https://superioranimalclinicvet.com/

Superior animal clinic, Salaam Road Mankidye, Kampala (2026)

05/09/2026

# 10 Years of Cat Parenting: Male Cats Are Better Than Female Cats

I have had cats since my first year at Makerere University as a veterinary student. Over the past 10 years, I have parented both male and female cats, at home and in hostels. I have also become friends with a few stray cats along the way.

After all these years, I have come to one personal conclusion:

**Male cats are better pets than female cats.**

This is purely based on my personal observation from living with and caring for both male and female cats.

# # What makes male cats more friendly?

One thing I have noticed is that male cats have a higher appetite for food. They tend to cling to their parents all the time in anticipation of being treated.

Because they are always around their parents waiting for food, they also tolerate being petted and carried more often.

At first, I thought it was simply love.

I thought my male cats loved me so much that they wanted to be with me all day.

Then I discovered something funny.

Give them a heavy meal and let their stomach get full, and suddenly you won't see them as frequently. 😂

Male cats are also not as good at hunting, in my experience, so they tend to rely more on their parents for food. This keeps them closer to home and closer to their humans.

Female cats, on the other hand, are generally less food-driven unless they are pregnant or nursing. They also have better hunting skills and don't rely as much on their parents for food.

As a result, they can be less available at home as pets.

# # Male cats: neutered vs intact

For me, **neutered male cats are better pets than intact male cats.**

Why?

Intact male cats have higher testosterone levels, which can make them more focused on dominance and territory. This can eventually make them more aggressive, especially towards other male cats.

They are also more likely to be involved in territorial behaviour and competition with other cats.

Once neutered, I find male cats much easier to live with and generally more pleasant as pets.

# # Female cats: spayed vs intact

This is where things get interesting.

In my experience, **spayed female cats can be less social than intact female cats.**

When female cats are in heat, they become more social because they are looking for a mate.

And when there is no male cat around, they end up socializing more with their parents.

Pregnant and nursing cats are also different.

They have a higher demand for food, which they may not be able to get through hunting alone. As a result, they can become more dependent on their parents for food and therefore more clingy.

So an intact female cat in heat, or a pregnant or nursing female, can suddenly become much more social and dependent on her human.

---

# # So, after 10 years, this is my conclusion

I have lived with both male and female cats for many years, and based on my personal experience, **I prefer male cats as pets.**

Male cats seem more food-motivated, stay closer to their parents, tolerate more handling, and are generally more available at home.

But I would choose a **neutered male** over an intact male because of the behavioural changes associated with testosterone.

Female cats can also be very good pets, but in my experience they tend to be more independent, especially when they are not pregnant, nursing or in heat.

This is just my personal observation after 10 years of cat parenting.

**Cat parents who have had both male and female cats — have you noticed the same thing, or has your experience been completely different?**

15/08/2026

5 Rare Dog Breeds You Didn’t Know Exist in Uganda

Throughout my years as a veterinarian in Kampala, I have been lucky to meet some of the rarest dog breeds in Uganda.

95% of these dogs are owned by expats who relocated to Uganda with their pets, while the remaining 5% belong to passionate Ugandan dog lovers who went through the expensive process of importing them.

Importing a dog into Uganda costs between UGX 5–12 million when you include flights, permits, vaccinations, health certificates, and other requirements.

Here are the 5 rarest breeds I've personally encountered:

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

I have only seen two so far. One was a 7-month-old male in Kololo and the other a 5-year-old male in Munyonyo. Both were neutered and gentle giants. Massive dogs, but incredibly calm and affectionate.

2. Weimaraner

I have only met one. An expat brought him to the clinic for pet travel certificates. He was a 3-year-old silver-gray male with a striking appearance. Very athletic, friendly, and impossible to miss.

3. Corgi

This one belonged to a Ugandan lady in Makindye who had spent over 15 years in the UK before returning home. She brought her 9-year-old female Corgi with her. Small, shy, and reserved at first, but very friendly once she got comfortable.

4. Chow Chow

I found three Chow Chow siblings in Kigo, Munyonyo, owned by a large Chinese family. Fluffy coats were so thick I could barely see their eyes. They were timid and preferred keeping their distance from strangers.

5. English Bulldog

I've seen seven so far—3 in Ntinda, 2 in Makindye, 1 in Bunga, and 1 in Lubowa. Every single one was friendly and loved attention. But if you've never seen one before, their faces were intimidating, and the loud breath caught me off guard!

The funniest thing about being a vet is that sometimes you walk into a consultation expecting to see a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or local mixed breed, and instead you're staring at a dog breed you've only seen in books or online.

I'm curious—what's the rarest dog breed you've ever seen in Uganda? 🐕👇

14/08/2026

Cat Love

24/07/2026

I Treated 120 Dogs Over the Past Year. These Are the 5 Most Common Diseases I Encountered in Uganda.

As a veterinarian practicing in Uganda, I've treated around 120 dogs over the past year. While every patient is different, a few diseases keep showing up again and again.

I thought I'd share what I've seen firsthand. If you're a dog owner, hopefully this helps you recognize problems early and, even better, prevent them.

1. Parvovirus (Parvo)
This is by far one of the deadliest diseases I see, especially in puppies that haven't completed their vaccinations.

Cause: A highly contagious virus spread through infected dog f***s and contaminated environments.

Signs: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, and loss of appetite.

Prevention: Complete your puppy's vaccination schedule, avoid taking unvaccinated puppies to public places, and disinfect areas where infected dogs have been.

2. Tick Fever
Tick-borne diseases are common here because many dogs are exposed to ticks year-round.

Cause: Parasites transmitted by infected ticks (such as Babesia and Ehrlichia).

Signs: Fever, pale gums, weakness, loss of appetite, dark urine, weight loss, and anemia.

Prevention: Use reliable tick prevetion tablets ie Simparica and Bravecto

3. Helminthiasis (Worm Infestation)
Many dogs, particularly puppies, come in with heavy worm burdens that affect their growth and overall health.

Cause: Intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.

Signs: Pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, poor growth, weight loss, vomiting, dull coat, and sometimes worms visible in the stool.

Prevention: For puppies below 3 months deworm every two weeks, 3-6 months deworm monthly, above 6 months deworm every 3 months.

4. Aflatoxicosis
This is something many people don't expect, but I've seen several serious cases linked to contaminated dog food.

Cause: Toxins (aflatoxins) produced by molds that grow on poorly stored grains and ingredients used in pet food.

Signs: Loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, bleeding disorders, weakness, and liver damage.

Prevention: Buy quality dog food, store it in a cool, dry place, avoid feeding moldy food, and discard food that smells unusual or shows signs of moisture or fungal growth.

5. Mange
Mange is one of the most common skin conditions I encounter, and many cases are brought in after weeks or months of itching.

Cause: Microscopic mites that live in or on the skin.

Signs: Intense itching, hair loss, scabs, thickened skin, redness, and secondary skin infections.

Prevention: Avoid contact with infected animals, and complete the full treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.

These are simply my observations from treating dogs over the past year, and disease patterns can vary depending on location, season, and the dogs being seen. One thing that stands out is that most of these illnesses are largely preventable with vaccination, parasite control, proper nutrition, quality food, and regular veterinary check-ups.

03/07/2026

Does teething really kill puppies? A common myth many dog owners in Uganda still believe.

I've lost count of how many times I've heard someone say, "The puppy died because it was teething."

As a veterinarian, I understand why this belief is so common. Puppies usually start losing their baby teeth and growing adult teeth between 3–6 months of age—the same period when many serious diseases begin to appear. Because the timing overlaps, it's easy to assume teething is the cause.

The truth is that teething itself doesn't kill puppies.

One thing many people don't realize is that teething puppies explore the world with their mouths. They chew on sticks, shoes, dirty toys, soil, bones, rubbish, and almost anything they can get hold of to help loosen and remove their baby teeth. If those objects are contaminated, puppies can pick up viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing germs.

So while teething doesn't make a puppy sick, the behavior associated with teething can increase its exposure to harmful germs, especially if the puppy is unvaccinated or isn't being supervised.

If your puppy starts vomiting, develops diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea), refuses to eat, becomes weak, has a fever, or collapses, don't dismiss it as "just teething." Those are not normal teething signs. They could be caused by parvovirus, heavy worm infestations, tick-borne diseases, pneumonia, severe dehydration, or other serious illnesses that need veterinary attention immediately.

I'm curious—did you grow up hearing that teething kills puppies? Or have you ever been told not to worry because a sick puppy was "just teething"?
I'd love to hear your experiences.

19/06/2026

Spaying vs Injectable Contraceptives in Female Dogs in Uganda — Which Option Is Better?

Dog owners ask how to prevent unwanted pregnancies in female dogs, especially when their dogs start going into heat. In Uganda, the two common options many people consider are spaying (surgical sterilization) and injectable contraceptives.

Let me share a simple comparison based on cost, convenience, health effects, and long-term benefits.

🐕 Option 1: Spaying (Surgical Sterilization)
Cost: Approximately 350,000 – 650,000 UGX depending on the dog's size, health condition, and veterinary clinic.

Spaying involves a veterinary surgeon removing the ovaries (and usually the uterus), meaning the dog can no longer become pregnant.

✅ Advantages of spaying:

One-time procedure — no repeated payments every few months.
Completely prevents pregnancy permanently.
Eliminates heat cycles.
Removes the risk of uterine infection (pyometra), which can become life-threatening.
Removes the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer
No need to remember future contraceptive dates.

❌ Things to consider:
Requires surgery and anesthesia.
The dog needs a recovery period after the operation.
Initial cost is higher compared to injections.

💉 Option 2: Injectable Contraceptives

Cost: Around 35,000 UGX per injection

These injections temporarily prevent a female dog from coming into heat or becoming pregnant.

Most dogs require repeat injections approximately every 2–3 months depending on the product used and veterinary advice.

✅ Advantages of injectable contraceptives:
Lower upfront cost.
No surgery required.
Useful for owners who are not ready for permanent sterilization.
Can be considered when breeding may be planned in the future.

❌ Things to consider:
The cost adds up over time.
Requires remembering repeat appointments.
Does not provide permanent protection.
Long-term repeated use may increase the risk of reproductive problems, including uterine infections and hormonal-related complications.
It does not provide the same health benefits as spaying.

My personal recommendation as a dog owner/veterinary community member:

If you have a dog that you do not plan to breed, spaying is a more convenient long-term option. Although the upfront cost is higher, you avoid years of repeated injections and reduce several reproductive health risks.
Injectables make sense for some situations, especially when someone is delaying breeding decisions or cannot do surgery immediately, but they should ideally be used under veterinary guidance.

For dog owners in Kampala and surrounding areas, it is always best to discuss your dog's age, breed, health status, and reproductive plans with a veterinarian before choosing either option.
What has been your experience with either spaying or contraceptive injections for your female dogs in Uganda? Choose one and tell me why?

07/06/2026

🐶 **Do You Know How Much It Costs to Keep a Healthy Dog in Uganda?**

Getting a dog is like adding a four-legged child to your family. They bring love, security, companionship, and endless joy. However, they also come with responsibilities and expenses.

Many people get dogs without understanding the true cost of ownership. Later, when veterinary bills and feeding costs start adding up, they become overwhelmed. This is where the saying **"Embwa za bagagga"** (dogs are for the wealthy) often comes from.

The truth is that dog ownership isn't only for the rich—but it does require planning.

📋 **Veterinary & Preventive Care**

✅ Rabies Vaccination: UGX 40,000–60,000/year

✅ Cocktail Vaccination: UGX 60,000–80,000/year

✅ Parvo Vaccination: UGX 40,000–50,000 per shot (2 shots needed)

✅ Deworming: UGX 10,000–20,000 every 2–3 months

✅ Simparica (Ticks & Fleas): UGX 85,000/dose (about twice a year)

✅ Grooming: UGX 100,000/session (recommended twice a year)

✅ Nail Trimming: UGX 20,000/trim (about twice a year)

✅ Vitamins: About UGX 10,000/month

✅ Medicated Shampoo: UGX 10,000–20,000/month

🍖 **Feeding Costs**

• Protein (Meat, Fish, Chicken): UGX 3,000–12,000/day

• Carbohydrates (Rice, Sweet Potatoes, etc.): UGX 2,000–5,000/day

🏠 **Other Costs**

• Castration: UGX 150,000–450,000

• Spaying: UGX 350,000–650,000

• Training: UGX 500,000–1.5M

• Kennel: UGX 200,000+

• Accessories (Bowls, Leashes, Collars, Toys, Combs): UGX 50,000–150,000+

Many people budget only for food and forget preventive healthcare. Yet vaccinations, deworming, tick control, and routine veterinary care are often what keep a dog healthy and help avoid expensive treatments later.

Before bringing home a puppy or dog, make sure you're prepared for the commitment.

💬 Dog owners in Uganda, how much do you spend on your dog each month? What expense surprised you the most?

22/05/2026

One thing you should know before getting a cat in Uganda: cats are NOT small dogs 🐱❌🐶

A lot of people get cats thinking they can care for them the same way they care for dogs, but cats are completely different animals with very different needs.

For example, feeding is very different.

Dogs can eat many human foods in small amounts without major problems like:
• Rice, Beans, Matooke, Leftover foods
Some dogs can survive on this for years, even if it’s not ideal.

Cats are different. Cats are strict carnivores and depend much more on animal protein. A cat fed mostly posho, rice, or beans can become weak, lose weight, develop poor fur quality, anemia, or other health problems over time.

Cats do not tolerate hunger the same way dogs do. If a dog skips food for a day, it may still be okay. But when cats stop eating for 2 days, especially overweight cats, they can develop liver disease.

Behavior is also different.
Dogs are naturally more social and expressive, while cats are more independent and subtle. A dog may happily greet every visitor, but a cat may hide for hours when strangers come around. Cats also dislike sudden environmental changes like moving houses, loud music, new pets, or changing litter brands.

The biggest difference is how they show sickness signs.
Dogs usually show obvious symptoms:
• Limping
• Refusing to play
• Seeking attention

But cats hide illness extremely well. A cat may continue walking normally while seriously sick. Sometimes the only signs are:
• Sleeping more
• Hiding under beds
• Eating less
• Grooming less
• Quiet behavior changes
• Using the litter box differently

Many cat owners in Uganda realize this too late when the condition has already become severe.

Cats are also much more sensitive to medications. Some medicines commonly given to dogs seriously harm cats if wrongly used or overdosed. Drugs like permethrin-based tick treatments, paracetamol (Panadol), ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, high doses of ivermectin, and some dog flea/tick spot-on products can be extremely dangerous to cats and may cause poisoning, seizures, liver damage, kidney failure, or even death.

Owning a cat is honestly rewarding, but understanding these differences early makes life much easier for both the owner and the cat ❤️🇺🇬

09/05/2026

The Logic Behind Deworming Your Dog Every 3 Months, why not after one or 5 months (Kampala Guide)

If you’ve owned a dog long enough in Kampala, you’ve probably heard this rule:

👉 “Deworm your dog every 3 months.”
But why 3 months?

Why not every month… or wait for 5 months?
Let’s break it down properly 👇

🧠 The Logic (Not Just a Rule)
Most intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms) have a life cycle of about 4–12 weeks inside your dog.

👉 After your dog gets infected, the worms:
Enter as larvae
Mature inside the intestines
Start producing eggs after a few weeks
This whole process takes roughly 1–3 months

💡 That’s why vets recommend deworming every 3 months —
you’re interrupting the life cycle before worms multiply heavily and start causing damage

Why NOT Every Month?
Too frequent = unnecessary medication exposure
Can increase risk of drug resistance over time
Not needed for most adult dogs unless high-risk

👉 Monthly is only for:
Dogs that eat raw meat
Hunting/scavenging dogs
Heavy flea infestations (tapeworm risk)

Why NOT Every 5–6 Months?
By then, worms have:
Fully matured
Started producing thousands of eggs
Contaminated your home/compound

👉 Meaning your dog is already losing nutrients, even if you don’t see symptoms

💊 Best Dewormers (Science-Based Choice)
The gold standard combination is:
✔️ Fenbendazole + Praziquantel

Why this combo works best:
Fenbendazole → kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms
Praziquantel → kills tapeworms
👉 Together = broad-spectrum coverage (almost all common worms)
No single drug kills all worms alone — combinations are smarter medicine.

Cost of Deworming in Kampala
Standard deworming: 20,000 UGX per dog
📍 Available at:
Superior Animal Clinic
📞 Call: +256771909946

When Should You BREAK the 3-Month Rule?
You adjust the schedule if your dog is:
Always outdoors
Eats garbage / dead animals
Has fleas frequently
Lives with many dogs
Has weak immunity
👉 These dogs may need monthly deworming

Can You Use the Same Dewormer Every Time?
Short answer: Yes… but not forever
👉 Repeated use of one drug can lead to parasite resistance
💡 Smart approach:
Use same product for ~1 year
Then rotate to another class
This keeps the treatment effective long-term

🐾 Final Takeaway
3 months is NOT random
It matches the parasite life cycle
It prevents damage before it starts
👉 Think of it like servicing your car —
You don’t wait for breakdown… you prevent it.

📍 Kampala Dog Owners — Stay Ahead
If your dog hasn’t been dewormed in the last 3 months…
you’re already late.
📞 Call +256771909946
Get professional deworming at Superior Animal Clinic

22/04/2026

Why do vets in Kampala insist on rabies vaccination at exactly 3 months?

I get this question a lot from dog owners around Kampala.

Some people even ask…
“Can’t I just vaccinate earlier and be safe?”

It sounds logical—but here’s the thing:

When puppies are still very young, they have protection from their mother.
That protection is good… but it can actually block the vaccine from working properly.

By around 3 months (12 weeks), that protection reduces.
That’s when the rabies vaccine can finally do its job and protect your dog fully.

⚠️ And rabies is not something to gamble with
It spreads through bites (which are common)
It affects both dogs and humans
Once signs appear… it’s almost always fatal

That’s why vets insist on the timing—it’s not just a guideline.

📅 So what should you do?
Vaccinate your puppy at 3 months
Then repeat every year to keep protection active

💰 Cost in Kampala

Rabies vaccination is 40,000 UGX per dog

🚗 If moving your dog is stressful…

Some owners don’t vaccinate on time simply because transport is hard.

The good news is—you can actually have a vet come to you.

At Superior Animal Clinic, we offer home vaccination services across Kampala, so your dog stays comfortable.

📞 Call / WhatsApp: 0771909946

Just curious—
When did you vaccinate your dog for rabies?
Right at 3 months or later?

Superior animal clinic

05/09/2026

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