Our guide to caring for your cat

Worming

• Cats are susceptible to roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm. These parasites are also a health risk to people if not treated, especially young children.
• Depending on the worming treatment use there will be different protocols. Many treatments are monthly, however, some can be used every 3 months.
• You should weigh your pet prior to giving worming treatments. You are welcome to use our scales
  at any time.

Flea prevention

• Fleas can cause irritation and significant skin disease all year round but can be easily prevented with a high-quality preventative product.
• Many different treatments are available including treatments that can be applied to the back of the neck and oral tablets. We can discuss this with you at your next appointment.

Good food – Good health

Premium adult or senior cat food will provide the required nutrition for your cat. Examples of these include Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet.

Dental health

• Daily brushing is the most effective way to ensure good dental health and prevent dental disease in later years.
• Dental chews such as Greenies can be commenced from 6 months of age to help slow tartar build up.

De-sexing

Desexing cats is recommended in urban areas. It not only helps to control cat populations, it can also have a positive effect on animal behaviour.

In males, it greatly reduces aggression towards other male cats, territorial urination (spraying), hypersexual behaviour and roaming. Desexing females avoids unwanted litters, greatly reduces chances of breast cancer, and reduces roaming and attracting males when in season.

Please note:

Desexing won’t change your cat’s personality.

While there is some tendency for desexed cats to put on weight, this can be managed through controlled feeding.

Desexing can be done from 5 months of age.

Microchip Identification

Microchips ensure permanent identification for your cat. The microchip is implanted under the skin on the back of the neck and can be implanted at any age.

If your cat is picked up by the council or animal shelter they will scan for a microchip and give you a call.

Ask our staff to have your pets’ microchip checked when they come in for an annual health check.

Council registration

Your cat needs to be registered with your local council from 3 months of age.

Health insurance

You can easily choose the best care for your cat with the peace of mind provided by pet health insurance.
Ensure you commence cover when they are a kitten to avoid exclusions.

Health insurance can cost as little as $16 per month. Look at these websites for further details:

• petsecure.com.au
• rspca.org.au
• bowwowinsurance.com.au
• petinsuranceaustralia.com.au