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Pet Health Library

Cats + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in cats. Even cats that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing, therefore infecting your cat without her coming into contact with another animal. Your veterinarian is your most important resource in determining what vaccinations you need to give your cat to keep her protected.

  • Tapeworm Infection in Cats

    Los gusanos planos son parásitos intestinales de los perros y los gatos. Forman parte del grupo de los cestodos. Pertenecen a una familia diferente de la de los gusanos gancho y gusanos redondos, que son otros gusanos intestinales comunes en perros y gatos. Hay diferentes tipos de gusanos redondos infectivos en gatos. El más común de todos con diferencia es el Dipylidium caninum.

  • Roundworm Infection in Cats

    Los gusanos redondos son uno de los parásitos intestinales más comunes en gatos. En gatitos, pueden llegar a provocar enfermedad grave, incluso la muerte. Cómo su nombre indica, son unos gusanos redondos y alargados, con una longitud media de 8–15 cm (3–6).

  • Cats are curious by nature, which can lead them into trouble, especially when they ingest items not meant to be eaten, such as thread, wool, paper, rubber bands, plant materials, and small toys. While some will pass through the digestive tract, some foreign bodies can cause serious problems. This handout explains foreign bodies in the intestinal tracts of cats and reviews clinical signs, diagnostic tests, treatment, and the prognosis of these situations.

  • Post-Operative Instructions in Cats

    Usted debería preparar para su gato una cama blanda y limpia, para mantenerlo caliente y limpio, y situarla idealmente en un ambiente tranquilo y limpio a una temperatura aproximada de 20–22 ºC (68–72º F).

  • This handout discusses the anatomy of the cat’s ear canal, how to safely clean your cat’s ears to prevent ear infections, and how to apply topical ear medications if needed.

  • In some cases, two laid-back adult cats can be easily introduced with minimal drama. In other cases, however, the introduction does not go as smoothly. Some adult cats may physically fight with each other, resulting in potential injuries. Even in the absence of physical aggression, introductions can provoke anxiety that leads to inappropriate elimination, decreased appetite, or other signs of stress in one or both cats. Fortunately, you can help increase the likelihood of success by introducing two adult cats slowly and gradually.

  • Ivermectin + pyrantel is a heartworm disease preventive that treats and controls hookworms and roundworms in dogs. Ivermectin alone is a heartworm preventative for cats that also treats and controls hookworms. This product for cats and dogs is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, ivermectin + pyrantel for dogs and ivermectin for cats is well-tolerated. Some dog breeds (e.g., collies, sheepdogs, and collie- or sheepdog-cross breeds) are more sensitive to ivermectin than others; your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of using this medication in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.

  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is also commonly referred to as dry eye. It is an uncommon eye condition in cats. It results from inadequate production of the watery portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland or the third eyelid gland. Cats with KCS have painful, red, eyes with squinting. Corneal ulcers may also be present. Chronic cases have scarring on the cornea, impairing vision. The prognosis for cats diagnosed with KCS is good with long-term treatment and diligent monitoring.

  • Play is important. All kittens need the opportunity to play with toys as well as social play. While learning about their environment, kittens can damage valuable objects, including furniture and curtains. Toys and treats can be hidden inside empty boxes and kiddie tunnels to satisfy a kitten’s need to explore. Supervise kittens carefully to prevent damage and to keep them safe.