Hayward Animal Hospital Provides Veterinary Services for Cats
Although cats and dogs share a similar physiology, these two popular pets have their differences. For example, cats are considered strictly carnivores while dogs are omnivores, or animals that eat other foods besides meat. Cats also need certain nutrients like taurine for eye and heart health. Dogs do not. Also, cats and dogs require vaccinations against diseases specific to their species.
At Hayward Animal Hospital, your veterinarian provides all wellness services essential for keeping cats healthy and happy throughout their life stages.
Vaccinations for Kittens
Core vaccinations–rabies, distemper (feline panleukopenia), feline calicivirus and feline viral rhinotracheitis–can be given to six-week-old kittens as long as they are in good health. Your Hayward veterinarian can help you decide if your kitten would benefit from a once every three years vaccination or a one-year vaccination.
Non-core vaccinations are those given to kittens according to their lifestyle. Cats allowed to roam outside or living in multiple cat households should receive non-core vaccinations. These vaccines include chlamydia, ringworm, feline infectious peritonitis and feline leukemia.
Spaying and Neutering Cats
Neutering male cats reduces their urge to spray, roam far from the home and fight with other cats. In addition to preventing pregnancy and heat cycles, spaying female cats can reduce their risk of suffering cancer and bladder infections. Both procedures are safe and minimally invasive. Cats undergoing a spay or neuter procedure can be picked up the day after their surgery. Spaying or neutering can be done to cats six months old or older. It is best to spay a female cat before they enter their first heat cycle.
Flea, Tick and Worm Prevention
Made especially for cats, flea and tick collars and oral parasite preventives are available at our animal hospital and are integral to your cat’s health and well-being. Roundworms and tapeworms can cause weight loss, dehydration and recurring infections in cats. Flea dermatitis makes cats scratch and bite their skin until bleeding and scabbing occur. Fleas carry diseases that may be potentially fatal to cats.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases
Nearly three out of every 10 cats seen by a veterinarian have a common cat disease called feline lower urinary tract disease. Diagnosed in both male and female cats, this urinary tract disease tends to affect overweight cats or cats that eat little to no wet food. Symptoms of FLUT include urinating outside the litter box, difficulty urinating, licking and sniffing around their urinary area constantly or bloody urine. Untreated FLUT may lead to dehydration as well, especially since cats should get about half their fluids from wet food and are not eager water drinkers.
Contact Your Hayward Veterinarian Today
Caring Pet Hospital in Hayward specializes in treating cats of all ages and breeds. If your cat needs a wellness check, vaccinations or parasite prevention, call (510) 537-1788 today to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
