A health check up Just For Cats

By Kath Gannaway
VETERINARIANS Jennifer Nairn and Gloria Tetlow of Just For Cats in Croydon know all the little things cats can do to avoid going to the vet.
“Most people recognise when there is a major problem with their cat, but less dramatic conditions often go unnoticed,” said Dr Nairn who has been treating cats for 25 years.
“They can be fussy with their food at the best of times and a declining appetite may command little attention.”
There are other indicators for cat owners to look out for.
“Thick, furry coat may disguise a loss in body weight and drinking from ponds and other outdoor sources can allow an increase in thirst to be missed,” Dr Tetlow said.
“Sleeping in one spot for much of the day is likely to seem absolutely normal! To all but the most observant eye puss may appear outwardly normal in both appearance and behaviour,” she added.
Dr Nairn said cat owners need to be alert to pick up the first signs that there may be something wrong.
“Some signs to watch for include drinking more than normal, eating more or less than normal, weight loss, smelly breath, poor coat and unusual lethargy.”
She said vaccination for Cat Flu and Feline Enteritis, and, increasingly, Feline AIDS, is standard practice in Australia.
The annual visit to the vet for a booster provides the ideal opportunity for a thorough physical check up along with flea and worm control.
Dr Tetlow said another important check was on the cat’s dental hygiene.
“A healthy mouth does more than prevent smelly breath,” she said.
“Bacteria from infected teeth and gums can spread to other parts of the body causing more serious problems such as heart and kidney disease.
“Removing the tartar and putting puss on to a teeth cleaning diet is usually all that is required to keep a mouth healthy.”
Dr Nairn said Just For Cats has proved a popular option for many cat owners.
“It’s a very cat-friendly environment,” she said.
“There are no dogs, which cats love, it’s very quiet and it’s away from busy roads … both the cats and their owners love that.”
Just For Cats is at 11 Wallara Crescent, Croydon. Phone 9725 2648.