 | Dr. Laura Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Morland is very involved in her community. She has four children and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys raising Yorkies, Cairns and Maltese, and being a grandma. Dr. Morland may be reached at 620-724-8054 or visit www.girardanimalhospital.com. |
Animals, Reptiles & Insects
2013-03-25 15:31:11
What care do outdoor cats need?
A-Cats that spend time outdoors are exposed to several hazards; fights, injuries, toxins, becoming lost or trapped, and exposure to parasites and infectious diseases. In addition, free-roaming cats present risks to native wildlife. Most veterinarians recommend that cats stay indoors but many times clients are unable or unwilling to keep cats indoors especially in rural areas. Farmers often seek to keep a cat colony outdoors to help control rats and mice in and around barns and feed storage areas.
Preventative care for these free-roaming cats typically include appropriate vaccinations and parasite control. While all pet cats are at risk for parasites, ongoing exposure is more likely in those that spend time outdoors. Both internal and external parasites are common, but most can be treated or prevented. Products should be selected based on probable parasite exposure, ease of use, and effectiveness.
Vaccinations are critical in preventing infectious diseases. Cats should be immunized against rabies and receive periodic boosters because exposure to wildlife is potentially dangerous especially skunks in this area. Rabies is one of the diseases that cats can spread to humans; in fact more rabies is spread by infected cats than dogs. The other vaccination that is most important is for panleukopenia virus or feline distemper virus. It is most lethal to young kittens and has been blamed for multiple deaths in colonies of unvaccinated cats.
Parasite control is especially important in young kittens and can also have zoontic (spread to humans) potential. Many effective products are available to be administered either orally or topically. Since it is difficult to prevent exposure in outdoor cats periodic treatment is recommended. External parasites can also be a problem and sometimes necessitates year round control. Fleas are potential vectors of Bartonella spp., tapeworm infection, and can cause anemia and death. Ticks can carry a number of diseases that will affect cats particularly the cytaurzoon sp that is fatal to cats exposed. Fortunately there are very good products available both OTC or from your local veterinarian to protect your cats and keep them healthy.
Surgical sterilization is a critical factor in both keeping your cats healthy and in population control. Fighting among intact males is a common problem and has the potential of spreading disease as well as inflicting serious wounds that may require medical attention. Cats can be spayed or neutered at a young age and vaccinated at the same time.
These are just some of the suggestions for preventative care for your out-door cats-see your local veterinarian for their assistance in keeping your cats healthy.
