College Station Cat Clinic New Cat Guide

Daniel M. Watson D.V.M.
Tracy L. Winterowd D.V.M.

1010 E. College Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187

630.690.4949
Fax 630.690.8323

M/Th 7-7
T/W/F 7-6
Closed Daily 12PM-1PM
Sat 8-12

NEW CAT CHECKLIST

Choose a veterinarian. Cats routinely live 15-20 years and need quality care throughout all their life stages.
Feline Leukemia/AIDS test. Testing for the two common deadly feline viruses should be done before introducing your cat to any other cats in the household
Internal and external parasites. Surveillance and control includes: a stool exam and de-worming; a check for ear mites, fleas, and ringworm; starting flea and heart worm preventative.

Vaccinations. Your cat will be risk assessed and the needed protective vaccines given according to your cat’s risks.
Neutering/ Spaying. Neutered cats are less likely to spray and mark territory. Spaying cats eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer.
Food/Water. Feed a dry, canned, or semi-moist food that has been proven complete by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) through feeding trials. Fresh water should always be available.
Litter box. You should have one litter box per cat, minimum. The box should not have a lid on it. It should be large (most litter boxes are too small) and be located in a quiet area.
Introducing to other pets. Your new cat should been separated at first, preferably in a room with a litter box, food and water. This will be your cat’s safe room after being let out to the rest of the house.
Scratching. This is normal behavior. You need to teach your cat what is okay to scratch. Sisal posts make most cats happy to scratch. Remember to trim those nails.
Toxins. Many plants are toxic to cats. Some include: Poinsettia, Mistletoe, Morning Glory, Rhododendron, Onion, Tobacco, and Lilies. Never give a cat human medicine.
Fleas/Heartworm control. All cats should be on a heart worm and flea preventative. Heart worms are transmitted by mosquitoes, indoor and outdoor cats are equally susceptible.
ID collar/microchip. Do not allow your cat to go out without wearing proper identification. If lost, your cat cannot be returned without ID. Consider a microchip for your cat.
Grooming. Grooming should be started as soon as you get your kitten. This is especially important for long haired cats. Brushing or combing will decrease the amount of hair shed in the house and help prevent hairball related problems.
Toys. Plenty of exercise and toys will help prevent behavior problems. Do not leave string or ribbon out. If it is swallowed your cat may need surgery.
Dental Health. Your kitten can be expected to live 15-20 years or more. Can you imagine not brushing your teeth for that length of time?
Lower Urinary Tract Disease. If your male cat is ever straining in the litter box to urinate, it is an emergency and your cat needs to come in that day.
Carrier for safe travel. The staff at College Station Cat Clinic requires that when transporting your cat, he/she should be in a carrier of some kind. One never knows what could scare your cat in the clinic, going to and from the car, or in route. This extra precaution may save heartache and prevent an accident.