Pet care

If a cat owner notices small white specks or even pale threads in the litter tray, it means the cat has a problem with internal parasites.

These live in the digestive tract, and the problem most often affects cats that go outdoors, but indoor-only cats can become infected too. There are also parasites that live in the respiratory system, more precisely in the lungs. Owners need to be aware that a worm infestation can seriously affect a cat’s wellbeing and health. 

How can a cat pick up internal parasites?

Both outdoor and indoor cats can pick up parasites in several ways. Remember that cats that go outside are at greater risk of infestation with internal worms.

Routes of infection include:

• contact with infected animals, 
• swallowing flea larvae (which carry worms) or the faeces of an infected animal, 
• spending time in an environment where parasite eggs or larvae are present (they can be found on grass or even at home, in the litter tray), 
• eating spoiled, infected meat, 
• from an infected mother, who can pass on parasites through her milk or even across the placenta. 

Cats can not only catch worms but also pass them on to other animals, so if the problem arises, it most likely affects every animal in the household. 

What are the symptoms of worms in cats?

A parasite problem can cause a variety of symptoms. Sometimes the worms are visible in the faeces, but there are also signs that cannot be seen with the naked eye. 

The most common signs that should raise suspicion of worms include:

• loss of appetite 
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• weight loss
• a bloated belly
• apathy or even excessive sleepiness 
• difficulty breathing 
• licking around the anus 

How can you prevent infection with internal parasites?

The most important things are always hygiene and limiting contact with other animals that may be infected. Litter trays should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Keep contact with wild animals to a minimum. 

Regular faecal tests help keep everything under control. For outdoor cats, this test is recommended once every three months. Indoor cats should be checked for parasites every six months, or at the very least once a year. 

Can people catch worms from a cat?

Infestation with internal parasites is a zoonosis, which means that humans can catch it too! This deserves particular attention if there are children in the home. 

Very often, when a veterinarian finds worms in a pet, they recommend that everyone in the household gets tested. 

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs is a group of behavioural disorders marked by intense restlessness, stress and fear whenever the owner is away. Dogs are social animals that become attached to their owners and form strong emotional bonds with them. Left alone, they can become extremely anxious and behave destructively, sometimes even harming themselves.

What does separation anxiety look like?

Typical behaviours in animals affected by this problem may include:

1. howling, barking or whining while the owner is away;
2. destroying furniture, doors or other objects in the home;
3. urinating or defecating in places where they would not normally do so;
4. excessive licking or chewing of the paws or other parts of the body;
5. low mood and apathy when the owner is absent;
6. refusing to eat while the owner is away;
7. following the owner everywhere once they get home;
8. sleeping excessively after the owner returns, as a result of being constantly on alert while alone;
9. carrying the owner’s personal belongings or items of clothing to their bed,

In extremely stressful situations, animals may behave in ways that are dangerous to themselves and to those around them.

What can cause this kind of behaviour? 

1. the dog not having been taught properly how to be left alone;
2. negative experiences or traumatic events associated with being alone, such as a thunderstorm or noisy building work next door;
3. too big a change in the dog’s routine or surroundings;
4. the loss of a human family member or a canine companion;
5. the dog feeling unwell, for example because of a developing illness or a painful condition;
6. a recent move from a place with lots of dogs and noise to a calm, quiet one;
7. unmet needs

What should you do if your dog has separation anxiety?

If you notice your dog showing any of the behaviours above, get in touch with us. Our specialists will help assess and diagnose separation anxiety in your dog and recommend suitable treatment methods and a plan of action.

What can you do before seeing a specialist to help your dog feel more comfortable when home alone?

1. take it step by step: get your dog used to your absence gradually, starting with short separations and slowly making them longer. As you leave, you can scatter some really tasty treats so that your dog starts to associate your departure with something pleasant.
2. use relaxation methods: try relaxation techniques such as calming music for dogs. This can help your dog feel more relaxed and secure while you are away. You could also use a diffuser such as Adaptil.
3. leave the radio or television on: this tip is especially useful for dogs adopted from noisy environments, as they often struggle with quiet places at first
4. tire your dog out before you leave: before going out for a longer period, take your dog for a walk and make sure its needs are met. Remember that five minutes of sniffing will tire a dog out more than chasing a ball.
5. toys and treats: give your dog access to a variety of toys and treats to keep it stimulated and occupied while you are away. Interactive toys, treat dispensers and chews can help distract and entertain your dog. Be sure to choose only chews and toys suitable for your dog’s age and temperament, and ones that will not break into sharp, dangerous pieces.
6. Ask for help: if the separation anxiety is severe and hard to manage on your own, it is worth consulting a specialist at the Zviropolis centre.

Remember that every dog is different, and a method that fails in one case may work in another. The key is to be patient and consistent, and to adapt the techniques to your dog’s individual needs and reactions. 

And finally, the most important thing: never punish your dog for any damage done while you were out. It is simply a sign of how much your dog missed you.

Why should cats be vaccinated? 

Veterinarians agree that all cats should be vaccinated, even those that never go outside. People can carry some pathogens home on their clothes or the soles of their shoes, which is why at Zviropolis we place such importance on prevention. 

Which  diseases do we vaccinate cats against? 

Animals receive their first vaccinations as kittens, and this is usually the reason for their first visit to the vet. The diseases they  are vaccinated against are: panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus, feline leukaemia and rabies. The vaccines are usually combined, though in some cases they are given separately against a single disease (for example rabies). 

1st vaccination 

The first vaccination is given at 8 weeks of age. At this point the kitten receives an injection against panleukopenia, calicivirus and cat flu.  

2nd vaccination

The next vaccination visit takes place no sooner than four weeks after the first dose. This time the cat is vaccinated against the same diseases  plus feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)

3rd vaccination 

At over 16 weeks of age, the previous vaccination is repeated. This is the last in the series of first-year vaccinations.

4th vaccination

Since 2022, rabies vaccination of cats has been  compulsory in Warsaw and the neighbouring districts. Bear in mind that not having a current rabies vaccination in an area at risk of rabies is an offence punishable by a fine.  

Vaccinations against infectious diseases are repeated once, a year after the first course, and then every three years. At that stage it is no longer a course of doses but a single vaccine. 

How should you prepare your pet before each vaccination? 

A cat must be healthy at the time of vaccination: a raised temperature, vomiting or any other worrying symptoms rule it out. Vets recommend deworming about a week before each vaccination. It is also very important to avoid strenuous physical activity before the visit. 

Before a cat is vaccinated against feline leukaemia, the vet must run a test (a rapid test or PCR); a negative result allows vaccination against this disease to go ahead. 

What should you look out for after vaccination? 

Keeping an eye on your pet after the injection is very important, because every vaccination carries a risk of side effects. Adverse reactions are most likely in the first few hours after vaccination, and the likelihood decreases as time goes on. 

Possible adverse reactions include: 

• swelling of the face or limbs
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• loss of consciousness or loss of coordination 
• breathing difficulties 
• lethargy 
• raised temperature
• drooling 

Remember that keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date is important to protect it from dangerous diseases. If you have any further questions about your cat’s vaccination schedule, please get in touch with the vets at Zviropolis and we will be happy to clear things up.