Cats: Care and First Aid
BASIC CAT HEALTHCARE: Here is a useful guide from the Blue Cross.
VACCINATION: All cats should be vaccinated against viral cat-flu and feline enteritis (panleucopaenia). In most cases leukaemia vaccination is also desirable. Other vaccinations may be useful under special circumstances, for example if your cat is travelling. This link about vaccination below gives you more information, but it is provided by a vaccine manufacturer. For impartial advice about your particular circumstances you can ask us.
NEUTERING: We recommend that all cats are neutered if they are not intended for breeding. There is further information here.
WORM CONTROL: This is another necessity, but the frequency of worming depends on your individual circumstances. We use Milbactor on our own pets, and this worming link gives you more information. We are happy for you to talk to us for impartial advice concerning worming your cats
FLEAS: Fleas can be a real problem to cats and their owners. But many people do worry unnecessarily about fleas and waste money over-treating pets and their houses, or using ineffective treatments. Remember that many of the drugs used to kill fleas are potentially dangerous and must be used sensibly and correctly. Please talk to us about treating and preventing flea problems in your house and the best options for you.
On this page we have included links about many aspects of cats in health and disease, and we hope you find them useful.
FIRST AID AND EMERGENCIES
There are some times when you don’t know if you need the services of a vet but would like some advice about what to do. First Aid treatment and a bit of reassurance can often be enough to calm you and your animal and therefore avoid costly Out of Hours treatment. Try this useful link for Basic First Aid.
NEVER give PARACETAMOL, IBUPROFEN OR ASPIRIN to your cat. Under some circumstances very low doses of aspirin are used in cats, but this should only be used if specifically prescribed. There are safe painkillers and anti-inflammatories for cats, but none of them are human drugs and none are available over the counter.
Here is some information about poisoning. If your cat is showing signs of poisoning, contact the vet immediately.
We hope you find this information on Emergencies helpful but always remember that it is better to seek specialist help than allow a pet to suffer. If you think it is necessary RING THE VET.
LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION
Information sheets on Cat Flu, Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Information about kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. These are two of the more common problems in older cats.
Information about diabetes in cats. This can be a difficult disorder to control for owners and vets.
TAKING YOUR CAT ABROAD
If you need to take your cat abroad, or bring a cat into this country from abroad, you need to check for the latest government guidance on the process. Pet Travel Scheme.
BEREAVEMENT & PET LOSS
Finally, here are some instructive videos dealing with looking after your cat.
HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A TABLET
HOW TO TRIM YOUR CAT’S CLAWS
HOW TO BRUSH YOUR CAT’S TEETH
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