Cats on the prowl

Male cats hit the tiles in late winter and spring looking for females and trouble.  Adrenaline levels rise and even the most placid felines - entire or desexed - will ready for a fight with intruders.
Already this winter we have seen a couple of cats with abscesses that have come up after a brawl in the backyard.  Sometimes the scratches and bites are obvious and carers bring their cat in for preventative antibiotics and pain relief.  More often the first sign is a swollen face, a lame foreleg or pus discharging from a soft lump.  If not treated with antibiotics and drainage of the pus, blood poisoning and infection of deeper organs develops.
Wandering cats cause anxiety in some inside cats, too.  We see cats marking doors and windows, passing blood in their urine and overgrooming because they are feeling anxious.  These behavioural problems are much harder to treat and it is almost impossible to prevent strange cats wandering through your yard.  Refer to the Indoor Cat link to the right of this blog for some suggestions to try at home.  Sometimes we have to supplement your efforts with calming medication (for the cat!).

Our star Asta!

Asta the Norwegian Forest Cat playing after her spey today

Young cats like Asta recover rapidly after desexing.  They have pain prevention before surgery and more during the operation.  Cuddles during recovery and a warm bed to curl up in afterward ensure that they are happy and ready for dinner when their carers come to pick them up.

Cat retirement condominium

Nicholas on heating pad in fleece lined bed... he has elbow arthritis and demands comfort.







Tabby is the quiet achiever.  She also has a heating pad but even though she is older does not have the arthritis troubles that Nicholas suffers.  Perhaps because she is more of a home body and doesn't jump fences.

Cinta

I thought my Cinta was the only one in the world until I met this gorgeous Blue Russian Cinta last week.  Cinta means love in Indonesian and both Cintas have a lot of love to give!

Tough decisions

Despite our best efforts sometimes we have to make tough decisions about a cat’s future. We are privileged to be able to end the suffering of animals who are in untreatable pain or have an illness that prevents them from enjoying life. Euthanasia allows a pet to die in peace, with dignity and without further suffering.
Sometimes a discussion with your vet helps clarify all the issues surrounding a pet’s illness. You may find other diagnostic or therapeutic options that you haven’t followed up. Sometimes palliative care is available that makes a pet’s life comfortable and worth going on with.
If you decide that your cat is not enjoying life and/or that you are not enjoying your cat’s company any more then euthanasia is the best option. Pets rarely die “in their sleep” or only after much suffering and discomfort.
We euthanase pets with an injection of a strong anaesthetic into a vein. They relax into unconsciousness within a few seconds and the heart stops soon afterward. Sometimes we give a sedative to calm nervous animals before the lethal injection.
Families may stay with their pet or leave the room while the injection is given. Many pets die in their owner’s arms or as they are soothed to sleep in a nurse’s arms. You may stay with your cat for as long after the injection as you need.
We understand that you will feel very sad when your pet dies. Most cats have been part of their families for a very long time and been through the rough and the smooth with you. Don’t be afraid to show your feelings in front of the vet and nurse. We have been there too.
Accept that it usually takes some time to get over any loss. It often helps to talk about your cat’s death. Try not to feel guilty or blame yourself or others for your pet’s death. Remember that you cared for your cat and did all you could when they were ill. Treasure your memories and photographs. Remember the good times and what you loved most about your cat.
The death of a pet is often a child’s first experience of death. Tell them the truth. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and tell them how you feel. Help them to understand that they are not to blame. Talk to them about your pet and concentrate on the good times. Don’t get a new pet too soon. You all need time to get over the death of the first one.

Webster the Burmilla

Burmese and Chinchillas were combined to form Burmillas like handsome Webster.  Webster joins a household of Pomeranians and at 4 months of age is already twice the weight of his Pommie sister Millie!
He visited us today to familiarise himself with his vet and to support Millie while she had her annual check up and vaccinations.  He enjoys chicken necks, meat chunks and dental cat biscuits, and has beautiful teeth and perfect body condition as a result.

The new supervisor at Hall Vet Surgery

my best side?

Loki on duty in the waiting room

The position of supervisor at the Surgery has been vacant since Dorothy was promoted to farm cat and George moved on to higher things.  Fortunately Loki has consented to fill in on a part time basis.  I snapped him this morning inspecting the premises and deciding on the best pose and place to exercise his duties...

Friends for Life

The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released a fabulous new brochure for owners of older cats.  It covers signs of aging, nutrition, disease, dental care, in fact all of the issues we've been grappling with here!  Download and enjoy!!

Friends for Life brochure