Why does my kitten need vaccines if they're only going to stay indoors? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Yes, even indoor kittens need to be vaccinated to protect them from upper respiratory infections and rabies. It's essential to discuss the importance of vaccinating your indoor cat with your veterinarian.
What is the recommended vaccine schedule for kittens? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
The recommended vaccine schedule for kittens is to start vaccinating them between the ages of six to eight weeks, then repeat the core vaccines every three to four weeks until they're 16 to 20 weeks of age.
What are non-core vaccines for kittens, and why does my kitten need them? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Non-core vaccines for kittens include the Bordetella vaccine and the FIP vaccine. Core vaccines are the FVRCP, rabies, and leukemia vaccines.
What are the core vaccine requirements for kittens? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Core vaccine requirements for kittens start when they are about six to eight weeks of age. Core vaccines include feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, also known as the upper respiratory vaccine or FVRCP vaccine. Additionally, rabies vaccines are given at 12 weeks and older, and the American Academy of Feline Practitioners recommends vaccinating kittens for leukemia at a young age as well.
Will free-choice feeding make my cat overweight? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Free-choice feeding is not recommended for most cats because they don't have the ability to determine how many calories they're getting over the day and over time will tend to gain weight. There's a study that shows if a cat eats just 10 extra kibbles in one day over a year, they will gain one pound of body weight. If you are free choice feeding, it's recommended to measure out their food. Half a cup for an adult cat is a good average to go by.
Will human food make my cat overweight? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Human food will not necessarily make your cat overweight. However, the more human food your cat eats in addition to their regular diet, the more likely they will become over-nutritioned and overweight.
If my outdoor cat hunts, does that mean he’s missing something in his diet? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
No, a cat is going to hunt because it's a natural behavior and an instinctual behavior for a cat. If they are outside, they will often hunt because it's fun and normal. They are not missing something out of their diet; they're just supplementing their diet with prey.
Are prescription diets better for my cat? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Prescription diets are recommended when there is a medical reason for it. It's not recommended for just the general healthy cat to have a prescription diet. A prescription diet is not necessarily more healthy for your cat; it's just been prescribed for a medical reason.
Is wet food more nutritious than dry cat food? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Wet food is not necessarily more or less nutritious than dry cat food; they just offer different nutrition. Canned food has a high amount of water content, but it can also be highly nutritious for your cat. Oftentimes, a canned-only diet is recommended for various medical issues.
Can my cat live on a vegetarian diet? - Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
No, cats should not be fed a vegetarian diet. In fact, if they are fed a vegetarian diet over a period of time, they will actually die. They are obligated to eat protein, as they are carnivores.