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Putnam North Animal Hospital
12401 N. Rockwell
Oklahoma City, OK 73142
405-722-4777 or 405-721-PETS
Scott Mason, DVM
F. Kelley Ray, DVM, DABVP
PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE FOR YOUR CAT
1. ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR PET IS TO HAVE THEM
EXAMINED BY ONE OF OUR VETERINARIANS EVERY YEAR. Pets age more rapidly than
people. Examining them yearly increases the likelihood that problems can be identified and
corrected or minimized as quickly as possible. We will also cover
general health issues about your pet including diet
recommendations, internal and external parasite control, behavioral
concerns and age related issues such as arthritis. Depending upon
the age of your pet we may recommend certain tests such as a
CBC, blood chemistries, urinalysis, thyroid testing, ECG,
radiographs and glaucoma screening. There may be some years
where your pet doesn't receive any vaccines but has several tests
performed instead. Our only goal is that your pet has the longest,
healthiest life possible.
2. INTERNAL PARASITE EXAM
At the time of your pets' annual exam we will examine a stool or fecal sample. Typically the
sample we obtain from your pet is a fairly small quantity.
Why do I need to bring in another stool sample?
To ensure we perform the most accurate assessment possible we will be sending you home a
container for you to obtain a larger stool sample for testing. The size of the sample we need is
about the size of a small tootsie roll (yes, we know that's gross). A second, more accurate test
by centrifugation will then be performed. This ensures we have done everything possible to
make sure your pet is free of internal parasites.
Why is it so important for my pet to be free of internal parasites?
Internal parasites have many very serious implications for you and your pet. At a minimum they
can cause poor hair coat, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and weight loss. Severe cases can
cause obstruction, vomiting, anemia and even death. Humans are at risk also because the
larvae of some parasites can penetrate the skin and cause cutaneous (skin) or visceral (internal
organs) migrans. This can cause skin lesions, blindness, organ failure and even death,
especially in small children. WE RECOMMEND EVERY PET BE ON A YEAR ROUND
INTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL PROGRAM.
3. VACCINATION
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Recent advances in veterinary medical science have resulted in an increase in the number and
type of vaccines that are available for use in cats, and improvements are continuously being
made in safety and efficacy. Some vaccines are more or less routinely advocated for all cats
(‘core’ vaccines) whereas others are used more selectively according to circumstances.
However, in all cases the selection of the correct vaccination program for each individual cat,
including the frequency of repeat, booster, vaccinations, requires professional advice. There is
always a chance that your pet might be exposed to an infectious agent that he or she wasn't
vaccinated against. Therein lays the dilemma. The bottom line is we want to protect your pet
but minimize the risks of any potential reactions or side effects.
Currently cats can be vaccinated against several different diseases:
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‘Core’ Vaccines:
Feline panleukopenia, FPL (feline infectious enteritis) caused by FPL virus or feline
parvovirus.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis, FVR caused by FVR virus or herpes virus type 1, FHV-1.
Feline caliciviral disease caused by various strains of Feline caliciviruses, FCV.
Rabies caused by Rabies virus
Non-core, discretionary vaccines:
Feline chlamydial infection
Feline leukemia disease complex caused by Feline
leukemia virus, FeLV
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) caused by FIP virus or
Feline Coronavirus
Giardiasis caused by the protozoal parasite Giardia
Bordetellosis caused by the bacterium Bordetella
bronchiseptica
FIV caused by the Feline Immunosuppressive Virus
What are the risks of vaccination?
There are very few risks to vaccination but occasionally some patients will have reactions or
side effects. You may notice your cat has a temporary loss of appetite or is less lively a day or
two after a vaccination, but this should resolve within 24 to 48 hours. In a very few cats, they
may be allergic to one or more components of the vaccine and have more serious side effects
such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and in rare circumstances, even death. You
should let our office know immediately if you suspect your pet is reacting to the vaccines. A rare
form of cancer has been associated with a reaction to vaccine or vaccine components in a very
small number of cats. It is for this reason that you need to notify us immediately if you feel any
lumps or bumps after your pet receives vaccines.
Will vaccination always protect my cat?
Vaccination will protect the vast majority of cats but under some circumstance vaccine
breakdowns will occur. Reasons for such breakdowns or apparent ‘vaccine failure’ include:
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Variations between different strains of viruses: This is particularly a problem for example
with Feline Calici Virus infections, where, like the “common cold” in people, there are a large
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number of different strains. Some of these strains are not covered or only partially crossprotected by available vaccines.
Maternally derived antibodies: When a kitten is born and after it suckles its mother, it is
acquires a proportion of antibodies from the mother. A well vaccinated queen cat will pass
on some antibodies to the diseases she has been vaccinated against, and any others she
has acquired naturally. Such antibodies protect the kitten against those diseases for the first
two or three months of life, arguably the most critical period. However, during this same
period, the maternally-derived antibodies can block the effects of vaccination of the kitten.
This blocking effect decreases as the maternal antibodies gradually disappear over those
two to three months. A point in time is reached when vaccination can be successfully given.
Unfortunately, this point varies between kittens, mainly because the amount of maternal
antibodies that each kitten receives is variable. This is part of the reason that two
vaccinations are usually given two to three weeks apart in the kitten vaccination program.
The cat was stressed or not completely healthy at the time of vaccination: 'Stress' can
prevent a good response to vaccination. For this reason it is better to let a kitten settle in its
new home for 5-7 days before a vaccination is given, and the physical examination before
vaccinating helps ensure the cat is healthy at that time.
The cat has been exposed to an excessive challenge dose of virus or bacteria in its
environment and this has been sufficient to overwhelm the immunity.
The immune system of the cat is under-performing because of some other disease, or
complications associated with advanced age.
These are not the only reasons for vaccination failure but they are the most likely
explanations.
Which are the most important vaccinations to have?
This is a difficult question and will depend on individual circumstances including the area you
live in and the lifestyle of your cat. As mentioned before, certain vaccines are more routinely
given and are regarded as ‘core’ vaccines. Others may or may not be advised depending on the
particular situation of your cat. We will be able to advise you of the most appropriate
vaccinations to give your cat.
Feline panleukopenia infection
This is an uncommon disease today because of widespread vaccination, but the risk remains
widespread. When disease occurs it is a severe and often fatal gastroenteritis, with profound
depression, dehydration and collapse. It is very contagious to other cats. Vaccination provides a
high level of long lasting protection.
Feline respiratory virus infection
Disease is caused by FVR virus (FHV-1) or the caliciviruses (FCV), or the bacterium Bordetella
- sometimes together. The syndrome is commonly termed Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) or
sometimes, erroneously, “Cat Flu”. While not usually very serious (except in young kittens) it is
a very common infection in unvaccinated cats and can cause long-term problems. Vaccination
is only moderately effective as solid immunity to these viruses is not long term, and may be
overcome by a high dose of virus in the immediate environment. Vaccination does significantly
reduce the severity and duration of URI. Cats at high risk may require twice yearly vaccination,
at least initially, to provide better protection.
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Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and Feline Immunosuppressive Virus (FIV)
These viruses are widespread and infection of cats that go outdoors or cats in infected catteries
is common. The vast majority of persistently infected cats will die either from tumors or as a
consequence of the immunosuppression caused by the viral infection. Current vaccines provide
a good level of protection. Because these viruses tend to take many months before they cause
disease, infected cats can appear completely normal and healthy. For this reason we may
suggest your cat have a blood test to make sure it is not infected before vaccination. Despite
vaccination, a few cats will still become infected with these viruses. Since the leukemia virus
can be spread fairly easily, we commonly recommend this vaccine to patients that go outdoors
or on the patio, into the garage or have siblings that go outdoors. Conversely, the FIV virus
tends to be spread between cats by fight wounds. If your cat gets into fights with other cats
then we may recommend this vaccine.
Rabies
This is such an important disease because of the almost 100% fatality rate of cases once
symptoms occur, and because of its potential transmission to people by bites from infected
animals. Rabies vaccination is an essential part of the vaccination program for all cats and is
required by local and State law.
REGULAR VACCINATION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ROUTINE HEALTH CARE FOR
YOUR CAT AND HELPS TO ENSURE YOUR CAT REMAINS FIT AND WELL.
What vaccines should not be given?
Currently, there are many opinions of which vaccines should and should not be given. We
follow the recommendations of the AVMA as well as the American Association of Feline
Practitioners. They are the leading experts in the country regarding feline medicine. It is the
general consensus of these national experts that the vaccines for FIP and Chlamydia should
never be given and the Giardia vaccine should only be given to cats with continual exposure to
this parasite.
4. HEARTWORM PREVENTION
New studies have been released in the last year that indicate that feline heartworm disease is a
much more serious threat to cats than once believed. Although generally considered a parasite
of dogs, studies reveal an actual infection rate in cats of around 6%. This is higher than Feline
Leukemia disease! Currently there is no accurate test for feline heartworm disease. The most
common clinical symptoms cats exhibit when infected include coughing and rapid breathing.
Other signs can include weight loss and vomiting. Some cats show no symptoms at all and just
die suddenly. Currently there is no treatment for feline heartworm disease. WE RECOMMEND
ALL CATS BE ON YEAR ROUND HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE.
What product is best for my cat?
There are many products marketed today for prevention of feline heartworm disease. The
product that we like the best is Advantage Multi. This product is applied topically to the skin on
the back of your pets' neck. It will prevent heartworms, deworm your pet for hookworms and
roundworms, and control fleas and ear mites. It can be applied every 30 days if fleas are a
concern or every 60 days if heartworm prevention and deworming are the primary goals.
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A LIFETIME OF WELLNESS-CAT
For adult cats over the age of 1 year
 Annual comprehensive physical examination
 Weight check / Body condition scoring
 Nutritional assessment
 Dental examination
 Stool checks for intestinal parasites
 Vaccinations based on lifestyle
 Monthly Heartworm prevention/parasite control
As your pet matures and grows older we will recommend wellness tests throughout their life to help you keep them as
healthy as possible. The Doctors' recommendations are based on:
AGE
CURRENT HEALTH STATUS
BREED
Young Adult (1-5 years)
o Spay / Neuter— if not done as a kitten (will require a pre-anesthetic panel)
o Bloodwork: Basic chemistries and CBC - general screening, or pre-anesthetic for dental cleaning
Felv/FIV test—based on lifestyle or current health condition
o Dental cleaning—if needed
Mature (6-9 years)
o Spay / Neuter— if not done as an adult (we do not recommend keeping any pet intact past 6 years of age)
o Bloodwork: Basic chemistries and CBC - general screening, medication monitoring or dental cleaning
Thyroid testing-screening for thyroid conditions or medication monitoring
Felv/FIV test—based on lifestyle or current health condition
o Dental cleaning— each year may be likely
o Urinalysis—screening for bladder or kidney conditions
o Chest X-ray—screening or monitoring for heart conditions
Senior (10-12 years)
o Spay / Neuter—pet is now at serious risk for life-threatening conditions (infection or cancer)
o Bloodwork: Basic chemistries and CBC - general screening, medication monitoring or dental cleaning
Thyroid testing - screening for thyroid conditions or medication monitoring
Felv/FIV test—based on lifestyle or current health condition
o Dental cleaning— each year is recommended for the over-all health of pet
o Urinalysis—screening for bladder or kidney conditions
o Chest X-ray—screening or monitoring heart conditions
Geriatric (13 + years)
o Spay / Neuter— pet is at extreme medical risk for life-threatening illness (infection or cancer)
o Bloodwork: Basic chemistries and CBC - general screening, medication monitoring or dental cleaning
Thyroid testing -screening for thyroid conditions or medication monitoring
Felv/FIV test—based on lifestyle or current health condition
o Dental cleaning—each year to help maintain health of pet
o Urinalysis—screening for bladder or kidney conditions
o X-ray—screening or monitoring heart conditions, osteoarthritis
o ECG—monitoring the electrical activity of the heart
Additional tests not listed here may be recommended as needed to evaluate specific medical condition.
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