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Health
- Do lilies pose a threat to my cat’s health?
- What diet should I feed a cat?
- How can I keep my cat's teeth clean and healthy?
- What vaccinations does my cat need?
- Can FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) be passed from cats to humans?
- What should I do if my cat is hit by a car?
- What should I do if I discover an injured cat and am not the owner?
- Can cats get sunburned?
Did you know that...
Cats should not be given cow's milk because they can be intolerant of lactose, a sugar found in milk. Giving a cat cow's milk, especially in larger quantities, may cause diarrhoea.
Please note: If you have any concerns about your cat’s health or behaviour please contact your vet as soon as possible.
Do lilies pose a threat to my cat’s health?
Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats. Signs of poisoning can include continued
vomiting, blindness, paralysis, renal failure, coma and death. It is not only
the ingestion of the plant that can cause such signs in cats, brushing past
the flower and then grooming the pollen from the fur can also have the same
effect.
Identified as the most dangerous types of lily are: the Easter
Lily (Lilium Longiflorum), the Tiger Lily (Lilium Tigrinum), the Rubrum Lily
(Lilium Speciosum), the Stargazer Lily (Lilium Orientalis), the Japanese Show
Lily (Lilium Lancifolium), Asiatic Lilies and species of the Day Lily (Hemerocalis),
but do take care with all types of lily.
Lilies are becoming increasingly
popular in bouquets and incidents of poisoning are increasing according to
the RSPCA, but do not panic, just use your common sense when dealing with lilies
and avoid including them in bouquets. The RSPCA is currently campaigning for
clearer labeling about the dangers to cats on bouquets and plants.
What diet should I feed a cat?
Cats are carnivores (meat-eating animals) and should not be fed a vegetarian diet. Also avoid feeding a cat dog food as it doesn't contain the correct nutrients for felines. Nowadays, commercial cat foods are specially designed to meet a cat's dietary needs and provide all the nutrients they need. Kittens, pregnant and lactating queens have specific nutritional requirements.
How can I keep my cat's teeth clean and healthy?
Many adult cats suffer from heavy build-up of plaque or calculus on their teeth which causes them great discomfort when eating and will eventually lead to a refusal to eat and/or teeth loss.
Plaque and calculus can be removed by a veterinary surgeon while the cat is under a general anaesthetic. You can also buy food which loosens plaque and calculus whilst eating and teeth cleaning products are available. Many cats do not like having their teeth brushed; however, if brushing is started when they are young kittens tolerance levels increase.
What vaccinations does my cat need?
Your cat will need protection against feline enteritis and cat 'flu. Depending
on your circumstances he may also need vaccination against feline Leukaemia
and chlamydophilosis. For more detailed information about diseases and when
to vaccinate click here
Can FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) be passed from cats to humans?
No. This virus can't be passed from cat to human. It is transmitted between cats via bodily fluids, most commonly by saliva through cat bites and in some cases from mother to kittens. Affected cats have an ineffective immune system and are vulnerable to subsequent infections (eg chest infections). However, some cats infected with the virus may live a a full healthy life. Cats with FIV shoud be kept indoors to reduce the spread of the disease to other cats. Currently there is no vaccine available against FIV in the UK.
What should I do if my cat is hit by a car?
Only move your cat if it is absolutely necessary, movement could cause further damage. If you have to move him because he's in a dangerous place or your vet advises you to do so, follow this technique. Place a board, tray or coat behind the cat, gently slip both hands; palms facing upwards, under his shoulders and hindquarters and slide him onto the board (take care not to disturb the cat's position in case of injury).
What should I do if I discover an injured cat and am not the owner?
If the cat is moveable take him to a vet and inform the veterinary staff that you are not the owner. If the cat has no identification, spread the word in your neighbourhood that you have discovered an injured cat and taken it to the vets. Putting up some posters may help to inform the owners of their cat's whereabouts.
Can cats get sunburned?
Cats, like humans, can burn in strong sunshine, with white and pale coloured felines being the most a risk. If you have a pale coloured cat make sure that he has sun block on his ears and nose, the two areas most likely to burn. Use a waterproof non-toxic sun scrren which your cat can’t lick off and reapply the cream throughout the day. Ask your vet for a suitable sun cream to use. Try to keep your cat indoors between 10am and 3pm this is when the sun is hottest. Always provide a shady retreat for hot cats.
