Preventive healthcare: a life-stage approach

Susan Little

doi:10.22233/9781910443149.2

British Small Animal Veterinary Association , 32 (2013); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443149.2

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Preventive healthcare: a life-stage approach

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Author: Susan Little
From: BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice
Item: Chapter 2, pp 32 - 51
DOI: 10.22233/9781910443149.2
Copyright: © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Publication Date: January 2013

Abstract

The current approach to feline wellness care includes a focus on six specific life stages to assess risk factors and specific age-related healthcare needs. These life stages, with relevant health problems and issues, can be summarized as: kitten (birth to 6 months), junior (7 months to 2 years), prime (3 to 6 years), mature (7 to 10 years), senior (11 to 14 years) and geriatric (15 years and older). This chapter considers general preventive healthcare recommendations. Quick reference guides: Calculation of energy requirements for life stages and weight management; Prepubertal neutering of kittens; Prepubertal neutering of males; Prepubertal neutering of females; Compassionate euthanasia.

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2.1

This 10-year-old cat has a visibly enlarged thyroid gland. Not all cats with hyperthyroidism have such obvious gland enlargements; palpation of the thyroid gland should be a routine part of the examination for all cats from about the age of 7 years to facilitate early disease detection. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.1 This 10-year-old cat has a visibly enlarged thyroid gland. Not all cats with hyperthyroidism have such obvious gland enlargements; palpation of the thyroid gland should be a routine part of the examination for all cats from about the age of 7 years to facilitate early disease detection.

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2.4

Recommendations by life stage for tests to be carried out for a minimum database. Green = recommended; yellow = optional; red = not recommended. (Adapted from Vogt et al., 2010 .) © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.4 Recommendations by life stage for tests to be carried out for a minimum database. Green = recommended; yellow = optional; red = not recommended. (Adapted from Vogt et al., 2010 .)

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2.5

DNA tests for genetic diseases and various traits are becoming more commonly available. This cat is having a DNA sample collected using a cytology brush to harvest cheek cells; ordinary cotton tip applicators (cotton buds) work just as well. This Maine Coon cat is being tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.5 DNA tests for genetic diseases and various traits are becoming more commonly available. This cat is having a DNA sample collected using a cytology brush to harvest cheek cells; ordinary cotton tip applicators (cotton buds) work just as well. This Maine Coon cat is being tested for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk.

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2.6

Both permanent and visible identification should be provided for all cats. This kitten is receiving a microchip at the time of spay surgery. Even indoor cats should be identified in case of escape or loss. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.6 Both permanent and visible identification should be provided for all cats. This kitten is receiving a microchip at the time of spay surgery. Even indoor cats should be identified in case of escape or loss.

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2.7

Safe access to the outdoors can increase mental stimulation and provide a source of environmental enrichment. This cat has been trained to walk on a leash. Cats should never be left outdoors unattended while on a leash. (Courtesy Heather MacDonald.) © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.7 Safe access to the outdoors can increase mental stimulation and provide a source of environmental enrichment. This cat has been trained to walk on a leash. Cats should never be left outdoors unattended while on a leash. (Courtesy Heather MacDonald.)

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2.8

Cats that live totally indoors need places to sleep, climb, perch and hide. Ideal ‘cat trees’ are tall and sturdy, and provide multiple levels for one cat at a time to perch. Situating a ‘cat tree’ in front of a window provides opportunities for bird watching. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.8 Cats that live totally indoors need places to sleep, climb, perch and hide. Ideal ‘cat trees’ are tall and sturdy, and provide multiple levels for one cat at a time to perch. Situating a ‘cat tree’ in front of a window provides opportunities for bird watching.

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2.9

One component of environmental enrichment for indoor cats is providing stimulating toys and play opportunities. Many cats like toys that mimic birds. Other opportunities to play and explore can be very simple, such as a cardboard box. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.9 One component of environmental enrichment for indoor cats is providing stimulating toys and play opportunities. Many cats like toys that mimic birds. Other opportunities to play and explore can be very simple, such as a cardboard box.

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2.13

Cats may be boarded at a boarding cattery or at other boarding facilities, such as veterinary hospitals, for various reasons. These represent higher risk situations for infectious diseases than the home environment, so that core vaccinations should be up to date before entering the facility. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.13 Cats may be boarded at a boarding cattery or at other boarding facilities, such as veterinary hospitals, for various reasons. These represent higher risk situations for infectious diseases than the home environment, so that core vaccinations should be up to date before entering the facility.

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2.15

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2.15 Ticks are most commonly found on the head and neck.

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2.16

This skin scraping was taken from a pruritic cat infected with FIV. Numerous long slender mites (such as the one arrowed in this field) were found and identified as Demodex cati. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.16 This skin scraping was taken from a pruritic cat infected with FIV. Numerous long slender mites (such as the one arrowed in this field) were found and identified as Demodex cati.

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2.22

Food balls or food puzzles can be used to encourage natural foraging behaviours and expenditure of energy in pursuit of food. Many types are available, and owners may need to experiment to find one that their cat will interact with. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.22 Food balls or food puzzles can be used to encourage natural foraging behaviours and expenditure of energy in pursuit of food. Many types are available, and owners may need to experiment to find one that their cat will interact with.

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2.23

An alarming number of pet cats are overweight or obese. Prevention of obesity starts early in life, around the time of surgical sterilization. Cats should be weighed and body condition scored (see Figure 1.20) at every opportunity. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.23 An alarming number of pet cats are overweight or obese. Prevention of obesity starts early in life, around the time of surgical sterilization. Cats should be weighed and body condition scored (see Figure 1.20) at every opportunity.

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2.24

This cat litter box, a converted plastic dish-washing bowl, is smaller than the recommended size of 1.5 times the length of the cat. Commercially available litter boxes are also often too small. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.24 This cat litter box, a converted plastic dish-washing bowl, is smaller than the recommended size of 1.5 times the length of the cat. Commercially available litter boxes are also often too small.

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2.25

The primary socialization period for kittens is between 3 and 9 weeks of age. In this ‘kitten kindergarten’ class, young kittens are being taught to accept handling, are acclimating to cat carriers and car rides, and are being socialized to other people, other cats and to dogs. (Courtesy of Steve Dale) © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.25 The primary socialization period for kittens is between 3 and 9 weeks of age. In this ‘kitten kindergarten’ class, young kittens are being taught to accept handling, are acclimating to cat carriers and car rides, and are being socialized to other people, other cats and to dogs. (Courtesy of Steve Dale)

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2.26

Senior and geriatric cats often have mobility problems. Resources such as favourite beds or sleeping spots should be made accessible and should be well padded for comfort. © 2013 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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2.26 Senior and geriatric cats often have mobility problems. Resources such as favourite beds or sleeping spots should be made accessible and should be well padded for comfort.

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This kitten had a single scrotal testis on palpation.

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This kitten had a single scrotal testis on palpation. This kitten had a single scrotal testis on palpation.

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