August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! We know, given the option, Fluffy would be more interested in taking a nap. However, keeping up with your kitty’s veterinary care needs is crucial to her health and well-being. Here, a Marin County, CA vet discusses taking your feline buddy to her doctor.
Starting Out
When your furry buddy is a kitten, she’ll need to come in a few times. Little Fluffy will need her initial exams and vaccinations. Spay/neuter surgery is also on the agenda, as is microchipping. You’ll also want to get your tiny ball of fur started on parasite control.
All Grown Up
Once Fluffy is an adult, she may only need wellness care. Most adult cats should come in at least once a year. Kitties that go outdoors will need to visit us a bit more, though, as they’re more likely to contract parasites and other issues. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Senior Kitty
Just like people, cats need to see their doctors more often as they age. Once Fluffy is a senior, your vet may advise bringing her in twice a year, instead of just once. This is very important, because regular exams and screenings can reveal medical issues as they are just starting to develop. The earlier an issue is caught and treated, the better!
All Cats
No matter how old your pet is, you’ll need to keep an eye out for signs of sickness. Some common ones include lack of appetite, poor grooming, respiratory issues, changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, litterbox issues, sudden weight gain or loss, and lethargy. Changes in your kitty’s habits, vocalizations, or behavior can also be red flags. Keep in mind that cats often instinctively try to hide the signs of illness. You may not notice anything is wrong until Fluffy is quite ill!
Tips
We’re very proud to be Fear-Free, which means we go above and beyond to keep our patients comfortable and happy while they’re here. However, to make the trip easier on your feline friend, add comfy bedding and toys to her carrier. On the drive over, keep a window cracked, and avoid sudden starts and stops. You can also use a pet-calming product to soothe Fluffy.
Please contact us, your Marin County, CA vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here for you!
