In this section you can access all of our information on caring for your cat

Cats require vaccination against Enteritis, Cat Flu (Herpesvirus and Calicivirus) and Feline Leukaemia.

We recommend that the first vaccines be given at the age of 9 weeks, with a second vaccine given at the age of 12 weeks. Following this, annual (yearly) boosters should be given to maintain immunity to the above problems.

The most common worms seen in pet cats are roundworms and tapeworms. We recommend worming at 2, 5, 8 and 10 weeks of age with monthly worming thereafter until 6 months of age.  After this time, we recommend worming your cat every 3 months.

The life cycle of the flea is dependant on temperature, flea eggs can develop into adults in as little as 14 days in very warm conditions, whilst eggs can also sit dormant for months if the weather is cold. Although treating pets is paramount, if you suspect you pet has fleas you should also treat your house - All bedding should be washed at a high temperature, and a suitable insecticide, such as Acclaim Aerosol, should be used to treat the home environment

For treatment of fleas we recommend a product called Advocate, a monthly spot-on treatment which is both long lasting and incredibly effective. Advocate contains a compound that penetrates through the skin, which then kills fleas when they bite your pet, and also controls intestinal worms. However, Advocate should not be used in kittens off less than 9 weeks of age or in animals under one kilo bodyweight.
 

At Heathlands, we recommend that all cats are neutered.

Male cats quickly grow up from tiny kittens to large Tom cats. Tom cats often fight over territory and mates, which can result in bacterial infections or, even worse, infection with feline leukaemia virus. Neutering tom cats (castration) is a simple, safe and quick (less than 10 minute) procedure that can be done at any time from 5 months of age onwards. Castration involves removing both the testicles, which produce male hormones.

Female cats require spaying, a procedure where the uterus is removed, or they will have seasons and produce litters of kittens several times a year. Again, spaying is a simple and safe procedure in cats and does not have any major side effects. We recommend Female kittens are spayed from 6 months of age onwards.