Your Devon may go home on a mutually-convenient date two or more days after spay/neuter surgery. All surgeries are performed by our vet,
Dr. Jacob Adserballe DVM
Uplands Pet Hospital
403-320-8987
Your Devon must travel in a kennel.
FEEDING:
We feed a mix of foods so our cats have variety and new owners have a choice. We do not trust the health of our kittens to just one pet food company.
Please choose one or more of our foods for your Devon. Please wait until three weeks after your Devon comes home to change food. Make any changes in diet gradually over the course of a week to avoid tummy stress. It is important that your Devon be fed kitten/growth foods until 12 months of age, unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian.
Do NOT feed your cat out of plastic dishes. Cats will develop black acne on their faces from eating out of plastic. Washable, durrable dishes made of stainless steel or pottery are the best choices, although some Devons have been known to enjoy china and crystal.
LITTER:
Your Devon is familiar with Petcetera's pine pellets and/or pine horse bedding pellets and Yesterday's News (recycled newspaper pellets). Show your Devon where his/her litter box is AS SOON as he/she arrives in your home. Your Devon is well trained to use the litterbox. It is best to house a new kitten in a small area with their new litterbox for one week before letting them have full run of the house.
Cats are creatures of habit. If you choose a different litter, mix the two brands for a while. Gradually reduce the pellets and increase the new litter. If you move the litterbox, house them in this area for a few days. This shouldl prevent any accidents due to a change in location.
More than one cat? Litterbox hygene is critical to preventing the spread of feline diseases in a multi-cat household. Use one part bleach to ten parts water for at least 10 minutes to disinfect litter pans after cleaning with soap every week. Disinfect the litter scoop with bleachy water after each use.
SCRATCHING AND CLIMBING:
Your kitten is familiar with a carpet/sisal scratching post and has been trained to use it. Devons love to climb. Please ensure that you provide a scratching post and a tall place for your Devon to perch (if your cat tree is a small one). We discourage any inappropriate scratching/climbing with a loud, firm "NO!" and clapping our hands. A spray bottle works too (but we don't; use one here because our show cats should not fear the judges' disinfectant bottles).
GROOMING:
Check your Devon's nails every week. Kittens' nails will grow quickly. We use a human nail clipper to remove the tip, just above the wick.
Your Devon is familiar with both sponge baths using a damp face cloth and a full bath with shampoo and warm water in a sink. Bathing is not necessary unless your kitten becomes dirty or to assist you in reducing allergens.
Some Devons are prone to waxy ears. Clean waxy ears with a damp cloth. A half and half mixture of vinegar and water works, too. A veterinarian can provide a special ear drop if it becomes excessive and not easily removed. Excessive wax is sometimes an indicator of ear mites or a candida overgrowth that should be diagnosed by your vet.
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT CAUTIONS:
"Cats are uniquely sensitive to phenolic compounds, and other compounds containing benzene rings. Compounds preserved with benzyl alcohol are toxic to cats. Caution should be taken with essential oils containing phenols..."
Susan G. Wynn, DVM.
Avoid using these spices/herbs and essential oils derived from them on--or in--your Devon: oregano, thyme, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon,bay leaf, parsley, savory. Another potent chemical group is the Ketones which are NEUROTOXIC (cause neurological responses) These include: Cedar Leaf*, Sage*, Hyssop*, Cyprus*, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Mint ,Caraway*, Citronella ,Clove* ,Ginger*, Chamomile, Thyme, Rosemary. One should be particularly cautious of the oils listed with an asterix*.
Household cleaners which may include phenols are Pinesol and Lysol and should be strictly avoided. Citrus oil products smell nice, but can become toxic to pets over time. Unfortunately, some pet products contain citrus oils. Always rince thoroughly after using such a cleaning product and never use it directly on your pet.
There is an email circulating these days about the dangers of the Swifter cleaner. Chemists have reported that, contrary to the email, the ingredients in Swifter are safe for pets.
Annectdotally, some cat breeders have reported miscarriages and deformities which MAY be linked to Glade air fresheners (ie. Plug Ins), suggesting they may not be safe for cats. Alternatives are recommended.
ONGOING VETERINARY CARE:
Boys will require an exam by your vet within 72 hours of placement. Girls will need to see your vet in 7--10 days of spay surgery for exam and removal of stitches. Please make the arrangements in advance of receiving your Devon. Your contract will require you to contact us with the outcome of the exam.
We routinely test our show cats for the ringworm fungus (microsporum canis).
All adult cats at PrairieDawn have been tested FIV and FeLV negative.
Your vet should be made aware that your Devon could be either blood type A (Mom) or type B (Mork). In case of an emergency, your cat should be blood typed.
VACCINATIONS:
Our kittens are vaccinated with Ft. Dodge 3-way killed at least 2 times prior to going to new homes, with the final vaccination after 12 weeks of age, as documented in your contract.
A booster shot is due between six and 12 months of age and every three years after that time, unless your veterinarian recommends a different schedule. Annual vaccinations are not required for strictly indoor cats that do not visit boarding kennels or cat shows. Your kitten was not vaccinated for rabies; proof of rabies vaccine will be required if you intend to travel with your cat outside of Canada. Winn Feline Foundation's Vaccination Protocal:
http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/vaccination-guidelines.html
DE-WORMING
Your kitten was de-wormed every two weeks from 8 weeks of age with Strongid T liquid, unless otherwise documented in your contract
DEVON REX HEALTH CONCERNS
A research project that Dr. Susan Little, DVM, conducted on the Devon Rex breed, shows that Devons are as healthy --or healthier-- than other pedigreed breeds studied to date. PrairieDawn participated in the research. Owners should be aware of the hereditary diseases that can be found in the breed:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Paetella
"Spasticity" (Hereditary Myopathy)
FIP is a fatal, non-hereditary disease that can affect cats of any breed.
You will find information about feline diseases and cat care linked to our website. We welcome your questions about our breeding strategies, cattery health management and health guarantees.
There is always the risk of disease transmission between humans and live animals especially in immuno-suppressed patients, mothers-to-be and children.Inform your doctor of the addition to your home if these conditions apply to you.
CAT TENT:
Our nursing moms, kittens, and convalescing cats somtimes sleep in a children's play tent. It is a handy way to confine them when travelling, too. For cleaning, we just toss it in the washing machine.
The tent is made by Cherokee (a Zellers brand) and available at Zellers for about $20, far less expensive than special pet tents made for this purpose.
