Summer disease checks for cats

Did you know that most summer cat diseases are preventable? According to our veterinary team at Clent Hills Vets, cat owners in Worcestershire can lower the risk of their feline friend contracting a common cat illness, by carrying out a few simple checks this summer. Follow our checklist below. 

Alun's three summer checks every cat owner should make: 

1. Check your cat’s vaccinations are up to date 

The risk from infectious common cat diseases is greater in summer as there are more cats outdoors. Cats are routinely vaccinated against the below diseases to give them optimal protection: 

• Feline Infectious Enteritis 
• Feline Herpes Virus  
• Feline Calicivirus 
• Feline Leukaemia Virus (optional) 

The schedule for some vaccines may differ depending on your cat’s age and lifestyle. For example, indoor cats may need less frequent vaccines for certain diseases than outdoor cats, and some vaccines last longer than 12 months. If you’re unsure whether your cat is due a vaccination and you’re registered with Clent Hills Vets, get in touch and our team can help.   

[Contact us about cat vaccinations] 

2. Check your cat for obvious signs of illness 

Cats can be masters of disguise when it comes to illness and pain. However, there are some common, obvious signs that your cat might be sick: sneezing, coughing, runny eyes & nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.  

If your cat is due a vaccination, our vets can give them a nose-to-tail health check at the same time to look for any potential problems. Talk to us about your cat’s vaccinations and health. 

3. Check your cat for ticks and other parasites 

• Check your cat for ticks when they come home for the day by running your fingers through their fur and feeling for little hard bumps. You’ll need a special tick removal tool to avoid leaving the tick’s head in, as this increases the risk of disease transmission. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, a debilitating condition that can affect cats, dogs, and humans. 
• While you’re there, it’s worthwhile checking your cat for signs of fleas & roundworms. Always wash your hands after and ask our team what to look out for if you’re unsure. 

Our experienced team can talk to you about the best combination of preventative treatments to give your cat optimal protection from parasites and common diseases. They can also tell you about our pet health plan that can save you money on preventative cat care. Just give us a call on 01527 889810.