FIV Tests

You may remember from a few months ago that my humans managed to secure funding to investigate the prevalence of FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - like HIV in humans) in our area.  My humans have now tested 200 healthy adult cats and found that 11% of them were FIV positive.  That's pretty scary considering they felt otherwise fine!  The males amongst us have it especially rough - 18% of them were positive while only 3% of the females were positive (probably because they fight so much!)  Now that my humans know they are infected they can help them to make some lifestyle changes to keep them well for as long as possible.  They have also been able to protect cats at risk by vaccinating them.  Thank you to all my cat friends who agree to be tested - we couldn't have done it without you.

..........Cotton

Clean Teeth

I love how the team here at the Vet Centre do those extra little things to look after me.  Little things like putting Aquadent in my daily drinking water which keeps my breath smelling fresh.  I also have my teeth brushed regularly with my own special tooth brush.  The best part though is the dental biscuits and dental treats I get - they are sooo delicious.  Did you know nearly 80% of animals over three years old have some form of dental disease?  My vets can give your teeth a scale and polish which will make your mouth feel much better and protects us from dental disease.  So remind your humans that we need dental care too!

..........Cotton

All About Cotton....

I am Cotton and I am the boss here at the Veterinary Centre in Oamaru!  I have just had my 40th recently (5.4 of your human years).  I was born on Christmas Eve of 2010.  One of my roles here at the Veterinary Centre is donating blood to car crash victims (I am Type A blood group) but mostly I am also cheif cat food/treat taste tester!  It's not a bad gig!  The worst accident I ever had here was when I was just young and still trying to negotiate those electric doors, I got my tail stuck in them and had to have the tip of my tail amputated.  Lucky I have the very best vets on hand to sort me out when I do dumb things like that.

.........Cotton

FIV in Cats

My 'humans' here at the Blue Cross Veterinary Centre are industry leaders.  They have secured funding to investigate the prevalence of FIV in our area.  FIV is a disease which attacks the immune system, much like HIV in humans.  They are screening 'healthy' adult cats that haven't been vaccinated for FIV before (it is not one of the usual vaccinations).  They will find out if FIV is something we should be more vigilant about in our area and whether we should routinely vaccinate against it.  It can be a nasty disease and can kill us, but careful management can help extend our life.  As soon as my people here have done all the hard work and collated all the data I will be sure to get back to you with their findings....watch my space......

.......... Cotton

Neutered Cats

Did you know a female cat can produce 15-20 kittens a year?  The world is incredibly overpopulated by stray cats....those poor souls have no homes to go to, no beds to sleep in and no humans at their beck-and-call!

My humans lead the way in responsible pet ownership and make sure that our Tiny Tigers are neutered when they leave here for their new homes!  Being neutered means ovarian and testicular cancers are impossible.

Neutered pets tend to be happier, friendlier and less territorial so please make sure "your people" bring you in to talk to one of my Blue Cross vets about this routine surgical procedure!

.........Cotton

Sunblock on Cats

Holidays are all about relaxing right?  Nothing better than a good book or a snooze outside soaking up the sunshine.  Because of my pale complexion I must be very careful not to get my ears and nose sunburnt.  "My humans" have a special sunblock for me called Filta Clear which means I am well protected from getting skin cancer.  Human sunblock is too toxic for us animals so if you are sensitive to the sun like me then send "your people" in to your nearest Blue Cross Veterinary Centre for some animal friendly sunblock today.

I am lucky because "my staff" are available 24/7 over the holidays.....I hope "your humans" have you well cared for if they are away........

..........Cotton

Merry Christmas

These humans are really good at spoiling my fun! They say it is for my own good! they have hidden all the Christmas chocolates and lollies so I cannot get into them (apparently they can make me really sick). They have even put the Christmas tree and all that fun, sparkly tinsel out of my reach-they say it can be dangerous for me too! I guess I should thank them really....they say that they love me lots and they just want to keep me safe and healthy. Remember that there is ALWAYS someone here with me at the Blue Cross Veterinary Centre over the holidays so make sure your human calls us on the emergency line (0800 VET 111) if you get into any trouble....we are here to help!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Cotton!

Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes time again...... I'm a pretty sassy lady and nothing much scares me but I must admit that those loud bangs really do terrify me.  I am lucky here to be inside, warm and safe with my stereo turned up extra loud to drown out the scary noises.....  Please look after your pets this fireworks season!  Have you liked our Facebook page yet?  (Veterinary Centre - By the Big Blue Cross).  There are a heap of good tips about looking after your pets at Guy Fawkes on there!  There are also specials, freebies, clinic contact details, new products, lost and found pets, competitions and MOST importantly....my monthly musings!!!!

......Cotton

Sensitive Skin

Now that spring is merrily upon us, we see a few beloved animals coming in here with annoying itches - urgh there is nothing worse is there? If you have sensitive skin like me then send your human in to talk to one of my friendly vets about enrolling you in my amazing skin challenge.  This challenge is designed to rid you of all those frustrating itches and have your skin and coat purrrrfect for Summer......

......Cotton

Spring Time

Spring is here!  Daffodils and lambs everywhere!  Hopefully we are in for some warmer weather and I can get out sun-bathing again soon.

Apparently my body is not yet bikini ready - my humans think I am carrying a little extra winter weight and have cut out all my treats and put me on a special weight loss diet - turns out I like the taste and know how to access my own treats round this place anyway!

Spring does seem like a good time to get back into my exercise regime and get in shape for summer though so I guess.....maybe......my humans might be right occassionally......

.......Cotton

Bird Watching

One of my favourite pastimes is "bird-watching".  Lately I have been watching all the wax-eyes snacking on Topflite's wild bird food range.  Cakes, truffles, pellets and logs which are berry and peanut flavoured.  They also have their own holders and feeders so your human can hang them in the trees to bring the birds to you.  They look really delicious!  And I don't mean the birds.....

I can't catch them anyway, my people at the Blue Cross Veterinary Centre have put a "Trouble 'n' Trix" collar on me that has lots of jingly bells on it, so the wax-eyes can hear me coming!

You should send your human down to your Blue Cross Veterinary Centre to check out the Topflite wild bird range BUT don't tell them about the awesome range of cat collars available....it makes catching birds impossible....

........Cotton

Cats and Rat Bait

I have heard my humans moaning about how their cats at home are more worried about curling up by the fire napping than chasing mice or rats - and why not I tell them!!  Napping is a favourite pastime of mine also!  It can be a lot safer at this time of year too... I have seen many cats and dogs coming in lately very sick from eating mice and rats that have eaten that rat bait you humans put out in winter.  It is just as poisonous to us as it is to rats.  It can stop our blood from clotting and can kill us very quickly.  My vets work very fast when an animal comes in after eating rat bait to make sure they live!  Early action is essential.  Please remember to store rat bait securely and lay it out of your pets reach.  Enclosed bait stations are best.

........ Cotton

Winter Worries

Brrr we are starting to get some cold mornings out there!!!  Fortunately for me, my people here at my Blue Cross Veterinary Centre have a great winter range of snuggly beds for me to dive into.  I think of it as taking them for a "test run" for you!

The cold weather does not seem to be slowing down these fleas yet though, I have a lot of friends coming in to see my vets that are itching and scratching.  I hear they are taking the fleas inside and they are biting their humans too... especially the little people - they really seem to like them!  I am lucky here, one of my nurses gives me a Broadline spot-on flea and worm treatment so I never have to worry about those pesky parasites and my humans are protected too!!!

.....Cotton

Arthritis in Cats

Did you know that us cats get arthritis too?  I see plenty of dogs coming in to get their anti-inflammatory drugs to ease their pain but often we get forgotten about because we don't complain as loudly as those whining dogs!  But as many as 1 in 3 cats may be affected.  Your human may notice you slowing down, not playing, climbing, jumping, grooming like you used to, perhaps not making it to the toilet in time and being more irritable than usual.  The good news is that arthritis can be managed successfully with appropriate treatment and simple changes to your environment or diet.  If you're feeling sore then get your human to bring you in to see one of my vets about a treatment plan today!  (Check out www.catswitharthritis.com)

Oh and remember - NO chocolate this Easter!  Leave it for the humans, it will only make us sick....

.......Cotton

Time Saving Tips

My "people" hate making you wait so they asked me if I would give you some quick tips for saving time in monthly meowing!

• Call ahead to make an appointment - we cats are not very patient creatures and getting your human to call ahead will help you avoid lengthy waits, I can have one of my friendly vets ready and waiting for you!
• Give us a heads-up on repeat prescriptions - just like human pharmacies it can take time to process these.  If "your people" give "my people" 24-hours notice (even more is great!) then they can have them ordered in, made up, records done and all ready to collect from my smiley girls at the front counter!

My hot tips should speed things up - which is what they say will suit your busy humans best!  Although I am sure that they secretly love waiting, just a little bit, so they can give me the love and attention I do so deserve!!.....

Cotton

Preventing Sniffles

I bump into many cats and dogs here at the Vet Centre and I am glad I am vaccinated as there are a few sniffles out there.

Vaccinating your pet protects them from potentially life threatening diseases such as Parvovirus and Kennel Cough in dogs and flu and FIV (AIDS) in cats. Cats that fight are very susceptible to catching aids from other cats through biting.

A thorough vaccination programme keeps me protected against all those nasties. If you are not vaccinated, then make sure you have your owner bring you in to see one of my vets soon!.........

Cotton

Christmas Bells

I loooooooooove this time of the year when the Christmas tree goes up. I have an endless supply of tinsel and toys to play with. The girls get a bit grumpy with me helping myself to the the tree decorations but they never seem to stay mad for too long. We have loads of pet stockings and gifts here ready for some lucky pets out there......send your humans in to grab you one so you are not left out come Christmas Day.

We are open most days over the holidays and even when we are not, my vets come in and check their patients. So I am lucky, I will get fed, watered and cuddled every day. Have you got somebody looking after you if your family goes away?

Merry Christmas......................................Cotton

Spring is in the air!!!!

Spring is in the air - Babies! Babies! Everywhere!

Lambs, calves, kid goats, puppies and kittens too - I see them all around here!

I have seen lots of "foster parents" coming in to buy milk powder and feeders for their orphan lambs and calves. Some buy feeders that feed 10 lambs or calves, or buy a tonne of milk powder at a time. My humans should count themselves lucky there is only one of me to feed!

Everyone seems to be so busy at this time of the year - I hope you are finding time to watch the birds and smell the daffidils. Sometimes our humans need to be reminded to slow down and appreciate the small wonders in life.... such as patting a beloved pet (wink wink nudge nudge!!).

............Cotton

Spring time at the Veterinary Centre

Spring has sprung! But it is not all sunshine and daffodils here at the Veterinary Centre - I hear my vets talking about late night call-outs, calving cows and treating milk fever.
They then devote their day to concentrating on all sorts of sick animals in our hospital. Quite frankly my humans get so busy at this time of year that they tend to ignore me! Luckily there is plenty to keep me occupied now I have a new job overseeing the renovations here in Oamaru. Have you been in to see the progress? It is starting to look very spiffy! I see a lot of new hi-tech equipment going into those new surgery suites too!........Cotton

"Bird Watching"

One of my favourite past times is "bird-watching". Lately I have been watching all the wax-eyes snacking on Topflite's wild bird food range. Cakes, truffles, pellets and logs which are berry and peanut flavoured. They also have their very own holders and feeders so your human can hang them in the trees to bring the birds to you. They look really delicious! And I do not mean the birds.....

I can not catch them anyway, my people here at the Blue Cross Veterinary Centre have put a "Trouble 'n Trix" collar on me that has lots of jingly bells on it, so the wax-eyes can hear me coming!

You should send your human down to your Blue Cross Veterinary Centre to check out the Topflite wild bird range BUT do not tell them about the awesome range of cat collars available...... it makes catching birds impossible......

........Cotton