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In this section, we have included some downloadable files for you to view or print. This section will be updated on a regular basis with new information and if you can't find the advice you are looking for, please feel free to contact ourselves Click here for our contact form or call 0871 890 3034 where we can hopefully assist. |
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<<--Click here for the rehoming advice form-->> You will need Adobe Reader which can be downloaded for free here
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Please click on the link below, which provides information on how to get low cost neutering for your cat/kitten at selected vets: The link below provides information on why you should have your cat neutered |
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If you have lost your cat, please click on the link below for information on searching for your cat Alternatively, if you think you have found a stray cat, please click on the link below for information on re-uniting him with his owner |
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If you have just adopted a new cat/kitten, the link below will be very helpful in providing information on how to care for your cat and how to give your cat the best possible start in life |
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To find out more information on cats with FIV, please click on the link below |
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If you need help on rehoming your cat, please click the link below |
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| The Old Cat - FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM | ||||
As our feline friends become older there are a number of problems that may arise with their health. Unfortunately, we cannot stop the ageing process but there are some conditions of the older cat we can treat. In this article we will discuss one particular condition, hyperthyroidism. This is a condition caused by an excessive amount of thyroid hormone in the body. This arises because the thyroid glands located in the neck start to overproduce the hormone, we do not understand why this happens. In a small number of cases it is due to cancer of the gland but in most the gland seems to switch itself into overdrive. It is most common in cats over 12 years old but can also occur in younger cats. WHAT SIGNS SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR?· - Weight loss· Thyroid hormone regulates the body's metabolic rate (speed of energy use). The effects seen are wide ranging as the metabolic rate is pushed abnormally high. Most often we see weight loss but still a good appetite and the cat may even be eating more than before. He will probably be drinking more and if he has a litter tray you will notice more wetting. Vomiting and diarrhoea are also common signs but these may come and go. Cats with this condition often have changes in their behaviour. They can become more excitable and nervous. They are often noted to become more aggressive although some previously aloof cats suddenly become friendlier. Many of these signs happen gradually over time and are thought of as just being part of 'normal ageing' by owners. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GO TO THE VET? When taken to a vet, a cat with this condition will be found to have a faster heartbeat than normal and perhaps other abnormal sounds on listening to the heart. This is because of the stress put on the heart due to the high metabolic rate. If treated early the heart can return to normal, but over time this disease will cause permanent damage to the heart. The vet can also usually feel one or both of the thyroid glands enlarged in the neck. Sometimes the gland slips down the neck as it enlarges and falls into the chest. Your vet may want to turn the cat upside down to see if the gland will pop out again but if the cat is very irritable he may not allow this! Kidneys are also affected by hyperthyroidism and can start to fail if this condition is not treated soon enough. To confirm this condition a blood test to check the level of thyroid hormone is required. It will be abnormally high in this disease. HOW CAN THIS BE TREATED? There are three treatment options for hyperthyroidism and you and your vet need to decide which is best for your cat. They are: - tablets (lifelong)· The tablets stop the thyroid gland from taking up the iodine it needs to produce thyroid hormone. It only works whilst your cat is taking the tablets which need to be given every day. Surgery to remove the gland may be undertaken. Radioactive iodine therapy is also available at some specialist centres. The cat is admitted to hospital and then sedated before giving an injection of radioactive iodine. The iodine concentrates in high amounts in the thyroid glands and the radioactivity kills the thyroid cells. Unfortunately the cat is then radioactive so has to be kept isolated in the hospital for four weeks, no visiting is allowed and handling of the patients is kept to a minimum. After four weeks there is negligible risk to humans and the cat can return home. Each of these treatments has advantages and disadvantages. Each owner/cat combination needs to be treated individually and your vet must help decide which option is best. The good news is that if picked up early and treated promptly this condition can be successfully managed. The most important thing to remember is that old cats need regular check ups. Even if the signs you see seem to be gradual and minor it is always worth taking your cat to the vet for an examination. |
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| Flea Control | ||||
 In addition because cats groom so thoroughly the cat may be removing the evidence. It is a good idea to check your cat for fleas by combing through the coat and then placing any bits of 'dirt' on a piece of wet cotton wool, the flea dirt is dried digested blood and will run reddish / brown During the warmer months we see a seasonal increase in fleas on cats (and dogs) and in the environment. If your cat has a large infestation you can see the fleas running through the coat or jumping! However they are not as easy to spot when present in small numbers or if your cat has a dark coat. In addition because cats groom so thoroughly the cat may be removing the evidence. It is a good idea to check your cat for fleas by combing through the coat and then placing any bits of ‘dirt’ on a piece of wet cotton wool, the flea dirt is dried digested blood and will run reddish / brown Flea Allergies Some cats can tolerate fleas without showing any signs, while others are allergic to the flea saliva and even one bite is extremely irritant and can lead to eczema. If your cat has a skin condition we recommend that you take him or her to your local vet (it may not be due to fleas). In addition they will be able to give you advice about the flea treatment that best suits your particular pets and their circumstances. Cat and dog fleas are different but the majority of fleas found on dogs are in fact cat fleas - this means that the cat is picking up fleas when it is outside and in contact with the general cat population and is bringing them in to give to the dog. (See image of cat flea above) Flea treatment and control When embarking on your control program it is important to treat all the cats and dogs in the household and to treat at the recommended interval for the product you use. There are a range of products on the market and some common types are summarised below. Flea spray There are various sprays that can be used to treat fleas on cats and dogs, and some of the newer ones last several months. There are hand pumps which make less noise than a pressurised can and are better tolerated by cats. Some products can be used on young kittens, but it is recommended that you consult your own vet before applying any preparations to the mother or her kittens. Drops These are applied to the skin at the back of the neck. They may not last as long as some of the sprays, but in my experience can be a better guarantee of success (once the word is out that the spray can is about!). Remember that a weak link in the chain (‘Well, I can’t keep a hold of Buster for long enough to spray him’) will allow some fleas to survive. Others These include collars, powder and shampoos(!). These are generally not as effective, but may be adequate for prevention. Treating the pets habitatThe fleas only feed on the cat (or dog) and then drop off to lay eggs in the environment (one flea can lay up to 200 eggs!). Therefore it is important to treat the cat’s bedding and household furnishings to deal with the whole problem. There are a variety of sprays on the market which give long lasting control. Additional controlThere is a product available as a tablet or injection for cats, it sterilises the flea and this will stop the flea. |
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