September 2022 Newsletter
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CALEDON COMMUNITY VOTES! |
Thank you to all those that voted putting us first! We are so appreciative of your trust!
The Glendale Team
The Glendale Team
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Have we seen your cat lately?
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On average, cats visit the veterinarian less than half as often as dogs. The assumption that cats don't require the same care or don't get ill as often as dogs just isn't true. And while indoor only cats are generally at a lower risk of injury or contagious illness, they are still at risk of general physical ailments such as dental pain and arthritis as much as they are at risk of developing age related illnesses including kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Even if your cat seems fine to you, they are skilled at hiding illness that even the most observant family member may not see as a sign of concern. Early intervention is the key when it comes to the health, happiness and longevity of our feline friends. This is achieved by annual physical examinations with appropriate vaccinations as suggested by your veterinarian.
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For the months of September, your friends at Glendale are offering 20% off all feline annual exams and necessary vaccinations.
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It is important to us to educate all our feline parents on the importance of regular veterinary visits for all cats of all lifestyles and all ages.
Concerned about having to travel with your cat? Read this article on how to lessen the stress of travelling with your cat.
Concerned about having to travel with your cat? Read this article on how to lessen the stress of travelling with your cat.
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An ounce of prevention is worth of a pound of cure.
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During an annual physical examination, the veterinarian will review your cat's lifestyle with you, ask questions about activity levels, bathroom habits, eating and drinking habits. They will also check your pet's weight looking for trends either up or down, listening to their heart and lungs and assessing your cat's body condition, making sure that your cat is in top form. This is your opportunity to ask the veterinarian any questions or concerns you may have. It is also the time that the Veterinarian will assess your cat's risk factors for developing illness or contracting external or internal parasites. The American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners recommend what are called core vaccines - those considered necessary for nearly every cat. The core vaccines protect cats against rabies (required by law), feline distemper (panleukopenia) and upper respiratory viruses. The vaccine for the feline leukemia virus (feLV) is frequently recommended as a core vaccine for kittens, since they're most at risk because of their immature immune system. It is also strongly encouraged for all outdoor cats or homes with multiple cats. The use of other vaccines and the frequency of vaccine boosters are best determined by you and your veterinarian.
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What to look for - subtle signs of concern.
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Signs of illness in cats can be subtle, so even the smallest thing may turn out to be significant. Here are some subtle signs of illness in the cat. Each is a sure sign to seek advice from your veterinarian.
1. Becoming more or less affectionate: A previously clingy cat acting uncharacteristically aloof, or a more independent cat that suddenly transforms into a needier cat are examples of subtle signs of illness.
2. Changes in activity: A decrease or increase in activity and /or a change in the cat's daily routine can be a sign of a medical condition. For instance, arthritis is far more common in cats than previously thought.
3. Changes in chewing or eating habits: Contrary to popular belief, most cats are not finicky eaters. Look for changes such as a decrease or increase in how much your cat eats. Eating less can be a sign of several disorders ranging from dental problems to cancer. Increased eating can be caused by diabetes, hyperthyroidism or other health problems. Cats with dental pain will often stop chewing food and start swallowing it whole, or leave food in the bowl to and back to it more often. When cats stop eating or drinking it can lead to serious complications. If your cat stops eating or drinking for 24 hours, it's time to head to the veterinarian.
4. Changes in water intake: Drinking more or less water can be an indicator of a health problem such as diabetes or kidney disease.
5. Unexpected weight loss or weight gain: Weight doesn't always go up or down with a change in appetite. Cats with diabetes or hyperthyroidism for example, may lose weight even if they eat more.
6. Bad breath: Moderate to advanced stages of dental disease can cause an unpleasant odour to come from the mouth. Bad breath may also be related to digestive disorders, infection or kidney disease. Sweet or fruity smelling breath can be a sign of diabetes.
7. Changes in grooming habits: Over grooming may be related to stress, pain or skin conditions. Fastidious groomers letting themselves go, even just a little bit, might be feeling unwell. A change in appearance or an unkempt appearance and increased shedding can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a glandular disorder common in cats.
8. Changes in sleeping habits: From cat napping more often to waking in the middle of the night, the explanation may be illness, perhaps associated with aging.
9. Changes in vocalization: Cats that begin to vocalize or cats that howl in the night may be doing so as a result of a medical problem. Feline cognitive dysfunction (feline dementia), hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure or anxiety are among the possible explanations.
10. Signs of stress: Cats dislike change more than anything. Changes in your family schedule, new pets coming or going, or even rearranging the furniture can cause stress. A cat that is not acting like themself may be anxious. Older cats may be particularly prone to stress. Anxious cats may exhibit behaviour changes (such as missing the litter box) and physical changes. Anxiety requires the same professional attention as diabetes or a heart condition. Left unchecked for long periods of time, it could lead to destructive behaviors and makes successful treatment of the anxiety difficult.
11. Changes in urination or bowel movements: If you notice a change in the frequency, colour, smell or volume of your cats waste, or in your cats bathroom behavior, tell your vet. Increased urination may indicate diabetes or kidney disease, and if your cat suddenly starts straining or crying in the litter box or having accidents outside the litter box, they could have lower urinary tract disease. The straining and crying could be a sign of a potentially life threatening condition known as urinary blockage and is a medical emergency. Alternatively, a cat that strains in the litter without producing any bowel movements may be constipated. Chronic constipation can be caused by or lead to mega colon which is a painful condition requiring medical intervention.
12. Something seems off: Never underestimate your own instincts. Cats are subtle creatures, and small changes in behaviour can mean a lot. Owners who know their pets best are the best judges of that and nobody knows your cat better than you!
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More tips for successful visit to the veterinarian.
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Spray the inside of the carrier with a cat-calming pheromone product (a synthetic copy of a cats friendly facial scents such as Feliway, at least 10 minutes prior to the trip.
A big meal just before a car ride could cause an upset tummy for cats that get car sick. At the same time, taking food away for too long before a veterinary visit can create stress. Ask your veterinarian what's best for your cat.
If your cat has a favorite toy, bring it along. You can also bring a towel or blanket that has the scent of family members, as well as your cats, smell. Place the blanket on the exam table and your cat on it. Some cats also prefer the security of a second towel draped over the carrier during transport.
In the veterinary waiting room, keep the carrier away from other animals, especially noisy or upset pets. Your lap is a good place for a carrier (the cat sees and smells you and is off the ground). You will be placed in a quiet exam room as soon as possible.
Try to chit chat for a few minutes with your veterinarian before the exam begins, perhaps relaying any changes in your pet's recent behavior. During this time your cat can become acclimated to the new surroundings.
Talk softly. sometimes voices in exam rooms echo or you may speak louder than normal. On the other hand, avoid whispering. A whisper may be mistaken for a cat hiss, and you don't want kitty to think you're upset. Keep cool. If you are upset or worried about a routine veterinary visit, your cat will pick up on your emotions, so take a few deep breaths and think good thoughts.
Spray the inside of the carrier with a cat-calming pheromone product (a synthetic copy of a cats friendly facial scents such as Feliway, at least 10 minutes prior to the trip.
A big meal just before a car ride could cause an upset tummy for cats that get car sick. At the same time, taking food away for too long before a veterinary visit can create stress. Ask your veterinarian what's best for your cat.
If your cat has a favorite toy, bring it along. You can also bring a towel or blanket that has the scent of family members, as well as your cats, smell. Place the blanket on the exam table and your cat on it. Some cats also prefer the security of a second towel draped over the carrier during transport.
In the veterinary waiting room, keep the carrier away from other animals, especially noisy or upset pets. Your lap is a good place for a carrier (the cat sees and smells you and is off the ground). You will be placed in a quiet exam room as soon as possible.
Try to chit chat for a few minutes with your veterinarian before the exam begins, perhaps relaying any changes in your pet's recent behavior. During this time your cat can become acclimated to the new surroundings.
Talk softly. sometimes voices in exam rooms echo or you may speak louder than normal. On the other hand, avoid whispering. A whisper may be mistaken for a cat hiss, and you don't want kitty to think you're upset. Keep cool. If you are upset or worried about a routine veterinary visit, your cat will pick up on your emotions, so take a few deep breaths and think good thoughts.
Call us to book an appointment. New patients always welcome!