01962 841001 / 840505
St Cross Road, WINCHESTER, SO23 9PR
Vaccinations
Cats are vaccinated against cat flu (Feline Calici Virus and Feline Rhinotracheitis), Feline Enteritis (Feline Panleukopaenia) and Feline Leukaemia virus.
These are all very unpleasant and potentially fatal diseases and the vaccines used provide safe and effective protection.
The usual schedule for cats is
- 1st vaccination at 9 weeks old
- 2nd vaccination at 12 weeks old
At the time of your pet’s vaccinations, we will give them a general health examination. We are relying more and more, on regular health checks to keep pets well and to detect health problems as early as possible.
We are relying, more and more, on regular health checks to keep pets well and to detect health problems as early as possible.
Worms
Cats should be wormed on a regular basis against both roundworm and tapeworm with a combined wormer. In general we advise kittens are wormed on purchase and then at monthly intervals until 6 months of age. Thereafter, we suggest worming every 3 months. The products we recommend are Panacur Paste for kittens followed by Milbemax or Profender. Giving cats pills can be tricky — there is now a spot-on wormer called Profender — a few drops on the back every 3 months protects your cat from all intestinal worms.
Some worms that affect cats also affect people, so worming is essential for both your cat and family’s health. This is of importance where children are involved since Toxocara (roundworm) can occasionally pose a health risk, especially in young children where hygiene may be less particular, than with older children and adults. Our staff can provide further information on worming.
Fleas
Fleas are common throughout the year, not just in summer. Fleas spend their adult life on your pets, feeding on blood and then laying eggs. Everywhere your pet goes in your house, eggs will be dropped from the coat to hatch and develop in your carpets, furniture and bedding. Therefore, it is essential to treat your house for developing fleas, as well as your pets. There are many safe, effective and easy to use products to control fleas in cats. Advocate applied monthly to the back of the neck is our treatment of choice. If ticks are a problem then consider Effipro. Have a chat to one of our team about the best flea control regime for your cat.
Neutering
Males and females are regularly neutered at between 5 and 6 months of age.
Microchipping
Microchipping / Identichip system for electronic identification of your pet is available at the surgery. It involves the injection of a small microchip under the skin of the neck, It is normally carried out by prior appointment as a consultation or at the time of neutering and provides peace of mind if your pet is lost.
Operating Theatres
We have a fully equipped operating theatre routinely used for sterile operations, the most common of which are neutering operations (spays and castrations). Other sterile operations that are performed include orthopaedic and abdominal surgery and the removal of tumours. Another preparation room is used for non-sterile work, which includes dentistry, and the treatment of bite wounds, abscesses and skin diseases.
Referrals
Where necessary we are always prepared to refer difficult cases to specialists in a particular field. We are fortunate to have access to local referral centres.
House Visits
We are able to attend your pet at home if necessary. For house visits we ask that you phone between 8.30 and 9.30 a.m. However, you should appreciate that it is often not possible to examine the patient as thoroughly at home or administer all the treatments that would be possible in the surgery.
Please also remember that there is an additional charge made for visits.
Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat prescriptions for animals on long term medication may be obtained at the surgery. Please allow 24 hours notice for the repeat prescription to be prepared. This also applies to animals on special prescription diets where, if possible, we ask for 48 hours notice. Since certain medicines are legally controlled, it will be necessary from time to time (normally every 4-6 months) for your pet to see the Vet before further medication is prescribed. We will advise you of this when you telephone. In these cases, please make an appointment, as not doing so will delay the preparation of the next prescription.
Pet Health Insurance
The provision of medical, surgical and nursing care for your pet can be expensive. Pet health insurance can be an affordable way to provide quality pet health care at an economical rate, so that veterinary fees can be reclaimed. Insurance company leaflets are available at the surgery.
Diets
The Practice stocks the range of Royal Canin for maintenance feeding and also both canned and dry special prescription diets which are used in conjunction with medicines, to cure or control a range of diagnosed conditions from bladder stones and kidney disease to cardiac problems, as well as obesity. A trained nurse is available to give advice on feeding.
Final Care
In the event of your pet being put to sleep, or if your pet dies, a range of facilities for burial or cremation is available to you. This can be done on a personal and individual basis with the return of the ashes in a small casket if required. Our staff will help and advise you during this difficult time. A home visit on such an occasion can be provided. We will endeavour to help you with such sad decisions to help ease your grief and come to terms with your loss.