Vaccination – a foundation that should not be postponed
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect cats from diseases that are difficult, expensive or impossible to treat. According to the guidelines of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), vaccines are divided into core vaccines, which are recommended for all cats, and non-core vaccines, the need for which depends on the animal's lifestyle. The core vaccines for cats protect against three diseases: feline panleukopenia (infectious enteritis), feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. The latter two are the main causes of so-called cat flu. These three are usually covered by one combined injection.
Kitten vaccinations usually start at eight weeks of age. Since antibodies from the mother can interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine, the kitten is given three injections approximately three to four weeks apart, with the last injection not given until after sixteen weeks of age. A booster vaccination is given after a year, and then a booster every three years is usually sufficient for the core vaccines. The WSAVA stresses that vaccines should not be given more frequently than necessary, as current knowledge suggests that the protection from the core vaccine lasts for years.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory in Estonia separately and by law. According to the rabies control regulations, cats must be vaccinated for the first time at the age of three to four months and then at least every 24 months, depending on the vaccine manufacturer's instructions. As the Veterinary and Food Board explains, the state covers the cost of the rabies vaccine and injection at an authorized veterinarian. The obligation also applies to indoor cats, because rabies can be brought home by, for example, a stray bat.
Parasite control: worms, fleas and ticks
Even a strictly indoor cat does not live in a sterile world. Roundworm eggs can be brought home on the soles of shoes, fleas can be brought into the house by another animal, and internal parasites often do not show themselves for a long time. Therefore, regular worming is part of the care of every cat, although the frequency depends on the lifestyle: a hunting cat that freely roams the outdoors needs worming much more often than a purely indoor animal. It is worth consulting a veterinarian about the exact frequency and suitable preparation, as it depends on the cat's age, health and risks. Kittens are usually wormed at a very young age and more frequently than adult animals. Outdoor fleas and ticks are a seasonal concern, for which there are products available in the form of collars, drops and tablets.
Nutrition and why taurine is vital
A cat is neither a small dog nor a human, but an obligate carnivore. Its metabolism is adapted to break down animal protein, and for some nutrients, a cat is completely dependent on food. The most obvious example is taurine – an essential amino acid that a cat’s body cannot produce in sufficient quantities. Taurine is necessary for vision, heart function, digestion and reproduction. If the diet is chronically low in taurine, the result can be retinal atrophy and irreversible blindness, as well as heart muscle disease, dilated cardiomyopathy. This is why cats should be fed complete food specifically designed for cats, not dog food or leftovers from the human diet. High-quality commercial cat food is balanced with taurine and other necessary nutrients.
Water should always be available to your cat. Many cats are naturally slow drinkers, so wet food plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance and urinary tract health.
Overweight – the most common nutritional problem
While a plump cat may look cute, being overweight is the most common nutritionally-related health problem in cats, according to veterinarians. Extra pounds are not a cosmetic issue: an obese cat is at higher risk of developing diabetes, joint disease, heart disease, and urinary tract disorders. This is especially true for indoor cats who have limited exercise and little energy to expend during the day.
Controlling portion sizes, avoiding over-chewing and encouraging exercise can help with weight management. Mealtimes can also be made an activity by using puzzle toys or scattering food around so that the cat has to make a little effort to get it. It is recommended that indoor cats are provided with climbing and climbing opportunities and that they be played with for at least fifteen minutes every day. This way, the cat gets both physical exercise and mental stimulation, which reduces overeating and stress due to boredom.
Castration and sterilization
Neutering (males) and spaying (females) are not just for preventing litters. A female cat's heat cycle occurs every two to three weeks during the warmer months, and a cat can have kittens several times a year, which increases the risk of unwanted litters. In addition, timely surgery reduces the risk of several health and behavioral problems and usually makes the animal calmer and more homely. Estonian veterinarians today often recommend spaying or neutering cats as early as four months of age, although traditionally the surgery has been performed from the age of six months. However, very early surgery, under four months of age, is generally not recommended. When deciding on the appropriate time for a specific animal, it is worth consulting with a veterinarian.
When to see a vet
Because cats hide their illness, owners need to learn to notice subtle changes. It is worth contacting a veterinarian if your cat eats or drinks significantly less or more than usual, loses weight, becomes lethargic or withdrawn, stops grooming itself or starts grooming itself excessively, vomits or suffers from diarrhea, breathes heavily, goes to the litter box unusually often or infrequently, or avoids jumping and moving. Bad breath and difficulty eating can also indicate dental problems, which are common and painful in cats. None of these signs automatically indicate a serious illness, but early treatment gives the best chance of resolving the problem quickly and affordably.
Summary
A cat's health is based on a few simple but consistent principles: timely vaccinations, regular parasite control, a complete cat food, maintaining a healthy weight, timely castration or sterilization, and the owner's attention. An independent animal needs a caring partner who notices when something is different. When it comes to specific decisions - vaccine schedule, frequency of deworming, or timing of surgery - the most reliable advisor is always a veterinarian who knows your cat.
