Adult cats can be very close companions. They have a variety of personalities from annoyingly snuggly to very aloof. Cats mature in about a year and can adjust to many lifestyles. Our goal is to maintain their health and preserve their energy, enthusiasm and activity.

Nutrition

Now that your cat has reached his full growth potential his nutritional needs have changed from growth to maintenance. He doesn’t need as much protein to grow new muscle or calcium to promote bone growth. Energy for his daily activities and specific nutrients to maintain organs at optimal health are what he needs. Good quality adult formulations can provide appropriate levels of nutrients to maintain health and energy.

The most common form of malnutrition in our pets is obesity! Our cats today frequently share a more sedentary lifestyle just as we do. It is important to monitor their body condition and adjust calorie intake to usage.

Examinations and Vaccinations

As an adult, your cat’s body tends to be more stable. Daily wear and tear and unpredictable events can cause problems. Annual examinations can allow us to detect these issues and correct them.

It is very important to booster the kitten vaccinations after a year. This helps reinforce the immune system and ensures duration of protection. After the “one year” boosters some vaccines can be administered every three years.

Parasites

Cats are at risk of exposure to many parasites. Intestinal worms can be left behind from other cats. Heartworms travel to your cat by mosquitoes. Fleas and ticks can find their ways into many environments. While some adults may be resistant to some intestinal parasites and heartworms, they are always susceptible to fleas and ticks. Year round control can prevent the damaging effects these creatures can have on your cat.

Dental Care

Periodontal or “gum” disease is very common in adult cats. It starts as plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth that extends below the gumline. The bacteria cause inflamation that can progress to infection causing pain, bad breath, loss of bone and support tissue to the teeth. The bacteria and their toxins gain access to the blood stream through inflamed tissues and get circulated to all the internal organs.

The best and least expensive way to prevent periodontal disease is just the same as for us, daily brushing and periodic professional cleaning above and below the gumline. Keeping your cat’s gums healthy can prevent pain, halitosis and damage to internal organs that may shorten his life.

Behavior

Cat behavior can be very entertaining and sometimes inscrutable. The most common problems are litterbox issues and aggression. Both of these problems can stem from physical causes such as urinary tract disease or pain form things like arthritis or oral pain. They can also result from social pressure in multicat households.

Problem behaviors are most successfully dealt with as soon as they are noticed. The longer your cat exhibits undesirable behavior, the more entrenched it becomes.