DM2 Pt5-2 Control of dx in multi-cat environments Flashcards
What is the most important factor in reducing the spread of infectious diseases in multi-cat environments?
Preventing overcrowding is the most important factor.
Why should cat populations in a cattery be kept as closed as possible?
To limit the entry of new infectious agents and reduce the spread of diseases.
Why should the number of young cats in a cattery be kept low?
Young kittens are most susceptible to disease and are a major source of infection for other cats and the environment.
How should litter trays be managed in multi-cat environments?
Soiled litter should be removed daily, the litter regularly changed, and trays disinfected weekly.
What should be done to food and water bowls in multi-cat homes or catteries?
They should be cleaned daily with hot water and soap, rinsed, and disinfected weekly.
Why is thorough cleaning before disinfection important?
Many infectious agents can survive in organic matter, and some disinfectants are inactivated by organic material.
Which disinfectants are toxic to cats and should never be used in a cattery?
Phenolic disinfectants are toxic to cats and should be avoided.
What are some disinfectants that have been successfully used in catteries?
Examples include “Parvocide” (glutaraldehyde-based), “Virkon,” “Trigene,” and household bleach diluted 1:32.
How should litter trays and feeding bowls be disinfected in multi-cat homes?
They should be soaked in 1:32 bleach solution for several hours, rinsed, and dried before reuse after 24 hours.
Why is reducing stress important in multi-cat environments?
Stress can predispose cats to infectious diseases, such as FIP and cat flu.
What are some common stress factors in multi-cat environments?
Overcrowding, changes in environment or diet, illness, regrouping, travel, poor hygiene, and introducing new cats.
Which vaccinations are strongly advised in multi-cat households?
Vaccination against FHV-1 (feline herpesvirus) and FCV (feline calicivirus) is strongly advised.
What is the primary benefit of vaccination against panleukopenia in multi-cat environments?
Panleukopenia vaccination provides strong protection and is an absolute must in multi-cat homes.
Why should queens receive booster vaccinations before mating?
To maximize maternal-derived immunity (MDI) and because some live vaccines are not advised during pregnancy.
When might early repeated vaccination of kittens be advisable?
In situations where the queen is a carrier, early repeated vaccination may minimize the window of risk between declining MDI and vaccine immunity.
Why should queens that produce cat flu litters not be used for breeding?
They may repeatedly shed herpesvirus or calicivirus, infecting kittens and other cats.
What should breeders do if cat flu is a significant issue in their facility?
They may consider a testing, vaccination, and eradication program, along with good hygiene and stress reduction.
Why is creating an isolation unit important in multi-cat environments?
It prevents the spread of infectious diseases by isolating sick cats or new arrivals.
What items should be kept separate in the isolation unit?
Food and water bowls, bedding, litter trays, and cleaning utensils should be separate.
How long should new cats be quarantined before introduction to the rest of the cats?
New cats should be quarantined for 3-4 weeks.
Why should pregnant queens be moved to the kittening room 2 weeks before kittening?
To reduce the risk of infection and ensure the queen and kittens are kept separate from other cats.
What should happen after weaning in a kittening room?
The queen should be removed, and the litter kept together in the kittening room.
When should kittens be kept in the kittening room until?
Kittens should be kept until at least 12 weeks of age or until rehoming.
