Cat Care
Cat Lab Tests
Animal Health Center, Opelika, Auburn, provides numerous types of lab tests for your cat, such as:
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Blood chemistry
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Electrolyte levels
- Protein levels
- Blood glucose levels
- Urinalysis
- Thyroid levels
- Cardiac ProBNP
- Fecal exam
Many of these lab tests are recommended during your pet’s annual wellness exam, and each lab test is essential. We recommend performing routine blood work during your cat’s yearly wellness exam. Blood work allows us to monitor essential organ functions. Regular blood work will enable us to track trends and diagnose certain diseases at the earliest stage possible. When diagnosed early, many diseases can be slowed significantly or possibly even reversed with treatment.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends your cat have an intestinal parasite screening at least once a year. Common parasites we look for are:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Giardia
Several of these parasites are transmittable to humans, and children are particularly at risk. Therefore, having your cat tested regularly is highly recommended. Having your cat tested not only allows us to help maintain your cat’s health but might also keep you and your family healthier as well.
FeLV and FIV are viruses that are sometimes discovered in cats. FeLV is short for Feline Leukemia Virus. FeLV spreads through casual contact with cats that are infected. FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. The primary manner of transmission of FIV is through bite wounds. However, it can also be transmitted through the mother’s milk while a kitten is nursing.
Both of these viruses can affect your cat’s life expectancy negatively and can pose the risk of infection to other cats in the home. It is essential to have your kitten tested for FeLV and FIV during their first visit with us. If we know that your feline friend is positive for one or both of these viruses, it allows for better treatment when they become ill.
Call us today (334-745-0060) to schedule your cat’s annual exam. Our goal is to keep your cat as healthy as possible while also protecting your family.
Cat Care
Cat Medications
If your cat is ill, we may prescribe or recommend medications. Many medications for your cat are readily available at our office, and we may provide them at your visit.
Giving your cat medications can sometimes be a challenge. Most cat medications come in a liquid formula, but at times, the medication may be in the form of a pill. There are quite a few tips and tricks to help administer your cat’s medication. Here are a few of them that should help you:
- It is always easier to give a cat medication if you have help. One person can hold your cat while the other person administers the medication.
- Place your cat on a smooth surface such as a table or counter. Doing this helps decrease the chance of your cat getting traction and running away.
- If you need to hold the cat, snuggly wrap the cat’s body, especially its paws and claws—in a towel or blanket. This should keep you safe from scratches.
- If you administer liquid medication to your cat, slowly give a little bit at a time and let them swallow before continuing.
- If you administer a pill, quickly open your cat’s mouth and place the pill as far back in its mouth as possible. As soon as the pill is in their mouth, close the mouth and gently rub their throat while holding the mouth closed. Rubbing your cat’s throat will stimulate their desire to swallow.
- Have patience. Administering medication to your cat may take a few attempts. However, after a few times, you will become better, and your cat will usually accept the medication more readily.
- If necessary, we can offer a medication compounded by an outside compounding pharmacy into a flavored liquid, a flavored chew, or even a transdermal form. The transdermal form can be applied to the inside of the ear flap and absorbed through the skin.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your cat’s medication, call us (334-745-0060), and we will be glad to assist you.
