Catte Latte?

Stop press - delayed opening date...

All of the balls we've been juggling to get Canberra Cat Vet open on Monday 12th August have come tumbling down - the floor covering won't be laid until then, putting our opening date back a week.

So Monday 26th August is now our projected opening date.

Our apologies for any convenience this causes you

Every pet deserves a healthy, pain-free mouth

Dr Christine Hawke, a veterinary dentist, believes every pet deserves a healthy, pain-free, mouth. Most pets hide mouth pain and discomfort. Regular check ups and dental treatments prevent gum disease, tartar build-up and loss of teeth.
Book your cat's check-up during Dental Health month in August and be sure your cat is not stoically hiding a painful mouth.

A week to opening...

The reception desk has a bench at the end for your cat carrier. You can just get a glimpse of the signature Canberra Cat Vet red through the opening.
The floor covering will go down in the next few days - and then it will be a race to install all our veterinary equipment before Monday 12th!

Choosing the right carrier

We like carriers with tops that unclip and lift off leaving your cat snuggled in the bottom.
This carrier is a cheap one from a reject shop and ideal for a trip to the vet (until the clips become brittle or break!)
We unclipped the top and examined a comfortable and relaxed FC in the bottom. When we were finished the top went on quickly and easily.
There are lots of versions of the same design around, some more robust than others. Steer clear of the ones that have a thousand screws or fiddly little clips.

Lex came in this strong but easy to dismantle - and reconstruct - carrier

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.

Heading for 12th August!

The builders are installing the cupboards today. Soon the floor coverings will be down, the painting done and, yes, Daisy, Canberra Cat Vet will throw open its doors after 3 long years of planning!  
Who will be the first feline to check us out? Watch this space!
(and phone reception at Hall Vet Surgery on 6230 2223 if you have a 'poser' cat who would love to be the celebrated one!)