When your cat needs medicines, do not waste you money buying things at the pet shop or supermarket.
Medicines at the vet cost slightly more, but they work!

All cats need to be wormed. Even the best treatment only reduces the number of worms, so regular treatment is essential.

Kittens should be wormed monthly until six months old, and then every three monthly for the rest of their lives. We use Panacur fluid (given orally by syringe) or Panacur granules in the food. In adult cats, a once yearly treatment with a Drontal tablet will be effective against tapeworm, as well as the roundworm cover given by Panacur.

We do not recommend the use of any wormer given by drops onto the skin. There is evidence that this can cause cancer.

Indoor cats can also get fleas. The eggs can be carried on your shoes or clothes from any place where dogs or cats have been. We use Frontline pump action spray. When sprayed on the undercoat of the cat this is extremely effective.

We do not use aerosols as these frighten the cats, and the drops are a possible cancer cause, too. If you have had cats or dogs at any time, your carpets and curtains may contain flea eggs. We suggest you use Indorex or Acclaim as an effective treatment. Use this on the cat's bedding too.

Your kitten has been brought up on veterinary approved dry food such as James Wellbeloved, Science Diet or Pro Plan. Adult formula is perfectly fine for older kittens and adults.

You may like to give small amounts of tinned food, but this is not necessary. If you want to treat your cat, you may like to give it tinned tuna for humans. Make sure any oil or brine is well squeezed out. You can also buy cat tuna such as Highlife. Feeding your cat excessively on tidbits or tinned food may cause diarrhoea and blood in the stools.

With a proper diet, there is no need to give them milk, either kitten milk or cows milk. This can also give diarrhoea. You should make sure your cat has access to clean water at all times. Cats drink only small amounts but it is essential to their health. Veterinary approved foods include a hormone, taurine, that stimulates the cat to drink.

Moving home for a cat is a stressful experience. You may find that this reduces the effectiveness of their immune system and your kitten may develop a sticky eye or a cough. While this is minor and easily cured with simple antibiotics, you should not hesitate to visit the vet. If you have other cats or dogs, a minor infection from them is quite possible, too.

Cat behaviour can be complex and if your cat behaves abnormally, you should be aware of this. If your cat is eating and is active, there is unlikely to be a serious problem, but it is always wise to check. Although vet's fees can be expensive, early treatment is always cheaper and more effective than when the cat is really ill.