Adult Cats

Looking after your adult cat (3 – 6 years)

Between 3 and 6 years, your cat will be in their prime. They’ll be active and – if they’re outdoor cats – are likely to be keen hunters too. You’ll need to feed them an appropriate diet and keep up with regular parasite control and vaccinations. This is also the time where obesity, dental disease, cystitis, intestinal diseases, heart disease and behavioural problems can start to appear, but can be nipped in the bud if caught early. This page goes over what you need to consider when looking after your adult cat.

Feeding your adult cat

Your adult cat will have stopped growing and be physically mature so they will need a complete cat food suitable for their age. It’s best to keep treats to a minimum to avoid obesity, and the subsequent health issues that may occur, but if you do give your cat treats, try to reduce their main meals accordingly.

An annual weight check is important to check for weight gain or loss – weight gain for cats as for us humans can be detrimental to your cat’s long-term health, whereas weight loss can be an early sign of disease.

Adult Cat Diet. Oxford Cat Clinic - Cat Only Vets in Botley & Marston.

Vaccinations

You’ll need to keep up with your cat’s vaccinations at the interval suggested by your vet. These help prevent viral illnesses, such as ‘cat flu’ and panleukopenia virus (or feline parvovirus), which can be very serious in cats. And if you intend to board your cat in a cattery at any time, you’ll need to provide evidence of certain annual vaccinations. It is important to remember that, if your cat is insured regular vaccinations and an annual vet health check is often a statutory requirement of your cat’s insurance policy. Our veterinary team carry out a full health assessment during your vaccination appointment.

Worm and flea treatment

All cats should be treated regularly for fleas – these can transmit disease and cause irritation to cats and their owners. If left untreated, your home may become infested. Clearing such an infestation can take many months once the fleas start breeding. Your vet will advise if you need to treat your cat for ticks dependent on the area you live and your cat’s lifestyle. Your cat should also be treated for roundworms and tapeworms regularly – how often will be determined by your vet, but usually between every three months and every month. Like fleas, worms can spread disease and make your cat feel unwell.

A risk assessment is really important when determining what flea and worm products your cat should be receiving. Without you can easily be under or even over treating. Over treating can be damaging to both the environment and your pocket!

Cat worm and flea treatment. Oxford Cat Clinic - Cat Only Vets in Botley & Marston.

mature Cat Dental Care. Oxford Cat Clinic - Cat Only Vets in Botley & Marston.

Looking after your cat’s teeth

As cats get older, they can develop dental issues like excess plaque build-up. Brushing your cat’s teeth is an excellent way of preventing these problems and, when introduced early enough, will be tolerated by many cats. Feeding dry cat food can also help to keep teeth clean. Your vet should check your cat’s teeth during regular check-ups and recommend dental treatment where necessary. Find out more about dental disease in cats.

How we support your adult cat

We provide veterinary and nurse-led care through appointments and clinics, with a strong focus on preventative health within a cat-friendly environment. If your cat is ill, has an accident, or is, perhaps not just being their normal self, you can make an appointment with one of our cat-specialist vets.

Cat Life Stages - How to look after your Adult Cat. Oxford Cat Clinic.

Special Services for Adult Cats

We offer dental care, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and six-monthly check-ups, which you can book individually or as part of our Cat’s Whiskers Health Plan. The monthly fee covers most regular treatments and gives you 10% off all other medications. Your adult cat may also benefit from attending one of our nurse led clinics, such as our nutritional wellness clinics.

If you have any questions or concerns about looking after your adult cat, feel free to call us to speak to a member the team.

01865 243000 (Botley Clinic) | 01865 950700 (Marston Clinic)

Need to see a vet in Oxford?

If your cat is ill, or you are concerned that they are just not quite right, then book to see one of our cat-specialist vets. If you’re not registered with us, then you can register here or give us a ring on 01865 243000.

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