Much like people, your cat needs regular medical check-ups. Not only will regular care ensure things like getting vaccinations on time, but it also gives your veterinarian a chance to evaluate the overall health of your cat over time. While many pet parents only take their cats to the vet when they’re sick, preventative care and check-ups ensure that you’re catching illnesses early on. It also gives your cat the opportunity to get used to visiting the vet’s office so that it’s not as stressful for them in the future.
Reasons To Take Your Cat to the Vet
Any number of behavioral changes and illness symptoms can cause a pet parent to be concerned enough to make a visit to the vet.
According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance’s incident data, some of the most common issues that bring cats to the vet include:
- Stomach issues (29%)
- Urinary tract infections (13%)
- Skin conditions (12%)
- Cancer (12%)
- Eye conditions (11%)
- Ear infections (8%)
- Pain (6%)
- Growths (4%)
- Foreign body obstruction (3%)
- Allergies (2%
Beyond health issues that need immediate attention, it’s crucial that you take your cat to the vet for vaccinations as well. Routine blood work is also recommended to screen your cat for certain illnesses and diseases. It’s best to catch things early and/or get a baseline when your cat is “healthy” to have abnormal results to compare to!
Some of the most common viruses and diseases in cats are:
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD)
- Upper Respiratory Infections (Contagious)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) (Contagious)
- Feline leukemia (Contagious)
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
- Wounds
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Eye infections
- GI upset
- Tapeworms
- Ringworm
If you have more than one cat, it’s especially important to see a vet sooner than later so that contagious illness doesn’t spread in your household.Bring your cat by PetWellClinic today for a thorough physical exam to ensure that your kitty stays happy and healthy
How Often Should I Take My Cat to the Vet?
How often you visit the vet depends somewhat on how old your cat is and if you are noticing any signs of illness. For any concerns of illness or disease, we recommend bringing your pet in as soon as you notice symptoms. For routine visits, if you have a kitten (up to a year old), you should start your visits every 3-4 weeks for vaccinations and medications. We offer kitten packages to make your life as a new pet owner easier. We recommend starting their vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age to ensure your kitten’s health.
When your cat is between the ages of 1 and 7, you can visit just once a year. Once they hit 7 years old, you’ll want to start coming in for a visit twice a year due to the complications associated with aging and possible recurring illnesses. Before you visit the vet for the first time, make sure to be prepared. Your vet will ask questions about your cat’s health and behavior, so jot down any issues you’re concerned about. You’ll also want an up-to-date list of any vaccinations your cat has had.
Questions to Ask Your Vet During Your First Visit
If you’re a new cat parent, you may have questions for your veterinarian about caring for your pet. If you’re not sure where to start, try asking a few or all of the following questions:
- What does this wellness visit include?
- What vaccinations are necessary, and when should I schedule them?
- What is the right age to spay or neuter my cat?
- What types of preventative medication should I use, and how often are they administered?
- How do I care for my cat’s teeth?
- What is the best food for my cat?
- How do I get my kitten to use the litter box?
- Do I need to do anything special to groom my cat?
How To Get Your Cat to the Vet Safely
One of the most important and useful things you can own as a cat parent is a good cat carrier. Going to the vet can be a stressful experience for your cat no matter how mild-mannered he or she is. Cats are by nature independent and territorial, and are notorious for needing to be in control of their surroundings.
They can also be sensitive to smells. All of this adds up to an uncomfortable situation for your cat. Add in not feeling well, and it’s a recipe for disaster if you bring your cat to the vet without a carrier and a plan. A pet carrier will not only make your cat easier to manage inside the vet’s office, but it also keeps them safe while you’re driving. Make sure that it’s small enough that they don’t hurt themselves if you come to a sudden stop. And drive carefully! You’re storing precious cargo.
Keep the carrier covered so that your cat isn’t distracted and possibly stressed. This should help keep them calm. If possible, get your cat used to the carrier early on. That way, they won’t associate the carrier with trips to the vet and become distressed when they’re inside of it. Bringing your cat to the vet is important for their overall health and for your peace of mind. Even if your cat stays indoors, regular vet visits will ensure that they get the vaccinations they need, and enable you to detect any health issues that may be developing before it’s too late.
PetWellClinic is dedicated to being here for our patients and their owners. Our hours of operation extend into the evenings and weekends so we can be there when you need us, and our clinic environment is built with your pet’s comfort in mind. We can help your cat weather the storm of minor illnesses, as well as set their immune system up for success through routine care.PetWellClinic provides convenient, affordable veterinary care for pet owners. PetWellClinic has locations and services built with your convenience in mind. Stop by with your pet any time! No appointment necessary.