Learn about the benefits of adopting an adult cat, view photos of cats we have who are looking for good homes, and locate agencies that will help find homes for cats you would like to put up for adoption.

> Felines for adoption at our clinic

> Review our adoption procedures

> View a list of shelters which can help with placing owned cats

> The Zimmer Foundation -- an organization offering
assistance with feral, wild, and stray cats in your neighborhood

> More Michigan Rescue groups via Petfinder

American Association of Feline Practitioners

KNOW HEARTWORMS

 In light of new research in feline heartworm, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is launching a KNOW Heartworms campaign to promote awareness and encourage prevention of feline heartworm disease. 

 We at the Ann Arbor Cat Clinic believe that understanding feline heartworm disease will empower our clients to protect their cats, and make the best prevention decisions for their household.

·         Myth:  Heartworm only affects dogs:  Heartworm is not just a canine disease, and it affects cats differently than dogs.  While cats typically have fewer worms than dogs, and the life span of the worm is shorter in cats, the consequences for felines can be much more serious.

 ·         Myth:  Indoor cats can't get heartworm:  A heartworm larva is transmitted through mosquito bites.  It only takes one mosquito to infect a cat, and because mosquitoes can get indoors, both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk.  In fact, one North Carolina study showed that 28 percent of cats diagnosed with heartworm were inside-only cats.

 ·         Myth:  It's a heart disease:  "Heartworm disease" is a misnomer; it mostly affects the lungs, not just the heart.  What is commonly called "heartworm disease" is more accurately named Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).  The disease frequently is mistaken for asthma and other respiratory diseases. 

 ·         Myth:  Only adult heartworms can harm cats:  New research shows that heartworm larvae at all stages, not just adult worms, can cause serious health problems.

 ·         Myth:  Heartworm is easy to diagnose:  Accurate diagnosis can be difficult, since even the best available heartworm tests will only detect heartworms at certain phases of the disease.  This means that a cat can have heartworm without ever receiving a positive test result. Chronic signs of feline heartworm disease include difficulty breathing, coughing or gagging, heavy or fast breathing, and vomiting.  More acute signs can be weight loss, lethargy, seizures, fainting, and loss of coordination.  However, some cats with heartworm infection may exhibit no signs of disease.

 The Good News:  While heartworm disease, or HARD, is difficult to diagnose and impossible to cure, it is very easy to prevent.  Monthly heartworm prevention medication is all it takes to protect your cat from heartworms.  We hope that if your cats are not already on heartworm prevention, you will consider starting them soon. 

You can also learn more at these websites: 

KNOW Heartworms Campaign

            The Great Cat Watch

            Companion Animal Parasite₌ Council

            Cats of the Revolution

            Heartgard

 Best wishes for you and your cats!

 The Veterinarians and Staff of the Ann Arbor Cat Clinic

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