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Both of my cats were promptly vetted when I received them at 6 weeks of age and received full vaccine series when indicated, were dewormed, and given full exams. They were given a good bill of health.
Last Friday, I took my two boys in for their first yearly check-up and vaccines and I have a couple questions based on the following information:
Both are strictly indoor cats with no contact with other animals; 3rd floor, no balcony - open windows when weather permits. Neither has ever had fleas, worms, or other parasites. They are both 18 months and were sucessfully neutered at 4 months and are in very good health. They are both structurally 'big' boys; not overweight (in my opinion).
Both were curious, playful, yet cooperative during the exams.
Keeker (DSH):
vitals within normal limits
eyes and lungs clear
weight - 14.1 pounds
shoulder height (standing) - 11"
head circumference -12"
ear to tail base - 23"
abdominal girth - 19"
body is long, lithe, and very solid musculature
very active
coat is sleek and shiny with very little dander and moderate shedding
History: treated for a cat bite/local bacterial infection to the head 4/2015
(alpha cat). No adversities/healed well
mildly aggressive play behavior
Kricket (MC):
vitals within normal limits
eyes and lungs clear
weight -13.9 pounds
shoulder height (standing) -13"
head circumference - 13"
ear to tail base - 18"
Abdominal girth - 17"
rectangle, boxy, solid (developing a slight abdominal flap)
fairly active (not as much as Keeker)
coat is soft and silky, no visible dander with moderately heavy shedding (and no mats)
History: treated for severe ear mites accompanied by fungal infection at 6 weeks.
No adversities or repeat infestation.
calm, affectionate. no aggression
Diet for both consists of approx 1/3 cup dry (each) for adult indoor food for cats (they are free-fed, but this is all they consume in 24 hours). They also receive 1.5 ounces (each) wet food - once in the morning and once in the evening (it frequently takes them several hours of returning to the bowl to finish).
About once a week, they both get either Temptations treats, a tablespoon of non-dairy yogurt, OR either approx 1.0 ounce canned chicken (in water) or fresh cooked chicken (no spices or additives) drizzled with the broth.
They get water added to their wet food and also have a water fountain to drink from that they both love and use regularly.
The vet prepared all vaccines, but I stipulated Rabies vaccine only. My reasoning being that they are strictly indoors with no outside exposure to other animals and have no health issues. My vet agreed that it wasn't necessary to subject them to 'all the other' vaccines. I also waived Revolution treatment for the same reason. I believe the risks outweigh the benefits in their case.
Question #1 - Could I get some opinions on my choice of only the legally required Rabies vaccine?
I was a bit surprised when my vet stated he felt they should each lose between 2 to 3 pounds. Based on their over all appearance, weight, and current diet I don't see the need for this. He stated they are both within normal weight limits for their breed and body size, but his reasoning was because they are indoor neutered males and are 'prone' to obesity.
Note: I was actually contemplating reducing their dry food (due to dry having high carbs and low protein, among other factors) and gradually switching to all wet; however, at this point, I am undecided because wet food has more calories. My mind is boggled as to what to do or how and when to do it.
They are both active every day - chasing each other, playing with toys on their own, as well as getting interactive play time with me.
Question #2 - Would anyone care to share their opinion on whether or not I should put them on a weight reducing diet at this time?
I appreciate all input. If I get enough 'opinions' here to make me question my choices, I will seek the advice of another vet. (I was on the phone most of yesterday speaking with various vets within a 50 mile radius of me; two of which were 'cats only' vets and have chosen one as an option - even though her office charge is $46.00 per cat, whereas my vet charged only $19.75 each cat for their yearly exam and Rabies vac. But I am willing to pay if deemed necessary to assure I made the right choice).
Thanks in advance for any information of value.
Recent pictures -
View media item 300469
View media item 298073
Last Friday, I took my two boys in for their first yearly check-up and vaccines and I have a couple questions based on the following information:
Both are strictly indoor cats with no contact with other animals; 3rd floor, no balcony - open windows when weather permits. Neither has ever had fleas, worms, or other parasites. They are both 18 months and were sucessfully neutered at 4 months and are in very good health. They are both structurally 'big' boys; not overweight (in my opinion).
Both were curious, playful, yet cooperative during the exams.
Keeker (DSH):
vitals within normal limits
eyes and lungs clear
weight - 14.1 pounds
shoulder height (standing) - 11"
head circumference -12"
ear to tail base - 23"
abdominal girth - 19"
body is long, lithe, and very solid musculature
very active
coat is sleek and shiny with very little dander and moderate shedding
History: treated for a cat bite/local bacterial infection to the head 4/2015
(alpha cat). No adversities/healed well
mildly aggressive play behavior
Kricket (MC):
vitals within normal limits
eyes and lungs clear
weight -13.9 pounds
shoulder height (standing) -13"
head circumference - 13"
ear to tail base - 18"
Abdominal girth - 17"
rectangle, boxy, solid (developing a slight abdominal flap)
fairly active (not as much as Keeker)
coat is soft and silky, no visible dander with moderately heavy shedding (and no mats)
History: treated for severe ear mites accompanied by fungal infection at 6 weeks.
No adversities or repeat infestation.
calm, affectionate. no aggression
Diet for both consists of approx 1/3 cup dry (each) for adult indoor food for cats (they are free-fed, but this is all they consume in 24 hours). They also receive 1.5 ounces (each) wet food - once in the morning and once in the evening (it frequently takes them several hours of returning to the bowl to finish).
About once a week, they both get either Temptations treats, a tablespoon of non-dairy yogurt, OR either approx 1.0 ounce canned chicken (in water) or fresh cooked chicken (no spices or additives) drizzled with the broth.
They get water added to their wet food and also have a water fountain to drink from that they both love and use regularly.
The vet prepared all vaccines, but I stipulated Rabies vaccine only. My reasoning being that they are strictly indoors with no outside exposure to other animals and have no health issues. My vet agreed that it wasn't necessary to subject them to 'all the other' vaccines. I also waived Revolution treatment for the same reason. I believe the risks outweigh the benefits in their case.
Question #1 - Could I get some opinions on my choice of only the legally required Rabies vaccine?
I was a bit surprised when my vet stated he felt they should each lose between 2 to 3 pounds. Based on their over all appearance, weight, and current diet I don't see the need for this. He stated they are both within normal weight limits for their breed and body size, but his reasoning was because they are indoor neutered males and are 'prone' to obesity.
Note: I was actually contemplating reducing their dry food (due to dry having high carbs and low protein, among other factors) and gradually switching to all wet; however, at this point, I am undecided because wet food has more calories. My mind is boggled as to what to do or how and when to do it.
They are both active every day - chasing each other, playing with toys on their own, as well as getting interactive play time with me.
Question #2 - Would anyone care to share their opinion on whether or not I should put them on a weight reducing diet at this time?
I appreciate all input. If I get enough 'opinions' here to make me question my choices, I will seek the advice of another vet. (I was on the phone most of yesterday speaking with various vets within a 50 mile radius of me; two of which were 'cats only' vets and have chosen one as an option - even though her office charge is $46.00 per cat, whereas my vet charged only $19.75 each cat for their yearly exam and Rabies vac. But I am willing to pay if deemed necessary to assure I made the right choice).
Thanks in advance for any information of value.
Recent pictures -
View media item 300469
View media item 298073
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