Animal Shelter News

This year the weather has been good for multiple litters of kittens. Mama cats are popping them out on a regular basis. Unfortunately, since the majority of these kittens never have a single vaccination, many of them are dying from diseases that are caused by parasites and viruses. To have a healthy kitten there are a few simple health rules that need to be followed.

All kittens and stray cats need to be treated for worms when they're taken into your household. Cats or kittens that have a lot of fleas can be hit with a number of problems, from anemia to skin lesions. Additionally, fleas are an intermediary host for tapeworm so they pass that parasite on to dogs and cats too. So getting rid of fleas is essential.

There are two viruses that are big issues with cats: Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV). National statistics say that 4 - 7% of all cats are infected with FeLV, and it's spread through grooming and close contact with infected cats. FIV is very common in outdoor cats, and the virus is usually passed through biting/saliva. Though FIV can remain dormant for a long period of time, it affects the cat's immune system and is ultimately responsible for many chronic and fatal diseases.

Certainly outdoor cats and kittens that come into contact with feral animals should be checked for these viruses, and vaccines given if they test negative.

All cats and kittens should have a series of at least 2 vaccinations for Feline Distemper (closely related to the Parvo virus found in dogs) combined with 2 common respiratory ailments. Each of the 2 shots is given 3 - 4 weeks apart with the last one given after the age of 4 months. The vaccine is very affective against Distemper and will minimize the respiratory illnesses cats get.

And last, every domestic animal should have a rabies vaccine - no exceptions! Having a rabies vaccination for your pet lessens the possibility that animals, and people, will contract this deadly disease.

Please remember that the best situation for your cat is to have him or her altered. This population control is the number one way to ensure the health and safety of our pets. Contact DART for information on low-cost spay and neutering options.

If you would like to donate to DART or the animal shelter, every bit of your donation will be used to make life better for the homeless animals in Dade County:

DART

PO Box 534, Trenton, GA 30752

706.398.9460

Dade Animal Board (Shelter Fund)

876 Back Valley Rd., Trenton, GA 30752

If you have a pet tail to share, please contact Connie at 657-3458.