Cats are such independent creatures that many assume that as long as they are fed regularly, they are maintenance-free. That may explain why dogs are twice as likely to be taken to the vet as cats. However, at different ages and various stages, so it’s important to know how often do you take a cat to the vet since cats need veterinary care — and good medical care is essential in the life of a beloved pet.
GIVING A KITTEN A GOOD START
Thanks to the antibodies that newborn kittens obtain from their mother’s milk, they receive temporary protection against infectious diseases. This immunity does not stay strong and weakens as the kitten gets older, and then kittens need vaccinations for conditions such as panleukopenia, upper respiratory tract diseases, and rabies. Your veterinarian recommends that kittens be vaccinated at approximately eight weeks with repeated boosters at three to four-week intervals.
The rabies vaccine is usually given at 12 weeks of age. Vets may recommend that kittens at risk for feline leukemia virus infection start these vaccinations at nine weeks or older. Be sure to consult your vet about which vaccinations are recommended.
The first visit to the vet doctor is an ideal opportunity to discuss when to spay or neuter and microchip.
ANNUAL MEDICAL CHECKUPS OF CATS
A mature cat can hide signs of illness, and cats, even those that never go outside, can benefit from a regular wellness exam. By examining your cat from nose to tail, your vet can look for changes that could indicate a health problem developing into a disease. Early diagnosis and it’s Treatment is crucial to getting a cat back to health as quickly as possible.
Regular vaccinations boost your cat’s immune system and help fight infectious diseases. The American Association of Feline Physicians makes vaccination recommendations based on the types of risks of health-facing cats.
OLDER CAT DESERVE SPECIAL CARE
Once a cat reaches seven years of age, it is considered senior, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. A regular medical checkup helps ensure you remain in the best possible condition.
Remember that changes that indicate underlying health problems can be subtle.
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SIGNS TO BE AWARE OF
Regardless of age, any time your pet shows a sign that worries you – perhaps one of those listed below – contact your vet to discuss getting it checked out.
- Coughing, sneezing,
- runny nose
- Increase or decrease when eating, drinking, urinating, defecating
- Threw up
- Howl
- Excess licking
- Change in activity level
- excessive licking
- Localized or general hair loss
- Weightloss
- Loss of litter box training
TIP: A VISIT TO THE VETERINARIAN IS MUCH EASIER WHEN YOUR CAT LEARNS HER CARRIER IS A PLEASANT PLACE. YOU CAN ADD A TOY OR AWARD A TREAT.
MAIN TOPICS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN IN A MEDICAL CHECKUP
A visit to your vet is an opportunity to discuss all aspects of your pet’s health. Make a list before you go, and include notes about any unusual changes you’ve noticed, including behavior, diet, or appearance. A list will help you make the most of your visit!
Dogs and cats greatly benefit from an annual physical by a veterinarian. This visit to the doctor is a preventative step that is important for a long and healthy life. Regular exams can also detect early warning signs before your health conditions become apparent.
NEW kitty INFORMATION
There is much information to share when you take your new pet to the vet. The office staff will record your pet’s information and your vet will collect essential details about your new pet’s history.
GENERAL HEALTH
During the consultation, the veterinarian will examine your pet for general health and ask about your pet’s habits and activity level. This is an excellent opportunity to ask about anything unusual you have noticed. Remember to check your notes.
STOOL
Your veterinarian may ask you to bring a fresh stool sample for parasite testing. Get a new piece to take with you in a suitable container.
PROTECTION AGAINST PARASITES
Talk to your vet about protecting your pet against parasites and parasite-borne diseases. Certain parasites may be more common depending on where you live, and the time of year you visit. For example, summer is peak mosquito season, and heartworm may need to be discussed. In the fall or spring, tick control may be top of mind.
Regardless of the season, heartworm, tick, and flea control can be important year-round, depending on where you and your pets reside.
VACCINES
Your vet may recommend vaccinations during the annual exam. These could include Canine Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis for dogs.
For cats Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. Vaccination against rabies must be administered annually, according to Mexican legislation.
Other vaccinations may also be needed based on your pet’s lifestyle. This is an excellent time to ask your veterinarian for vaccination recommendations against diseases such as Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Parainfluenza, Lyme (depending on the country) in canine influenza in the case of dogs, and Feline Leukemia and Chlamydia in the case of cats.
core VACCINES GENERALLY INCLUDES:
“Core” vaccinations are those that are highly recommended due to the risk of a cat contracting the disease. For examples:
- feline panleukopenia
- feline calicivirus
- Feline Herpes
- Virus Type I (also called Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)
- Rage
Ask your vet about additional vaccination options that could protect your pet from serious disease.
ADDITIONAL VACCINATION OPTIONS FOR CATS INCLUDE:
FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FELV) this is a possible infectious risk for many cats. Infection with the Feline Leukemia Virus can weaken a cat’s immune system and increase the risk of other infections. This virus can directly cause cancer or blood disorders. FeLV is transported in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, or
blood from some infected cats. Cats can be infected through:
- mutual licking
- Shared food or water dishes
- Injuries from bites or fights with other cats
- Kittens can acquire FeLV from an infected mother
“Coughing and sneezing from infected cats, or even contaminated hands, clothing, and surfaces could infect your pet.”
IS YOUR CAT AT RISK?
Your cat is at higher risk if:
- she’s still a kitten
- Leaves the house, even occasionally
- Has contact with other cats
- Share your home with other cats
Talk to your vet about FeLV testing and vaccination and learn more about the risks your cat could be exposed to.
UPPER RESPIRATORY BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
Bordetella and Chlamydia are infectious bacteria that can cause respiratory signs and/or irritated eyes in cats.That’s why it’s so important to know how often do you take a cat to the vet. If left untreated, the infection can progress to a more serious problem, such as pneumonia. Coughing and sneezing from infected cats, or contact with contaminated hands, clothing, and surfaces can lead to an infection in your pet.
IS YOUR CAT AT RISK?
Your cat is at higher risk if:
- Has contact with other cats (farm, shelter, pet store, multi-cat household)
- Lives in a multi-cat household, or is frequently introduced to new cats
“Ask your vet about vaccinations against feline upper respiratory infections.”
FACILITATE THE VISIT TO YOUR VETERINARIAN
Regular doctor visits will help your pet stay healthy and allow your vet to spot a small problem before it becomes a big one.
Here are some suggestions to make the experience as calm and anxiety-free as possible for your cat – and for you.
FOR YOU
Ask your vet for a recommendation for times when the office is likely to be quietest.
Arrive a few minutes early and go inside to check in while you leave your cat in the car – but be careful if it’s a hot day and also be aware that a cat could jump out if the window is left open. If the smells, sights, sounds, people and animals in the waiting room might alarm your cat, ask at the front desk if there is a quieter place to wait – perhaps an open exam room.
If this is your first visit with a new vet, bring a copy of your pet’s medical records. A clear explanation of why you are visiting and any behaviors that interest you will help make the most of this visit.
Take notes during your visit.
“Ask questions if you are not sure you understand the pet care instructions and recommended medications”
FOR YOUR CAT
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most cat owners agree that routine checkups and preventative care are important — yet less than half regularly take their cat to the vet.
One big reason is that most cats aren’t happy before they get to see the vet’s office. Many felines resent being put on a carrier, going for a ride in the car, and then sitting in a waiting room surrounded by strange creatures.
Some ways to make a visit to the vet less stressful:
- Carefully trim your cat’s nails before the appointment
- Line the carrier with a towel for your cat to hide in
- Bring a cloth carrier cover in the car and in the waiting room
- Keep your cat in the carrier until he enters a private exam room.