Yes, it would help if you took the cat to the vet for regular check-ups. The annual or bi-annual vet visits are perfect for your cat’s wellbeing.
The Value of Regular Veterinary Exams for Cats
Even if you keep a careful eye on your cat’s health, a yearly wellness and cat health check-up at the vet is a brilliant idea.
Cat care is entertaining, but it also comes with many obligations, such as taking your pet to the veterinarian. It can take a skilled eye to spot small changes in your pet’s health, especially since cats are notorious for hiding ailments. Fortunately, your veterinarian is an expert in the field of investigation.
Cat health (In General)
When your fluffy companion is sick or injured, you already take them to the vet, but those visits tend to be focused on a single problem. On the other hand, ‘Check-up’ appointments operate on the idea that ‘prevention is better than cure’ and are essential for keeping your cat healthy and preventing specific ailments.
Your veterinarian will want to examine your cat at least once a year and more frequently if they are older or have unique medical needs. This session will take an all-encompassing approach, ensuring that your cat is inspected from the tip of its tail to the tip of his or her whiskers.
Another benefit of these annual check-ups is that they get your cat acclimated to going to the doctor while they’re feeling good, which can help them build a bond with your veterinarian. If they only come when they’re sick or hurt, they may feel anxious, connecting their visits with terrible times or stressful events. Even if it’s just for a tick/flea check, it’s a good idea to visit the vet now and then. The receptionists and vet nurses would always appreciate a friendly stroke as you walk by, and it will leave a lasting impression with no prodding or poking!
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Vaccinations for cats
Vaccinations for your cat are required every year to help prevent infections such as cat flu (feline herpes virus, calicivirus), feline enteritis (feline parvovirus), feline leukemia virus, and feline chlamydophila infection (a bacteria causing conjunctivitis).
Ticks, fleas, and worms
Controlling fleas, ticks, and worms is another scenario where prevention is preferable to cure. Keep in mind that fleas, or at least their larvae, can live all year in your home and garden, and ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to your cat. Inquire with your veterinarian about how to avoid parasites such as tapeworm and roundworm. More detailed information about treating fleas and ticks on your cat can be found on our page.
Neutering
If you don’t aim to breed from your cat, you should get neutered before you end up with unwanted kittens. Neutering cats also helps to prevent health problems in cats, such as cancer and infectious infections.
Your veterinary doc will be able to advise you on the optimum time to neuter your kitten. If you’ve adopted an unneutered cat, they’ll recommend neutering as soon as possible, as well as provide you with information on how to keep your neutered cat from gaining weight.
Behavior Check-up
When you take your cat in for a check-up, make sure to report any changes in their behavior or problems like incontinence.
These could be symptoms of a sickness or a behavioral issue that might be resolved with the help of a skilled behaviorist. Your veterinarian will be able to refer you to a certified expert.
Dental care is important
Your veterinarian will examine your cat’s teeth to discover if there are any signs of dental disease. Cats are renowned for not informing owners of their aches and pains, so taking advantage of your check-up to seek a professional assessment is a good idea. Dental illness is frequent in cats, especially as they age, so even if your feline companion hasn’t complained about their uncomfortable teeth, dental treatment may be required.
Bodyweight and condition
Obesity is an all-too-common problem in cats, so take advantage of your next check-up to weigh your cat and review their overall health. There’s a lot you can do (as a pet parent) to help your overweight cat. Consult your veterinarian about a diet plan and strategies to boost your cat’s activity level, or see if your veterinary practice offers a weight-loss program. You also don’t want your cat to be underweight, so if they’ve lost weight since their last weigh-in, talk to your vet about it because it could be an indication of a cat health issue.
Cats in their senior years
If your cat is getting older, your veterinarian may suggest more frequent check-ups. This means that your veterinarian wants to keep a closer eye on your senior cat so that any growing health problems can be caught early. During these visits, your veterinarian may want to check your cat’s blood pressure and, if there are any concerns, may recommend a blood or urine test to rule out any underlying issues. You may also be requested to bring a urine sample with you, which will aid your veterinarian in determining whether your cat has diabetes or is losing renal function.
Use your appointment to discuss any issues you’ve noticed, no matter how minor, with your veterinarian. This can include their food and drink intake, activity levels, and any other issues you’re concerned about. Senior cats, like people, can develop organ problems, osteoarthritis, loss of vision or hearing, and even memory loss or dementia.
Because cats are notorious for hiding sickness symptoms, your veterinarian will be able to advise you on what to look for. Many cat health issues can be successfully addressed with medication or simple lifestyle modifications, all of which your veterinarian can assist you with during a check-up.