Caring For A Stray Cat Colony? 3 Reasons To Get Acquainted With A Vet
Caring for a cat colony in your neighborhood or near your workplace could have started as easily as occasionally leaving out food and fresh water. If you've become invested in checking on a stray cat colony and providing them with the basic necessities, it's wise to reach out to a veterinarian.
While the cat colony may not be tame enough to be adoptable, there are still several reasons why a visit to the vet for any of the cats could be necessary at some point.
Spay and Neuter
The best way to reduce the population of cats in a community is to spay and neuter them when they're of breeding age. Instead of worrying about encouraging population growth with your care, consider having spaying and neutering done when possible. While you may be unable to afford these services on your own, city programs and local animal rescue groups can often help with the cost.
Focus on catching male cats to bring in for the procedure since the recovery is much easier and they can return to the colony quickly. It may be possible to borrow a trap from your local animal shelter or rescue to make catching a cat for this procedure easier.
Vaccinations
If you've been caring for a stray cat colony, you may already know that they can be susceptible to several diseases from being outdoors and exposed to various pathogens. Some diseases can be prevented simply by keeping up with vaccinations.
Checking if you qualify for low or no-cost vaccinations can be a helpful way to ensure that the cats in the colony are better protected from potential diseases and illnesses. Speaking to your veterinarian can also help you find the best plan for vaccinating the cat colony.
Health Concerns
While managing a stray cat colony is typically hands-off, health concerns may arise that demand veterinary attention. For example, you may discover that one of the cats has been injured and needs attention to prevent their health from worsening. Having a vet you're already familiar with can make it easy to schedule any visits if any health concerns arise.
The care required for a cat colony can vary a lot depending on how involved you want to be. If you want to be a responsible cat colony manager, it's best to work with a veterinarian for a number of reasons. From scheduling a spay or neuter procedure to providing vaccines, the above services can make it a good idea to speak to a veterinarian.
Reach out to a local clinic, such as Johnstown Veterinary Associates, to learn more.
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