We could easily make the case that our cats chose us instead of the other way around. It’s one of the many reasons we love to live with felines – if it’s not their idea, you can hit the road (but maybe come back later for a cuddle or two?). Specifically, it can be slightly difficult to convince a tenacious feline that regular visits to the vet are for his or her own good. However, the secret to helping your cat live a long, healthy, happy life is preventive cat care.
Establishing Wellness
Cats carry the burden of an inaccurate reputation. Many people think they’re a sort of semi self-sufficient species. Certainly, some cats are perceived as less demanding or independent, but they have just as many health needs as other pets.
Lifelong Health
Kittens should be examined around 6 weeks of age. At that point, we can begin the lifelong management of care. This includes:
- Vaccinations
- Virus testing
- Nutritional counseling
- Parasite prevention (heartworm treatment isn’t available for cats!)
- Spaying or neutering
- Addressing any behavioral concerns
- Crate training
- Microchipping
- Developing a plan for exercise and mental stimulation
An adolescent or adult cat should be seen once a year, and senior cats benefit from two yearly appointments. In addition, cats are incredible at hiding illness or injury, making routine visits even more important.
Routine Care Adds Years
When love visiting with you, answering questions, and having the opportunity to examine your cat. Keeping tabs on your pet’s weight, dental health, vaccinations, and other needs allow us greater insight into any pattern changes. This can lead to an early diagnosis of health problems before they develop and intensify. One to two hours every year can add years to your precious cat’s life.
Nose to Tail
All of the snapshots acquired throughout the years help us treat your cat the very best way possible. At a routine wellness exam, we scrutinize every inch of your cat’s body, nose to tail. In turn, all of our data informs a specialized preventive cat care health plan. The more we understand your cat, the better we can treat and care for him or her.
Preventive Cat Care Counts!
Aside from the various health benefits associated with routine care, our veterinarians enjoy getting to know you. Building relationships in our community helps us better serve animals, and we hope visiting us is always a positive, rewarding experience.
Money Talks
It’s not unheard of for cat owners to delay the perceived cost of preventive cat care, seeking help only when it’s deemed necessary (e.g., during an emergency). In the end, however, it’s less expensive to keep regular appointments because it keeps expensive tests and procedures at bay.
As always, please contact us if we can assist you with any questions or concerns or if you need help with preventive cat care.