Vaccinations
Disease prevention is one of the most important parts of responsible pet ownership. This includes having your cat vaccinated regularly. Your new cat will have had at least one of its vaccinations. If it still requires a booster shot, the date will be recorded in its animal health record card.
What diseases are cats vaccinated against?
The vaccine we use for cats at the SPCA protects the cat against two serious diseases:
- Cat Flu is a respiratory disease of cats similar to the common cold or flu in people. For young kittens and senior cats this disease can be life-threatening, and even for healthy adults it can become a serious, drawn out illness. The Felocell3 vaccine will help to protect the cat against the two different viruses that cause snuffles. Please refer to the info sheet stapled to your cat’s health record card for more information on recognising symptoms.
- Panleucopaenia is a viral disease causing very severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which can be fatal. It is an important disease for your cat to be protected against.
There are three other vaccines cats can receive in New Zealand. One is against Chlamydia, which is another cause of flu type symptoms in cats. The other is against the fairly uncommon Feline Leukaemia Virus, and the third against Feline Aids, which is carried by a number of stray cats. Discuss these with your veterinarian if you would like more information.
When should my cat be vaccinated?
All cats should receive an initial course of vaccinations as a kitten. If your cat missed out on kitten vaccinations, it will receive its initial vaccine here as an adult. After the initial course, cats need just a single shot per year to keep the immune system up to speed. Discuss your cat’s future vaccination requirements with your vet. There are some boarding catteries in the Auckland area that require your cat to have received a flu vaccination 6 months or less before it enters the cattery. Please clarify this with the cattery that you choose.
Flea Treatment & Prevention
An important part of keeping your cat happy and healthy is regularly treating it for parasites. Fleas become a particular nuisance in the warmer months when they become active. A severe infestation can spread to your home as eggs drop off the cat. Continue the integrated flea control program started at the SPCA and recorded in your cat’s health card to ensure your cat, and your home, stay flea-free. Prevention is better than a cure, but if you do have a problem with fleas already, you will have to “flea-bomb” your home to break the cycle of re-infestation.
How do I tell if my cat has fleas?
- The cat may be itching and scratching at itself a lot, or groom excessively and compulsively.
- It may appear depressed and grumpy.
- You may be able to see the fleas in the pet’s coat by parting the hair and looking carefully.
- You may see “flea dirt” in the pet’s coat. This is the flea’s excrement, and it looks a little like ground coffee – small, black crumbly material.
How do I get rid of fleas?
There are several products on the market to treat fleas, and they vary greatly in their efficiency. Do not be tempted by cheap, ineffective supermarket products. Purchase your flea treatments from the SPCA or from a vet, who will also be able to advise you on which product is best for your circumstances. The best flea treatments are applied to the skin on the back of the neck, and this can be done by the cat owner.
- ‘Revolution' is a very safe, new product that is available to protect cats against fleas and roundworm. It is the only product to provide protection against ear mites, and it is safe to use in multi-cat households.
- 'Advantage’ and ‘Frontline’ are also very effective products, which control fleas only.
- Advantage Multi works against roundworm as well, similar to Revolution. These products are more suitable to single cat households, and homes without young children.
Why do I need to worm my cat?
There are two types of worms that cats can get in New Zealand – roundworm and tapeworm. The worms live in the gut, feeding off the cat’s food. They can cause malnutrition, making the animal feel tired, have a dull coat and a pot-bellied appearance. Young kittens with severe cases of worms may die from the effects.
When should I worm my cat?
Your new cat will have had at least one worming treatment here at the Auckland SPCA. The next due date will be recorded on its Animal Health Record Card. As a general rule, kittens should be wormed every two weeks until they are three months of age. After three months of age cats should be wormed every three months for the rest of their lives.
What should I use to worm my cat?
Drontal, an oral pill, is a good All-Wormer, covering both types of worms. There are several other brands available; our staff or your vet will be able to advise you on this, and will be able to sell you good worming tablets without a consultation.
Revolution is an easy option if your cat refuses swallowing pills. This combined flea and worming treatment is applied to the skin on the back of the neck and works systemically. Used monthly like a normal flea treatment, it will prevent roundworm. However, it does not cover tapeworm, a type of worm that is transmitted mainly by fleas. Being flea-free, your cat should not have a problem with tapeworm, but we still recommend giving an All Wormer once a year to flush the system in case your cat eats mice, which may also carry tapeworm eggs.
When Your Pet Is Sick or Injured
If at any point you are concerned about the health or well-being of your cat, contact your local veterinarian. All animals should see their vet for a check-up once a year. This generally can be done at the time of the annual vaccination, and is important so that any health problems can be detected early.
NEVER give a cat human medicine such as Panadol or Aspirin, as these are potentially harmful or even fatal in animals.
Legal obligations to care for your animals
Under the animal welfare act, as the person in charge, you are legally required to provide the following:
• Proper and sufficient food and water
• Adequate shelter
• The opportunity to display normal patterns of behaviour
• Protection from, and rapid diagnosis of, any significant injury or distress
• Protection from distress and pain