Expert: Becky - 7/3/2006

Question
Hello Becky,
I just adopted a cat from my local humane society. I dont know much about her history other then she is a domestic long hair female about 5.5 yrs old and up to date on all her shots. She had a checkup with the vet at the humane society before coming home and all was well. Im just wondering when I should bring her back to the vet for a check up and if you know what vaccines she will need on a routine basis? I was told that she will be due for rabies in a year but thats all the info I got. Also they feed her science diet at the humane society and I have been told that is one of the best brands to use but I am wondering how I should feed her. Should I feed her dry and wet food? and should I feed her at certain times or just leave food out for her? Right now I just feed her dry food and leave it out becuase that is what she is used to. She goes through a lot despite being a fairly small cat but she is pretty lean with more muscle then fat if that makes sense..any suggestions on how to feed?
Thanks,
Allison

Answer
Hi Allison!

I am so glad that you have adopted your cat and are giving her a good home!  She will need a yearly booster shot that is called FVRC-P which is basically a distemper vaccine with other necessary protection.  Call the humane society where you got her and see if she was checked for Leukemia. She probably was.  Ask if she was vaccinated for it.  If so, then you may want to continue that yearly too. And yes, Rabies every year too.  
As far as her diet goes, I would keep her on what she is used to.  Giving canned food is a good supplement and cats really enjoy it.  I free feed my cats too... leaving dry food down at all times.  This way, they eat when they're hungry.  You don't want her to get fat though, as it will cause problems on the heart just as it does with humans.  I think you're doing a great job in taking care of her and I can tell that you are a concerned cat owner.

God Bless,
Becky