Your cat received vaccinations today. All injections were given subcutaneously (under the skin). After receiving a vaccination, it is possible for your cat to experience mild side effects. Side effects can start within hours of receiving the vaccine and generally do not last more than one day. Side effects you may see:

• Mild swelling and/or mild pain at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite
• Mild lethargy

If the side effects seem severe, or continue for more than 24 hours, please call us right away. More serious but rare side effects can be seen shortly after receiving a vaccination. Signs can include difficulty breathing, facial swelling, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea or collapse. These reactions can be life threatening and require immediate veterinary attention.

Some cats will develop a small, firm nodule at the injection site. If you notice this, please call us to discuss follow up care. Most nodules will resolve within three months, but if it is getting bigger or persists you should contact our hospital for advice.

We understand that it is difficult to get your cat to the cat hospital. Most kitties do not like to travel but with a little time and effort getting your cat in the carrier can be easy. Here is a link to a great resource for getting you cat to the veterinarian and a video you will find useful.

Environmental enrichment for your indoor cat is important for their well-being. A happy cat is a healthy cat. There are many things you can do to make your cat’s indoor world a stimulating one! It is important that cats have access to resources- food, water, litter box, perching places, toys and places to hide. Our favorite resource for indoor cats is:

https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats

The average lifespan for cats has risen recently due to better care, diagnostics and keeping cats indoors. Indoor cats now average 15 years old, but we have treated cats that have lived into their early twenties!

Generally, cats do not need to be bathed unless they get themselves dirty. Cats are fastidious groomers and tend to keep themselves very clean. They will need to have regular brushing and nail trims.

Every cat will have different needs. At The Cat Hospital of Media we will take a thorough nutritional history at each exam and our veterinarians and nutritional counselors will help you determine the best diet for your cat. We believe that food should be our first medicine and recommend only the highest quality nutrition based on science.

Check out this link for more information on what to feed your cat.

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat

If it is your first time visiting our hospital, please bring any previous records you have for your cat. Also, bring a fresh (less than 24 hours) stool sample from the litter box so we can screen for intestinal parasites. It is helpful to bring a list of any questions or concerns you have so we can be sure to cover everything during your appointment.

Healthy kittens will need to be seen 3-5 times during their first year of life to make sure they are growing, receive vaccinations, and monitor for infectious and contagious diseases. They should be spayed or neutered around 5 months of age.

Healthy cats ages 1-7 years need to be seen annually.

Cat over 7 years of age are considered senior pets and should be seen by your veterinarian every 6 months.

Cats that are ill or have a chronic disease may need to be seen more frequently. Your veterinarian will always let you know when your cat would need to be seen again.