Preventative Care

De-worming or Intestinal de-wormer: 

We recommend using a broad-spectrum de-wormer on kittens every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age until 3 months old, then monthly until 6 months old, then every 3 months. 

Revolution also treats some intestinal worms but not tapeworms. 

Flea control: 

The most effective and safest products are Frontline Top spot and Revolution. These products are applied monthly. Revolution will also prevent heartworm & ear mites. 

Older products such as flea baths, flea powder and flea collars are ineffective or dangerous, and should not be used. 

Heart worm: 

Heartworms are very different to intestinal worms. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. Although heart worm is present in Asia including Hong Kong, heart worm disease in cats is uncommon in Hong Kong. As well as preventing fleas Revolution is effective in preventing heart worm infestation. 

We often use Revolution for kittens for fleas and intestinal worm control. When the kittens are older or heavier, broad-spectrum de-wormer can also be given for a more complete intestinal worm control. 

Brushing and Bathing: 

Bathing cats is only for the most daring cat owners with the best protective gear. With a few exceptions, cats hate bathing and chronic stress may even lead to disease such as cystitis. 

Cats normally groom themselves and keep themselves in a meticulously clean condition. Brushing your long-haired cats daily should be sufficient. 

We do not recommend bathing your cats except for therapeutic reasons or a particularly dirty cat! 

If your cat does appear dirty or matted please bring it for a vet check as often cats with medical problems do not groom themselves properly. 

Poisoning: 

Many plants are toxic for pets but lilies are particularly toxic for cats. Please check out the safety of a plant before bringing them into your home. 

Lilies are particularly toxic for cat, even the leaves can poison them.. 

Cats also metabolize drugs differently to human and dogs and should not be given any human medications without veterinary advice. Drugs such as panadol and acetaminophen again are particularly toxic. 

Dangerous objects for your cats: 

String, sewing threads & needles, and pills/tablets are the most dangerous objects for your cats to swallow. Strings and fabrics can cause gut obstruction and a lot of damage to the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, these objects are not visible on X-rays, making the diagnosis difficult. If you have cats we would advise you to ‘child proof’ your home! 

Toxoplasma and pregnancy: 

This is preventative care for female owners! 

There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t keep a cat if you are pregnant. Fortunately this is wrong. 

It is quite possible to be pregnant and give birth to healthy children and keep cats. Dr Tiger, Dr Gail and Dr Mancy all kept their cats when they were pregnant. 

All that is required to prevent the possible transmission of toxoplasma from an infected cat to a pregnant owner is common sense and hygiene. 

If you are worried or would like further information please talk to our vets and your medical practitioner for details.