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Friends for Life Animal Outreach
Caring for Your Cat

Healthy Cats are Happy Cats

Before you select your new cat, select your veterinarian. Recommendations from friends are your best guide. The real differentiating factors among veterinarians are office location, office hours, fees, and bedside manner. You want a vet who shows a personal interest in your cat and who will give you the time you need during your visits.

Top Ten List for Healthy Cats

Sometimes it is hard to tell how your cat is feeling, but there are some clues you can look for when analyzing your cat's overall well being. A happy and healthy cat exhibits these traits:

Good activity levels
An interest in other people and/or other cats
Normal body weight
Shiny, healthy coat
Bright, clear eyes
Moist nose that is not runny
Clean teeth and ears
Non-offensive breath
Pleasant body odor
No limping or signs of soreness

Warning Signs that Something is Wrong

In between visits to the vet, you should examine your cat regularly. If you find a serious problem, take it to the vet as soon as possible. Some symptoms of ill health include:

Abnormal behavior, sudden viciousness, or lethargy
Red or watery eyes, or a runny nose
Change in appetite
Difficulty eating
Excessive head shaking, scratching, or licking
Foul breath or excessive tartar and deposits on teeth
Changes in urination or drinking habits
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Sudden weight loss or gain
Fur loss, dull coat, or change in skin condition
Labored breathing
Blood in urine or stool
Difficulty urinating

Vaccinations

Kittens need to begin vaccinations at 6 weeks of age to protect them from chlamydia, feline panleukopenia (distemper), and viral rhinotracheitis/calicivirus. Wait until your kitten is at least 16 weeks old before vaccinating for rabies. FFL provides all animals with vaccinations before adoption.

Suggested Vaccination Schedule for Cats and Kittens

Age	Vaccination
6 weeks	Feline Distemper-combo (chlamydia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus)
9 weeks	Booster of above Distemper-combo for kittens
12 weeks	Booster of above Distemper-combo for kittens
16 weeks	Rabies, then every three years
52 weeks+	Distemper-combo done annually

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Friends for Life Animal Outreach
P.O. Box 60082
Sacramento, CA 95860

Voice Mail (916) 551-3881
E-mail info@friends4life.org

FFLAO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization