Do I need an appointment to have my cat examined? Appointments help us arrange our time so that each and every pet and owner receive our full attention. If the available appointment times are difficult for you to make, consider arranging a drop off appointment with us. For your kitty's safety and comfort, we recommend bringing him/her in a kennel crate, along with a note explaining the reason for the visit and any other concerns you may have. At the appointed time, we will then examine your kitty, provide any necessary and/or approved treatment and then speak with you by phone (please be sure your contact number is current). Your kitty will usually be kept in his own travel kennel in order to keep his/her stress to a minimum unless the situation requires transferral to one of our treatment cages. Owners may then pick up their pets before closing or at their earliest convenience. Boarding overnight can also be arranged if you are unable to return the same day. This option works quite well for many of our clients and it also gives patients an opportunity to unwind a bit from the car trip before we handle them.
My cat lives indoors, does he really need shots? We only give vaccinations based on the current recommendations of the American Feline Practioners Association and your personal life style and risk assessment of your cat. Every cat's situation is different, therefore we make recommendations based on individual needs. In general, kittens and young cats need more frequent vaccinations; older cats, or cats who never leave the house, less frequently. Regardless of the situation, it is still important to keep the feline body reminded of potential viruses out there in case of possible future exposure. Sometimes a specific vaccine booster will be recommended one year and maybe not the next with an older, indoor-only cat. However, Rabies vaccines are recommended on a regular basis for most every cat living indoors or outdoors as there are human health risks involved by not keeping a pet current on his rabies vaccination.
Why does my cat get so upset at the vet clinic? Cats do not like leaving home or having their routine changed. Most cats are pretty good sports, but there are some who have different ideas and can get pretty upset or nervous in a strange environment. They will sometimes demonstrate their stress through actions such as growling, hissing, hiding or biting. Since we see cats of every type each day, this is nothing new to us, but it can potentially be upsetting to you if you have never seen your kitty act in that manner. We use gentle care, calm voices and other ways to help minimize that stress. Even though most cats are nervous when taken out of their home environment, it is STILL very important for their health to receive regular care by a veterinarian. Try to keep in mind that he will only be worried for a little while, however, once he goes home, he'll soon forgive and forget.
Why is sedation often required for my cat to be groomed? Let's face it, cats do a pretty darn good job of grooming themselves most of the time. However, some cats in certain situations may need a little help occasionally. Leaving home and having unfamiliar people comb, bathe, and/or run clippers over them is not any cat's idea of a good time. Sedation is usually needed in order to help your cat not worry so much or become accidently injured in the process by struggling. In fact, some grooming procedures such as matt removal or anal gland expression are uncomfortable to a cat as well. Sedation just helps to make the process easier, more comfortable and less stressful for your cat.
Where can I adopt a cat? North Texas Cat Rescue always have cats available for adoption. NTCR is a wonderful local cat resue group founded to help strays and shelter cats find a new start on life. The benefits the group offers to our society are many. For information on adopting a cat from them, or for providing some volunteer help to them, please check their website at: http://www.northtexascatrescue.org/
We sometimes have or know of cats needing good homes too, so feel free to call and ask. Other adoption groups are in the area as well, and you may also contact your city pound. Currently we do have a nice female spayed Calico girl, approximately 1 year old who is all vaccinated, and Felv/Fiv negative. She was found in a car engine! She is super sweet and loving. Like most Calicos she does prefer being the only cat, although she could probably learn to live with none competitive types (particularly males and especially kittens). She'll will be available through NTCR although she currently is living at our hospital. Adoption fees can be found through NTCR. Thumb nail photo is below, but feel free to stop by and visit her in person (in cat)!
