formulated dental treats, mouth rinses, drinking water additives, and special oral health foods can also be beneficial.

Diet

Food is a powerful tool for health. Many prescription diets are available to support various medical issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. Obesity is the most common disease in feline patients. Maintaining a healthy weight prevents conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Your veterinarian will help you create a personalized dietary plan. Feeding a high-quality diet with essential nutrients, tailored to your pet’s life stage and health needs, is crucial for optimal health. Portion control and minimizing or eliminating treats and table foods are also important.

Pet Health Insurance

We believe your cat deserves the highest quality of care, and pet insurance can help make that affordable. Trupanion is our hospital’s preferred insurance plan. While it doesn’t cover preventative care, it covers 90% of veterinary bills for illness or injury after your deductible. This coverage helps with unexpected costs for lab tests, surgery, or medications, allowing you to focus on your pet’s recovery.

Questions or need to schedule an appointment? Contact us today! We’re here to help!