Posts Tagged: feline

Looking for a new furry, feline family member?   Be sure to come by Animal Medical Hospital and check out our kittens available for adoption in the lobby.  AMH has formed a partnership with the Humane Society of Charlotte, and as a result, we are able to provide a loving, caring environment for adoptable kittens until they are able to go to their “furr-ever” home.

We have two available for adoption, Hiro and Hitch, who are from the same litter. They each have unique and loveable personalities. Hiro is easy going, and would be wonderful in a home with children. Hitch is an explorer and is equally as cute.

The number of kittens AMH has available varies dependent upon how many the Humane Society of Charlotte has available for adoption. We are constantly  receiving new kittens, so please be sure to check out our available adoptions by stopping by or giving us a call!

If you are interested in applying for adoption, come by the front desk and ask one of our Client Service Associates for an application. Once submitted, your application will be processed within 48 hours, and then you will be notified whether or not if you are approved for adoption. Interested applicants are encouraged to stop by for a visit with our kittens during our regular business hours that way we can ensure that one of our adorable felines is the “purr-fect” match for your family.

After you have been approved for adoption, we will assist you in setting up a time to pick up your new kitten. At this appointment, you will meet with one of our doctors who will go over kitten care with you, as well as answer any kitten questions you may have. Your kitten will be fully vaccinated (boosters may be needed for our younger kittens) and will be spayed or neutered. Before you take your furry family member home, we will also provide you with proof of vaccinations and two gift cards redeemable at Animal Medical Hospital. One gift card will cover the cost of your pet’s first physical exam at AMH, and one is worth $200 worth of services. We hope that these gift cards will help you provide the very best care for your new kitten.

We hope to see you soon!

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are both caused by retroviruses that can be transmitted it to other cats. Both viruses depress the immune system opening the door to secondary infections and diseases. The most common contagious infection is upper-respiratory. The most common non-contagious disease is cancer.

An individual cat can contract both FeLV and FIV.

Contracting the viruses:

FeLV is spread through close and prolonged cat-to-cat contact through bodily fluids (saliva, blood, urine and feces). Mother cats can give it to their kittens when they are pregnant or when they are nursing. Companion cats can spread it through shared food and water dishes and through mutual grooming.
FIV is spread when an infected cat bites another cat. This can happen when cats fight so unneutered male cats that are allowed outside have the highest risk of infection.

Progression and Symptoms:

FeLV can be caused by one of several types of viruses which have slightly different symptoms.
In the early stages, common symptoms include weight loss, dehydration and fever.
FIV also has a wide ranging group of symptoms. Since the immune system is depressed, upper respiratory infections can become chronic. The mouth can become inflamed there can be loss of weight due to chronic diarrhea, fevers, enlargement of the lymph glands, and chronic abscesses. Younger, healthier cats can live for years with the disease in remission.

Vaccinations:

There is a vaccine for FeLV although it may not be 100% effective. Your personal veterinarian will be able to discuss the pros and cons of vaccinating individual cats.

Treatment:

There is no cure for either FeLV or FIV. Some cats can live long and healthy lives while others contract diseases immediately. Blood tests can show the presence of both viruses. Your veterinarian should always be notified if your cat has been infected since this could affect his administration of vaccines and other treatments.

Remember: An infected cat should be kept away from uninfected cats. A healthy, balanced and nutritious diet and good general care is the best way to maintain your cat’s health for as long as possible. Minimizing stress and change is also helpful.