Immunizations
Four-fold vaccine
– vaccine for four diseases:
Panleucopenia (Parvo in cats) – a viral disease that causes severe intestinal problems and can likely lead to death.
Calici and Rhinotracheitis (Herpes) – two prevalent viruses that cause flu symptoms.
Chlamydia – bacteria that causes severe eye infections and sometimes even lung infections, digestive system problems and reproductive system problems.
The first vaccine should be given at 8 weeks, and another vaccination after two week. Cats over one year should be vaccinated once a year.
Rabies Vaccine:
recommended for cats that go out of the house into the yard or street. The vaccine is given to cats above 3 months in age, once a year.
Fleas and worms
Fleas are not only a bothersome esthetic problem. It is important to remember that in addition to the danger of there being blood suckers, they transmit many dangerous diseases to cats, some of which are even contagious to humans. Regular treatment of all the house pets and treatment of the living environment is the only way to stay free of them.
Preventive treatment for fleas:
Use of ampoules or spray preparations intended for cats once a month. The contents of the ampoules should be sprinkled on the skin of the cat’s nape or between the shoulder blades (the place where the animal cannot lick itself). The liquid is absorbed by way of the skin into the blood and provides protection against flees for a month. It is important to make note of the age and weight of the cat in order to prevent overdosing.
Treatment against intestinal worms:
Can be done with pills or shots to cats from the age of 6 weeks on. Afterwards treatment should be given every half year or when necessary (when worms appear).
Food
The nutrition of the cat has a direct influence on its health, and therefore it is recommended to buy quality food that can save your cat from various health problems, and save you the expenses of future treatments. Dry cat food contains all the components that your cat needs, therefore, it is not recommended to feed it food prepared for you or your family. Food ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN to cats: milk and milk products (cause diarrhea), bones of any kind (can cause tears or blockages in the intestines and death), spiced foods (cause digestive problems). Food should be adjusted to the age and weight of the cat as written on the package, and not simply according to the recommendation of the salesperson at the pet store, since he is not a veterinarian. Recommended firms that manufacture cat food: Science Diet, Royal Canin, Pro Plan, Nutro Choice.
Up to one year it is recommended to give the kitten dry food for kittens. Cats over one year can be fed dry food for adult cats.
Bodily Functions
The cat is a clean animal, and it naturally will empty its waste into a cat litter-box, which should not be situated near the food and water dishes. Special cat litter should be purchased, preferably clumping litter which clumps upon contact with urine and makes cleaning easier. The litter-box should be cleaned at least every other day, thus lowering the danger level of contracting illnesses.