MALAYSIA
202401001988 (1547839-D)
Frequently asked questions
The Responsible Pet Ownership session is a comprehensive educational program we offer to all our clients when they acquire one of our kittens. This session is designed to equip new pet parents with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to provide a loving and responsible home for their new family member.
Key components of our Responsible Pet Ownership session:
Healthcare Guidance: We provide detailed information about the specific healthcare needs for your pet, including vaccination schedules, preventive care, and common health issues that may arise. This includes guidance about vet visits and the importance of our mandatory and strict spaying/neutering policy.
Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for the well-being of your pet. We offer guidance on choosing the right cat food, portion sizes, and dietary recommendations to ensure your kitten grows up healthy and strong.
Behaviour and Socialisation: Understanding your pet's behaviour is essential for a harmonious relationship. We offer insights into their unique temperament and how to socialise and train them effectively.
Environmental Enrichment: Your pets are known for their active nature. We provide advice on creating an enriching environment with toys, scratching posts, and playtime to keep your kitten mentally and physically stimulated.
Grooming and Hygiene: Proper grooming and hygiene are crucial for your pet's health. We offer tips on grooming routines, litter box training, and dental care and etc.
Safety and Pet-Proofing: We discuss safety measures to ensure your pet is protected both indoors and outdoors, including information on toxic plants, common household hazards and many more.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Responsible pet ownership also involves understanding and complying with local laws and regulations related to pet care and management.
Lifetime Support: At Designer Cats Malaysia, we believe in ongoing support for our clients. We provide contact information for any questions or concerns that may arise throughout your kitten's life.
This session is crucial because it empowers new or experience pet owners with the knowledge and resources they need to provide the best possible care for their pets. It ensures that our pets are placed in loving and informed homes, reducing the risk of common health and behavioural issues that can arise from inadequate care.By offering this session, we aim to create a community of responsible and well-informed pet owners who can provide a loving, safe, and nurturing environment for their kittens throughout their lives.
Recognising if your pet is unwell is crucial for their well-being. Your pets are often skilled at hiding signs of illness, so it's important to be observant. Here are key indicators to help you determine if your pet is unwell:
1. Changes in Eating Habits:
Signs of Illness: A sudden loss of appetite, refusal to eat, or a significant decrease in food intake can be signs of illness. Conversely, increased hunger and excessive thirst can also indicate health issues like diabetes.
Example: If your pet, who typically has a healthy appetite, suddenly stops eating or eats significantly less for more than a day, it's a cause for concern.
2. Changes in Drinking Habits:
Signs of Illness: Increased water consumption (polydipsia) or decreased water intake (dehydration) can be indicators of underlying health problems.
Example: If your pet starts drinking excessively or seems uninterested in water for an extended period, it's a red flag.
3. Litter Box Changes:
Signs of Illness: Frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in urine, or difficulty defecating can signal urinary or gastrointestinal problems.
Example: If your pet cries while urinating or produces very small amounts of urine, it may be suffering from a urinary tract issue.
4. Changes in Behaviour:
Signs of Illness: Any sudden, significant changes in behaviour, such as increased aggression, lethargy, excessive hiding, or restlessness, can indicate discomfort or illness.
Example: If your typically social and playful pet becomes withdrawn and avoids interaction, it could be unwell.
5. Vomit If your Laboured breathing, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing can be signs of respiratory infections or allergies.of digestive issues or underlying illnesses.
Signs of Illness: Occasional vomiting may not be unusual, but persistent or severe vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign of digestive issues or underlying illnesses.
Example: If your pet vomits multiple times in a day or has prolonged diarrhoea, it requires attention.
6. Weight Changes:
Signs of Illness: Unexplained weight loss or weight gain can be indicative of various health problems, including metabolic issues, thyroid dysfunction, or gastrointestinal disorders.
Example: If your cat loses a significant amount of weight over a short period without changes in diet or activity, it's a concern.
7. Respiratory Issues:
Signs of Illness: Labored breathing, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing can be signs of respiratory infections or allergies.
Example: If your cat is struggling to breathe or has nasal discharge that persists for more than a few days, consult a veterinarian.
8. Changes in Coat or Skin:
Signs of Illness: Dull or greasy fur, bald patches, excessive itching, or skin lesions may indicate allergies, parasites, or skin disorders.
Example: If you notice significant changes in your pet's outlook quality or persistent itching, it's worth investigating.
9. Lethargy:
Signs of Illness: An unusually lethargic pet that is reluctant to move, play, or groom itself could be unwell.
Example: If your active pet suddenly becomes listless and lacks energy, it's a sign to seek veterinary attention.
10. Noticeable Pain: - Signs of Illness: Obvious signs of pain, such as limping, yowling, or guarding a specific body part, need immediate attention. - Example: If your pet cries out in pain when touched or avoids using a limb, it may be injured or in discomfort.
If you observe any of these signs or suspect that your pet is unwell, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment can often lead to better outcomes, and your veterinarian can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan based on your pet's specific symptoms. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for maintaining your pet's health and catching potential issues before they become severe.
What is UTI in Cats?
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in cats is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the feline urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. UTIs can be painful and cause discomfort for your cat. They can occur in cats of any age but are more common in females. Understanding the signs, prevention, and treatment of UTIs is essential for cat owners.
Symptoms of UTI in Cats:
Frequent Urination: Your cat may visit the litter box more frequently or make multiple attempts to urinate with little output.
Straining to Urinate: Cats with UTIs often strain to pass urine, sometimes crying out in pain.
Blood in Urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common sign of a UTI and can range from pink-tinged to red.
Urinating Outside the Litter Box: Your cat may urinate outside the litter box, as they associate the box with pain.
Licking Genital Area: Excessive grooming of the genital area can indicate discomfort.
Strong Urine Odour: Foul-smelling urine is another indicator of a UTI.
Prevention of UTI in Cats:
Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Adequate hydration can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
High-Quality Diet: Feed your cat a balanced, high-quality cat food. Some special diets are designed to promote urinary health.
Litter Box Maintenance: Keep the litter box clean, and provide a box for each cat in your household. Place them in quiet, accessible locations.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary visits to monitor your cat's health and catch potential issues early.
Stress Reduction: Minimise stress in your cat's environment, as stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to UTIs.
Treatment of UTI in Cats:
If you suspect your cat has a UTI, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam and may recommend urine analysis to confirm the infection. Treatment typically involves:
Antibiotics: The primary treatment for a UTI is a course of antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow the prescribed dosage and duration.
Hydration: Ensure your cat continues to drink water to help flush out bacteria.
Pain Management: Your vet may provide pain relief medication to ease your cat's discomfort during urination.
Special Diet: In some cases, your vet may recommend a special urinary diet to prevent future UTIs.
Recheck: After completing the antibiotics, your vet may request a follow-up to confirm the infection is cleared.
It's essential to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for treatment. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more severe issues, including kidney infections.
Overall, a combination of preventive measures, including proper hydration, diet, and stress management, can help reduce the risk of UTIs in cats. Monitoring your cat's health and behavior and seeking prompt veterinary care if you notice any symptoms are crucial steps in ensuring your feline friend's well-being.
What is Ringworm in Cats?
Ringworm in cats is a fungal infection, not a worm as the name suggests. It's caused by several species of fungi known as dermatophytes. Ringworm is highly contagious and can affect a cat's skin, fur, and sometimes nails. It's essential to understand the signs, prevention, and treatment of ringworm to protect your cat and other pets in your household.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Cats:
Circular Hairless Patches: Ringworm often presents as round, hairless lesions on a cat's skin. These patches may be red and scaly.
Itching and Irritation: Cats with ringworm may scratch or groom excessively due to itchiness and discomfort.
Broken or Brittle Nails: In some cases, the claws may become brittle or show signs of deformation.
Spreading Lesions: If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other parts of the body or to other animals and humans in the household.
Prevention of Ringworm in Cats:
Quarantine: If you adopt a new cat or kitten, consider quarantining them in a separate room until they are checked by a veterinarian for ringworm and other health issues.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule routine vet visits to monitor your cat's overall health and detect any early signs of ringworm.
Environmental Hygiene: Keep your cat's living area clean and dry. Regularly clean and disinfect litter boxes, bedding, and other cat-related items.
Isolation: If you suspect a cat has ringworm, isolate them from other pets in the household and consult a vet promptly.
Treatment of Ringworm in Cats:
If your cat is diagnosed with ringworm, your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan. Treatment options may include:
Topical Antifungal Medications: Creams, ointments, or shampoos containing antifungal agents are applied directly to the affected areas.
Oral Antifungal Medications: In more severe cases or when multiple pets are affected, your vet may prescribe oral antifungal medications.
Environmental Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and disinfect your home, as ringworm spores can linger in the environment. Vacuum and wash cat bedding regularly.
Isolation: Keep the affected cat isolated until they are no longer contagious. Ensure proper hygiene when handling them.
Recheck: Follow up with your veterinarian as recommended to monitor the progress of treatment.
Preventative Measures: Consider antifungal dips or baths for other pets in the household as a preventive measure.
It's crucial to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your veterinarian, even if the symptoms improve before the treatment is finished. Ringworm can be persistent, and discontinuing treatment prematurely can lead to a recurrence.
While ringworm is contagious to humans and other pets, it's manageable with proper treatment and hygiene practices. If you suspect your cat has ringworm or if you notice any symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your cat's specific needs.
What is a Fractured Bone in Cats?
A fractured bone in cats refers to a break or crack in one or more of the cat's bones. Fractures can vary in severity, from simple hairline fractures to complex, multiple breaks. They can occur due to trauma, accidents, falls, or underlying medical conditions that weaken the bones. Recognising the signs, preventing accidents, and seeking prompt veterinary care are crucial when dealing with fractured bones in cats.
Signs of a Fractured Bone in Cats:
Limping or Lameness: Cats with a fractured bone often limp or refuse to put weight on the affected limb.
Pain and Discomfort: Your cat may show signs of pain, such as yowling, hissing, or reluctance to be touched near the injury site.
Swelling or Bruising: The area around the fracture may become swollen or bruised.
Abnormal Limb Position: In some cases, the affected limb may appear twisted or positioned abnormally.
Inability to Move: Severe fractures can lead to complete immobilisation of the affected limb.
Prevention of Fractured Bones in Cats:
Indoor Cat Lifestyle: Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces the risk of accidents and traumatic injuries like fractures.
Cat-Proofing: Cat-proof your home by removing potential hazards such as unstable furniture or objects your cat might climb.
Supervision: If your cat enjoys outdoor time, supervise their activities to prevent falls from high places like trees or balconies.
Safe Play: Ensure your cat's toys are safe and free from small parts that could be swallowed or choked on.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor your cat's overall health, including bone density and strength.
Treatment of Fractured Bones in Cats:
Treatment of a fractured bone in a cat depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Here are common treatment approaches:
Immobilisation: For minor fractures, such as hairline fractures, splinting or casting may be used to immobilise the affected limb while it heals.
Surgery: Complex fractures often require surgical intervention to realign and stabilise the bone using pins, plates, or wires.
Pain Management: Pain relief medication is essential to keep the cat comfortable during recovery.
Restricted Activity: Cats with fractures should be confined to a small, quiet space to prevent further injury during recovery.
Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with the veterinarian are necessary to monitor the healing process and remove any external hardware.
Physical Therapy: In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help the cat regain strength and mobility.
Dietary Support: Adequate nutrition, including a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, is important for bone health.
Remember that fractures are painful for cats and can lead to complications if not treated promptly. If you suspect your cat has a fractured bone, seek immediate veterinary care. Delaying treatment can worsen the injury and may lead to long-term consequences.
While it's challenging to prevent all accidents, taking preventive measures and ensuring your cat's environment is safe can significantly reduce the risk of fractures. Regular veterinary check-ups also play a vital role in detecting and addressing any underlying health issues that may affect your cat's bone strength.