



eline behavior and health are very different from that of dogs. This article outlines six important feline-specific health facts that you should be aware of to maximize the health of the cats in your facility’s care.
Just like in dogs, Rabies vaccination is required by law for cats in many states. It is a deadly virus that is transmitted through bite wounds of infected animals and can infect humans. There are two different types of feline rabies vaccination, and their duration of protection is either one or three years.
FVRCP protects against three highly contagious feline viruses. Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus cause upper respiratory infections and Panleukopenia is the feline version of parvovirus, which can cause life-threatening gastrointestinal disease and bone marrow suppression. All boarding cats should be up to date on this vaccination, which is usually given every three years, though some one-year vaccines are available.
Infected cats are more susceptible to other diseases, such as upper respiratory infections (URI). This means you should be careful not to house them near a cat with an illness that can be transmitted by air, such as a URI. It is also important that they receive veterinary attention quickly if they are showing any signs of illness since their immune system does not work as well as a non-infected cat.
FeLV is transmitted by prolonged close contact, such as grooming, and less commonly through sharing litter boxes and food or water dishes. FIV is transmitted through bite wounds. This means, as long as cats are housed alone and appropriate cleaning is performed, an FeLV- or FIV-positive cat does not pose a risk to your other boarders.
A vaccination is available for FeLV, and it is recommended for kittens due to their increased susceptibility to the virus, and for adult cats that spend time outdoors or live with an infected cat. The vaccine is not a requirement for boarding since cats are housed separately and the virus is not airborne. There is no vaccination for FIV; the only prevention is to minimize exposure by keeping cats indoors.
This can lead to increased shedding of the virus and clinical signs of illness, which include nasal and ocular (eye) discharge. Some cats will have fevers, be lethargic and have a decreased appetite. While secondary bacterial infections can develop, requiring antibiotic therapy, most cases are self-limiting, similar to a human cold virus.
Cats showing signs of upper respiratory infection should be isolated from other cats, as these viruses are airborne. Cats infected with FeLV or FIV and kittens are most susceptible to these infections. Biosecurity protocols to prevent spread of infection are essential and should include isolation of infected cats and cleaning/disinfecting facilities and individuals working with both sick and healthy boarders.
In most cases, treatment is aimed at reducing stress and minimizing pain and inflammation. The condition usually self-resolves within a few days to a week. Antibiotics are rarely needed, as most of these cases do not have an infection. For some cats with recurrent disease, a prescription urinary diet is prescribed, which can help to reduce inflammation in the bladder and decrease the formation of urinary crystals. Cats that are fed these diets regularly should continue to receive them while boarding. They should not be given other foods or treats, as this can interfere with the effectiveness of the diet.
If a cat is not urinating, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. This can be a sign that a urinary obstruction has developed, often referred to as a “blocked cat.” This is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when a plug of cellular material, urinary crystals, blood or mucus forms in the urethra. It is most commonly a concern for male cats. Ideal treatment includes anesthesia or sedation to place a urinary catheter and one to three days in the veterinary hospital on IV fluids. These cats can do well with prompt treatment, so it is important that staff are aware of this condition and respond appropriately.
Some cats will ingest a pill hidden in canned food, while others need the pill to be pushed into the back of their throat for them to swallow. A “pill gun” is a special device that can sometimes make administering pills easier for some cats. Other medications come in liquid formulations and are administered via oral syringe.
Additionally, some medications are available in a transdermal formulation. These medications are creams or ointments that are rubbed on the inner ear flap and absorbed through the skin. Staff should be shown by the client how to dose the medication and wear gloves when applying the medication to avoid absorption through their own skin.
Finally, be sure to ask your clients if their cat has received any recent medications. There are several long-acting injections that are used to treat cats, including antibiotics, steroids and medication for osteoarthritis. In the event there is an emergency during boarding that requires veterinary attention, it is important for the vet to know any medications that may be in the pet’s system. This question could be added to your boarding intake form.
- Fear-based aggression, which puts human staff members at risk of injury.
- Decreased food and water intake, which can exacerbate underlying diseases or cause changes in the liver if inappetance is prolonged.
- Flares of upper respiratory viruses, which can lead to outbreaks in the facility.
- Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Inflammation in the urinary tract, which can lead to life-threatening obstructions.
To create a low-stress space for feline boarders, the cat area should be in a quiet place away from barking dogs and in a lower-traffic part of the building. Additionally, enclosures should be designed to have an area where cats can hide, such as a box or separate enclosed part of the cage. Feline pheromone products such as Feliway® can be used as diffusers or sprays to help reduce stress as well.
Keeping stress low and having staff who are accustomed to reading feline body language and are aware of their unique medical needs will help to keep your feline boarders as happy and healthy as possible during their stay.