We Are Cat People

At Parker Center Animal Clinic, we are cat people and we have the expertise to treat cats with the specialized care they deserve.  We know that cats can become stressed by new people and environments, especially when barking dogs and other animals are around.  This is why we offer a cat-only entrance and cat-only exam room to keep your feline friends as calm and comfortable as possible.

Certified Cat Friendly Practice

The American Association of Feline Practitioners has designated PCAC as a Certified Cat-Friendly Practice, recognizing our efforts to provide specific care and resources for felines and their owners.  As a cat veterinarian in Parker, we stay up-to-date with the latest information and innovations surrounding feline health, and our cat-friendly staff is experienced with all kinds of feline personalities.  Whether your beloved pet is a scaredy-cat or a Casanova, we know how to make sure every cat feels comfortable so you can feel confident in the care they receive.

Feline Health Requirements

Felines have unique health requirements that dictate specialized cat veterinary care, which is why the professionals at PCAC strive to remain educated and informed about the latest technologies and techniques designed to keep your cat healthy and well. Our goal is always to deliver treatments tailored to your pet’s individual needs, and we’re pleased to offer a wide range of feline care services, including:

  • Routine, total-body health checkups
  • Comprehensive dental care
  • Preventive care including vaccines and bloodwork
  • Health care packages for kittens and senior cats

  • Diagnostics
  • Surgical procedures
  • Behavioral consultations
  • and more

  • Routine, total-body health checkups
  • Comprehensive dental care
  • Preventive care including vaccines and bloodwork
  • Health care packages for kittens and senior cats
  • Diagnostics
  • Surgical procedures
  • Behavioral consultations
  • and more

Feline Leukemia Virus

Commonly called FeLV, feline leukemia is a virus in cats that is transmitted through saliva, blood, and occasionally from the mom when she is pregnant. FeLV is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats.

Symptoms of FeLV vary and cats may initially show fever and lethargy or will display no symptoms if the immune system is sufficiently controlling the virus. This suppression can last for years if the cat stays healthy otherwise. However, because the majority of cats with FeLV are outdoor cats, they are more susceptible to other disease and infection. If the immune system is or becomes compromised, other diseases related to FeLV will arise including anemia, liver diseases, intestinal disease, cancer, and decreased immune system. As the virus affects the immune system chronic upper respiratory infections, gingival disease, and poor wound healing may occur more often.

FeLV can be tested here, in-clinic, through a simple blood test. At Parker Center Animal Clinic, we recommend testing all kittens at their 1st vaccination visit. They will be tested again with the pre-operative bloodwork for their spay or neuter. Cats who spend time outdoors should also be tested. All kittens are vaccinated for FeLV at their first two vaccination appointments since they are more prone to the infection due to a decreased immune system. Cats who regularly spend time outdoors or who live with other FeLV cats should be vaccinated yearly.

Although there is no cure for FeLV, cats can have a relatively good quality of life and some can even live to their full life expectancy. However, if a cat develops cancer due to the disease the prognosis and life expectancy are poor. +

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV is another virus specific to cats belonging to the same family of viruses as human HIV. This virus causes suppression of the immune system meaning the cat’s white blood cell count is diminished leading to a decreased ability to fight infection. The virus is passed through the blood, saliva, and other fluids of infected cats, typically through bite wounds. It can also be passed from mother to kitten during pregnancy.

Cats may not show signs for many years and clinic signs are usually attributed to secondary infections. Gingival infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, skin diseases, sinus infections, and neurological problems can all be symptoms of FIV.

Although a vaccination is available for FIV, it is not typically recommended because of it’s potential side effects. Testing for FIV is performed in conjunction with the FeLV testing at a kitten’s 1st vaccination exam and again with pre-operative bloodwork. Cats that spend time outdoors should also be tested regularly. Since most cats are infected by bite wounds, spaying or neutering can decrease the likelihood of roaming and fighting. Infected cats should be kept indoors only to decrease the risk of spreading the disease and to decrease exposure to infection.

Many cats infected with FIV live a long life when routine wellness care is provided and exposure to other infectious diseases is minimized. +

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

FIP is a fatal disease caused by a mutation in the feline cornavirus. Feline coronavirus by itself is fairly prevalent in cats (30-40%) but most do not have the mutated virus that causes FIP. If a cat is not already carrying the feline coronavirus that causes FIP, it can be transmitted through the feces of another cat typically through grooming or eating the feces. The actual mutation is very rarely contagious and typically happens within an individual cat. Once the virus has mutated, it lives in the white blood cells and cannot be transmitted through the feces. This virus will typically present itself between 6 month to 2 years of age.

FIP is found in two different forms, wet and dry. The wet (effusive) form causes fluid to accumulate in the abdominal and chest cavities causing abdominal distention and breathing difficulty. The dry (non-effusive) form causes inflammatory lesions throughout the body including in the eyes, kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Depending on what area of the body is affected is where and how the symptoms will appear. Generalized symptoms for both forms of FIP include loss pf appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and fever.

Since FIP is not transmitted by other cats, research has shown that genetics can cause a predisposition for the mutation. Currently there is no test for FIP and it must be diagnosed by clinic symptoms. Cats with FIP have a poor prognosis even with treatment typically do not live long. +

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

FLUTD is a term that refers to any infection with a cat’s urinary bladder and/or urethra. Cats with behavioral abnormalities and that are obese tend to be more prone but this disease can affect any cat.

The most common causes of FLUTD are:
  • Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) is defined as having no definitive cause for the infection. This is only diagnosed after ruling out all other causes.
  • Urethral Obstruction occurs when something (either a stone or urethral plug) becomes lodged in the urethra preventing the cat from urinating. This is an emergency because without being able to urinate the cat can become very ill and the bladder may potentially burst.
  • Urolithiasis is caused by stones that have formed in the bladder causing inflammation and possibly blockage.
  • Urethral Plugs are combinations of crystals (which form stones) and a protein/cellular material.
  • Urinary Tract Infections are bacterial infections in the bladder or urethra.
  • Anatomical Defects can be caused by injury to the urethra creating a fibrous tissue to form. This can cause the urethra to become too narrow making it difficult to urinate.
  • Neoplasia refers to tumors of the urinary bladder, though fortunately, they are rare.
When a cat strains to urinate, urinates outside the litterbox, blood is present in the urine, or has a foul-smelling urine, a urine sample will be obtained for analysis. This can give us information on what may be causing the infection. We may also recommend bloodwork which can help us evaluate kidney health and check for other underlying diseases that may be causing infection.

Most FLUTD is successfully treated though some cats may be prone to re-occurring infections. +

What Makes PCAC Special?

When you need a cat veterinarian in Parker that offers the highest quality of care, PCAC delivers.  Our friendly, experienced staff always treats you and your pets like family, with caring service designed to meet the individual needs of your pets.

Veterinary care for cats is about more than taking temperatures and administering vaccines – cats are special and they require specialized care and attention. From handling anxious kitties to finding just the right spot behind their ears to scratch, our team at PCAC understands that cats have different needs at the vet than dogs. As a Certified Cat Friendly Practice (by the American Association of Feline Practitioners), our clients have access to cat-specific resources and information. The Cat Community provides you with credible, valuable, and reliable educational information. Visit them at https://catfriendly.com/.

Our team of cat-loving professionals not only has the knowledge and experience to deliver the superior services cat owners expect, but our affinity for felines makes us uniquely qualified to ensure that you and your cat enjoy a positive experience every time you visit PCAC.