Vaccination Schedule

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or "killed" viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your cat's immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins, or antibodies, to protect against disease. Generally, the immunity that a kitten has at birth begins to diminish after 9 weeks. It is then usually time to begin the initial vaccinations, with the booster following 3 to 4 weeks later. Thereafter, your cat will require repeat vaccinations for the rest of his or her life.

Please contact us so that we can determine the schedule that's right for your cat.

Common Diseases

	Intestinal Worms
	Heartworm

Worming

Intestinal worms are a common problem of cats. Common intestinal worms include roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm, for which we offer routine deworming services. Frequency of worming differs according to the age of the cat. Note that re-infection can occur from gardens and other cats, so keep an eye on the cat's motions from time to time. If worms or tapeworm segment are seen, an additional worming dose will be required.

At Home Health Check

There are a few important things that indicate that your cat may be ill. If you notice any of the following symptoms consult with your veterinarian.

	Coat - look for scratches, fleas, baldness, reddening to the skin and increased shedding of fur.
	Ears - look for brown wax, discharge, swelling and head held to one side.
	Eyes - look for discharge, inflammation of the eye lid and third eye lid.
	Teeth - look for drooling, inflamed gums and bad breath.
	Nose - look for discharge, listen for persistent sneezing and laboured breathing.
	Sickness and/or diarrhoea.

Poisons

Household, garage and garden chemicals can be extremely dangerous to your cat. Poisonous substances should be placed in a safe place to ensure your cat does not come into contact with them. If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, seek veterinary help IMMEDIATELY. If possible, you should take the packet/label from the poison with you to help identify the poison and treat it.

Determine your Cats's Age

The onset of old age can occur between 8 and 10 years for most cats, depending on heredity.

Spaying/Neutering

"Spay" surgery for females and "neuter" surgery for males, ensure sterilize dogs and cats. If you are not planning to breed your dog, you should consider having him/her spayed/neutered. At Ponds, this is a routine surgical procedure.

Reasons to Spay or Neuter your Dog:

	Spaying/Neutering reduces your dogs "need" to roam.
	It reduces or eliminates certain reproductive cancers.
	Spaying disburdens the female dog of the heat cycle and all other discomforts that accompany it.
	It lessens a dog's need for dominance.
	A dog's lifespan is increased if it is spayed/neutered.
	Spaying/neutering eliminates the owner's concern of unwanted puppies, runaway stud dogs, stained furniture, and nervous and agressive mood swings in pets.
	It relieves the community of homeless dogs and property damage.

Ticks & Fleas

Ticks and fleas are external parasites that can spread diseases, and in heavy investations, can cause anemia from blood loss. Symptoms of tick diseases may include fever, anemia, weight loss, unexplained bleeding, seizures, joint pain and poort appetite. Fleas may cause skin allergies, anemia and act as carriers for tapeworms and other diseases.

Prevention of tick and flea infestation is the primary means of controlling these diseases, but treatment is available.

Breeding

Females normally begin to go into 'heat' in their 10th month on average. At Ponds, we can perform a simple test to more accurately pinpoint the best time for mating. Pregnancy in cats lasts about nine weeks, but during the first half of that time a typical expectant cat gives few clues that she is pregnant. She hunts, rests, and generally behaves normally. Under the influence of progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy, and with an ever increasing weight in her abdomen, she soon moderates her behavior, gradually reducing her activity level and resting more.

Your Senior Cat

We can help you to decide when your dog has reached his/her Golden Years. Most reach this milestone around 8-10 years of age. Healthy adult cats should be examined at least once yearly to evaluate their weight, skin, teeth as well as the other major organ systems. Since older pets are at increased risk for problems in these areas, they should be seen at least twice yearly for examination.

Cats

Dogs