Cat Health Care

Fleas are very much a year round problem and thus need regular treatment.

Fleas spend their adult life on your dog/cat, laying eggs into the coat (hundreds per week!). These eggs will then be dropped onto the bedding, carpets, furniture etc. where they will hatch back into adults. These adults then hop back on to your dog/cat and the cycle begins again.

Therefore, in a very short period, one flea can produce many thousands of fleas in your household if effective treatment is not used. These fleas cannot only produce itching and possibly an allergic dermatitis in your dog/cat but they may well bite you and make your life a misery as well.

We sell many effective products to help eradicate fleas both on your dog/cat and in your house. Our members of staff are always happy to give you advice on what is best for you and your pets.

These are very small (the size of a grain of rice) and are implanted under the skin. Your pet's unique microchip number is registered with the national pet log.

If your pet should get lost, they can be quickly reunited with you by having the microchip scanned and then obtaining your details from the pet log. In some situations, it can also be used to prove ownership. Microchips are also an essential part of the Pet Health Club.

SureFlap Cat Flap and SureFlap Cat Feeder

We now sell a cat flap and a cat feeder, which are both activated by your cat’s microchip. Up to 32 microchips can be programmed! This means you no longer need to use a special collar - your cat activates the door to the cat flap and the lid to the cat food bowl via his/her microchip.

High quality complete dog/cat foods can make a big difference to your dog's general health. There are many good foods available but we believe Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin to offer the best range and palatability.

We also stock special prescription diets for use in certain conditions e.g. obesity, kidney and urinary problems. We are always happy to give advice on your pet's nutrition. Neutered dogs and cats need approximately 30% less kilocalories (Kcals) than pets that have not been spayed/castrated; this is due to hormonal changes.   

If you simply reduce your pet's food ration they are likely to be hungry - the above foods have a range of Neutered Diets to enable you to feed the same quantity of food but there are fewer Kcals than in the un-neutered range.

Many human foods are poisonous to dogs and cats and can be fatal if eaten.

Are you worried about your pet's weight? Our nurses run 'Slimming Club’, which helps to support your pet while they lose weight. Click here to find out more about Slimming club. Or do you think your pet is underweight? Book a consultation with one of our nurses who can show you how to body score your pet and advise on the best food to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We now sell a SureFlap Cat Feeder, which is activated by your cat’s microchip. Up to 32 microchips can be programmed!

This means you no longer need to use a special collar - your cat activates the door to the cat flap and the lid to the cat food bowl via his/her microchip.

Dental disease is common in cats.

In addition to the accumulation of plaque and calculus, the teeth may develop erosions of the outer enamel, which can be very painful.

Some cats will tolerate tooth brushing with animal specific toothpastes, but if not, we can recommend other preventative measures – including special foods.

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

Cleaning your kitten / cat's teeth is a daily commitment - it should be an enjoyable time with your cat but does need to approached slowly to enable your cat to become accustomed to the procedure. Give lots of praise as you go through the stages below.

Ensure you have the correct toothbrush and paste both of which should be designed for animal use. Human toothpastes aren't designed to be swallowed and are likely to upset your cat's stomach. Cat toothbrushes are smaller, softer and are a different shape.

If your cat has periodontal disease, a specific toothpaste will be recommended.

How to Begin:

>>Choose a time when you are not rushed and both you and your kitten / cat are relaxed and your kitten not overly playful. To get your cat used to having something in its mouth, begin by using an index finder and gently rub this along the gums of the top and bottom jaw on either side of the mouth. Keep this session short and praise your cat afterwards.

>>You can then use a little of the flavoured toothpaste. Let your cat lick the paste off your finger, which he will view as a treat. Again, praise your cat.

>>After a few days of this, you then introduce the toothbrush. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the brush pushing it down into the bristles. Allow your cat to lick the paste from the brush and in doing so get used to the texture of the bristles. Praise your cat.

>>When you begin to use the toothbrush and paste to actually clean the teeth, start by brushing one or both of the upper canines. These are the large ones towards the front on either side of the lower and upper jaw. It is the mechanical action of the brush on the teeth that is important: Always stand/sit to the side of your cat to reduce the risk of him moving forwards into the brush, which could cause damage to his mouth.

>>Similarly, the use of a gum massager, unless contraindicated, will provide benefit to the gums. Talk to your cat and praise him when you have finished.

>>When your cat accepts having several teeth brushed you can slowly increase the number you clean at each session.

Aim to brush your cat's teeth on a daily basis - once you get started, it will become part of your daily routine just as brushing your own teeth is.

As our pets get older, they tend to develop many of the conditions we experience ourselves - arthritis, tumours, diabetes and heart disease.

Regular checks can allow us to detect and treat these conditions as soon as possible. Did you know members of our Pet Health Club receive a check-up every sixth months and it's included in their membership?

We sell a range of Royal Canin pet food designed for animals over 7 years’ old. Book a free nutrition clinic appointment with Jill who can advise you on the best life stage food for your pet.