đŸŸ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Because cats may be mysterious, but their care shouldn’t be.

đŸ§¶ General Wellness & Preventive Care

What should I feed my cat?
We strongly recommend cats eat an all canned or raw/freeze-dried diet, as it closely resembles what they would eat in the wild. Cats should be fed 2–3 meals per day, primarily consisting of meat-flavored wet food.

Recommended serving per day:

  • One 5.5 oz can, or
  • Two 3 oz cans

Dry food should only be used if your cat refuses wet food altogether. In that case, feed measured amounts only, preferably grain-free or single-colored varieties.
We strongly discourage feeding seafood, as some seafoods can negatively affect your cat’s long-term health.

Why does my cat need regular exams—even if they seem healthy?
Cats are excellent at hiding discomfort and illness. By the time symptoms appear, an issue may already be advanced.

Annual wellness exams allow us to:

  • Catch problems early—before they become serious
  • Monitor weight, dental health, and age-related changes
  • Adjust diet, behavior strategies, or care as needed

For senior cats (8+ years), biannual exams are ideal for spotting subtle changes and supporting long-term health. Cats age at 5 years for every one year of our life.

Why does my cat need preventatives—even if they stay indoors?
Indoor cats still face risks from fleas, GI worms, and heartworms—brought in by bugs, shoes, or windows left open.

We recommend year-round parasite prevention, such as Revolt, which protects against:

  • Fleas
  • Roundworms & hookworms
  • Ear mites
  • Heartworms

Even a strictly indoor cat can be exposed. One insect is all it takes.

Why do I need to check a stool sample—even for indoor cats?
Parasites can sneak in through insects, rodents, potting soil, or even your shoes.
We recommend a stool sample check at least once per year.

Combined with exams, this helps us detect problems before your cat shows symptoms—giving you peace of mind and your cat a healthier, more comfortable life.

Why does my cat need vaccines—even if they’re indoors only?
Vaccines protect your cat and household from serious health risks:

  • Rabies vaccine is required by Pennsylvania law. Rabid bats can enter homes, and if your unvaccinated cat bites someone, the Department of Health must get involved. Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of rabid animals in the U.S.
  • Distemper (FVRCP) protects against serious upper respiratory viruses, which can enter your home via clothing, visitors, or new pets. It’s crucial to vaccinate existing cats before bringing in a new one.

Vaccines help protect your cat before there’s ever a threat.

How soon can we schedule spay/neuter surgery for our cat?
We recommend spaying or neutering your cat around 6 months of age.
This supports healthy development, prevents unwanted litters, and can reduce the risk of reproductive diseases and behavioral issues.

đŸ§Ș Health & Medical Questions

Can I use over-the-counter medications for my cat?
No—many human medications are dangerous or even fatal for cats.
Please call us before giving your cat any medication that wasn’t prescribed by a veterinarian.

When should I bring my cat to the vet?
At minimum, cats should be seen once a year. Senior cats (8+) should be seen every six months.
If your cat is eating less, hiding more, skipping the litter box, or just seems “off,” don’t wait—call us. Cats are subtle communicators, but their bodies often tell us the truth.

My cat is urinating outside of the litter box. What should I do?
Please schedule an appointment. We’ll check for:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Crystals or stones in the bladder
  • Other medical concerns

If no medical issue is found, we’ll guide you through behavioral solutions and litter box troubleshooting. Most cats return to their box once the underlying issue is resolved.

What is FeLV/FIV and why should my cat be tested?
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are contagious, lifelong infections that can lead to serious illness and death in cats. Both viruses weaken the immune system, making infected cats more vulnerable to other infections, blood disorders, and certain cancers.

đŸ§Ș Why test?
Even healthy-appearing cats can carry and spread these viruses, and signs of disease may not appear until months—or even years—after infection. Early detection helps protect both your cat and other cats in your household or community.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends testing:

  • When adopting a new cat (before introducing them to others)
  • If your cat has never been tested before
  • If your cat is ill—even if previously negative
  • After potential exposure (e.g., cat fights, unsupervised outdoor time)
  • Before receiving the FeLV vaccine

We offer in-house blood testing, with results available in minutes. In some cases, follow-up lab testing may be necessary for confirmation.

đŸ§« How are these viruses spread?

  • FeLV is spread through saliva, urine, mutual grooming, shared food/water bowls, or litter boxes. Kittens can contract the virus from their mother.
  • FIV is mainly spread through deep bite wounds from fighting. Transmission from mother to kitten is rare.

đŸ± How would I know if my cat is infected?
In most cases, you wouldn’t—just by looking.

Early signs of infection are often subtle and resemble a cat simply not feeling well:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Decreased grooming
  • Decreased energy

As infection becomes more advanced, you may notice:

  • Marked loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Pale gums
  • Mouth sores
  • Diarrhea
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Abscesses

🧍 Can people or other pets get it?
No—FIV and FeLV only affect cats and are not contagious to humans, dogs, or other animals.

💬 Talk with our veterinarian about whether testing or vaccination is right for your cat.
With early diagnosis and ongoing care, infected cats can live long, fulfilling lives—and we’re here to help every step of the way.

đŸ§Ÿ Insurance, Payments & Financial Options

Do you accept pet insurance?
We do not accept pet insurance as direct payment, but we are happy to help with claim forms and documentation so you can be reimbursed.

What is the best pet insurance?
Coverage and deductibles vary from plan to plan, so we don’t recommend a single provider.
Many of our clients have found this website helpful:
👉 PetInsuranceReview.com

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We accept:

  • CareCredit – interest-free options for charges over $200
  • All Pet Card – veterinary financing for charges over $250
  • Scratch Pay – short-term, budget-friendly payment plans

Are there any financial aid programs available?
While we don’t offer in-house programs, we are happy to refer clients to outside resources. (Coming soon: a list of recommended assistance organizations.)

🏠 Services & Office Policies

Can I board my cat there?
Yes—for established patients only. Boarding includes:

  • Litter box, blanket, and non-prescription food
  • You may bring your cat’s food (especially if prescription), toys, or comfort items
  • Medication administration is available for an additional fee

⚠ Please Note:
We do not have staff on-site from 6:00 PM to 7:30 AM on weekdays, and weekend staffing is limited to kennel care and cleaning.

📍 For medically fragile cats, we strongly recommend boarding at a 24-hour care facility like:
Quakertown Veterinary Clinic – Medically Supervised Boarding

What is your return policy for products purchased at the office?

  • Prescription medications: Not returnable by law.
  • Diets, supplements, and over-the-counter products: May be returned within 30 days, regardless of condition, for a refund or clinic credit.

We honor a palatability guarantee because—let’s be honest—cats can be picky, and we want to help you find what works for them.

💊 Need to dispose of medications?
Check your area for Take Back Days, which offer safe disposal options.
👉 FDA Drug Disposal Info

🚹 Emergencies & Urgent Care

What should I do in an emergency?
📞 Call us first during business hours: 610-398-3556

After hours, contact:

  • Eastern PA Veterinary Medical Center – 610-904-1776
  • Quakertown Veterinary Clinic – 215-515-8810
  • Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center – 610-435-1553

📬 Still have questions?

We’re happy to help—just ask!
📞 610-398-3556

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