Vaccinations and regular check ups

Bella has her annual check up

Because cats are so good at hiding illness and discomfort it is imperative that they have a check-up at least once a year. Cats older than 9 years of age may need a physical twice a year especially if we identify any problems.
During the examination we check their eyes, mouth, teeth, ears, heart, lungs, skin, joints and belly for any abnormalities. Many cats start having dental problems as early as 3 years old. Skin disease, allergies and gut upsets an happen at any age.
We discuss the optimal diet for your particular cat because every cat is an individual.
Behavioural problems like inappropriate urination, yowling or attacking often come up in discussion, too.
If your cat is likely to go into boarding or other stressful situations then we recommend an annual vaccination for enteritis (also known as panleukopenia or parvovirus) and the two flu viruses (calicivirus and herpesvirus). This vaccine is also known as the F3 or 3 in 1 vaccination.
Inside cats who don't go into boarding may need less frequent F3 vaccination.
Cats who go outdoors or who may escape home, particularly if they fight, require an FIV vaccination against feline AIDS every year. It is important that cats receive the FIV vaccine boosters exactly 12 months apart.
We also give or recommend the best worming and flea treatments for your cat during the annual visit.

Make vet visits easier

FC in for her annual checkup

Bringing your cat to the vet can be a stressful experience for you, your cat, the vet and the nurse.

Some cats yowl as soon as the car starts, others pee in the carrier every trip.

An upset cat is difficult for your vet to examine and stress skews some blood tests.

How do we make visits to the vet less stressful for all concerned?

Leave the carrier out permanently in your home.  Many cats will rest or hide in it or use it as a play thing, particularly if it has been about since they were kittens. Pop some treats in the carrier so that your cat associates it with a pleasant experience.

Apply Feliway spray to bedding in the carrier regularly and just before transport. Feliway contains a natural pheromone that relaxes cats.  Lining the carrier with a favourite person'sclothing may also calm your cat.

Withhold food before travel to prevent travel sickness and consequent negative feelings about car rides. Short practice rides followed by a good experience such as a favourite food help some cats to relax in the car.

Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket, or place one over the cat in the carrier so that she can hide if she needs to.

In the waiting room place the carrier up off the ground on a seat or bench and well away from other cats. If your cat is wide-eyed, trembling,or huddled at the back of the carrier ask the receptionist to put her in a spare quiet room.

Because cats hide illness and pain so well they need regular, scheduled visits to the vet to ferret out problems like arthritis, thyroid and kidney disease and liver and heart decline. Annual visits are adequate for cats less than 8 years old. Older cats need checks more often, especially if any problems have been identified.

Unfortunately, cats often don’t show us they’re sick until it’s almost too late.

Reducing the stress of vet visits means more frequent checkups and a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life for your feline friend.

Cats only!

Thank you for listening Hall Vet Surgery!

From Wednesday 24th April we are trialling a cat-only consultation time from 6 - 8 pm every Wednesday evening. This will be a quiet, dog-free period so that cats are stressed as little as possible before seeing their vet.

Most cats find the vet surgery waiting room a stressful place. They can smell and see dogs and strange humans. Doors bang, dogs bark, people laugh and talk, cages clang.

On ordinary days we find that by the time cats reach the exam table many are very wound up. Vets and nurses find a tense cat hard to examine and results from blood tests are skewed by the body’s stress response.

While cats are hunters they are also prey. In their natural or familiar environment they are very efficient at defending themselves against perceived threats. 

When they are unable to act because they are trapped in a carrier or unable to hide they get ready to flee or attack.  The vet visit becomes very unpleasant for the cat, the owner and the veterinary staff.

Hall Vet Surgery wants to minimise your cat’s stress and make the vet visit a more relaxed and comfortable experience for your cat and you.

Look at the vet visit from your cat’s point of view and book your next visit for a Wednesday evening.

Last chance to book for Cat information night

All dressed up and ready to go!

Only three weeks until our Cat information night! Seats are running out fast. If you haven't already registered phone reception today.
Our first speaker will put cat behaviour under the microscope. Ever wondered why cats rub their faces on everything? Or why some rip lounges to pieces? Or why some cats take to spraying urine all over the house? We'll learn why, and how to reduce this unwelcome behaviour.
Then we hear about a new diet for easing aching joints and reducing discomfort from arthritis.
I'll be talking about making a trip to the vet with your feline a more pleasant experience for you both. I'll also help you to recognise signs of illness and pain more easily.
Last of all we'll discuss how we can help you make the lives of your beloved cats as long and comfortable as possible.
Look forward to seeing you on the 21st September at Hall Pavilion!