6 Reasons To Take Your Cat to the Vet for a Well-Visit
Why are regular vet visits important for your cat? Like people, pets need well-visit appointments every year with a medical provider. Take a look at the top reasons to schedule an annual appointment with their veterinarian.
1. Early Detection
You don't need to wait until your cat is sick, injured, or has strange symptoms to visit the vet. Early detection of health problems is one of the top reasons to schedule an annual well check-up with the veterinarian.
Your cat can't easily tell you if they don't feel well or are experiencing symptoms of a feline illness. Routine checkups include a thorough physical examination and assessment of vital signs. The vet may also perform diagnostic tests to identify any underlying health issues before they get the chance to become serious. This early detection can save your cat from unnecessary suffering and potentially from extensive or expensive treatments in the future.
2. Feline Vaccination
Vaccinations are part of feline preventative care. These immunizations protect cats from contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases, such as rabies. Your pet's veterinarian can customize a vaccination schedule based on your cat's age, lifestyle, and risk factors. This will help to keep them safe and reduce the risks of communicable disease.
There are two primary categories of feline vaccines—core and non-core. Core vaccines include immunizations for diseases common in the cat community and pose a high risk to household pets. Feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia virus, rabies, and feline leukemia vaccines are core immunizations your cat will need during their lifetime.
The non-core vaccines can also protect your cat against potentially life-threatening diseases. But these vaccines are considered optional. Feline immunodeficiency virus, feline chlamydia, and feline bordetella are examples of non-core vaccines.
Even though your cat may have already had core and non-core vaccines, they may still need additional immunizations during their well-visit. Most feline vaccines require routine booster injections or work best as part of a series.
3. Preventative Treatment
Does your cat have fleas? While you might not see your cat scratching, they could have fleas, get a tick bite, or have another pest-related issue in the future. The vet can assess their risk and provide them with a preventative treatment option.
4. Dental Health
Your cat can't brush their teeth. But this doesn't mean that they don't need dental care. Oral health is an often overlooked part of cat care. Dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, can cause pain for your cat. Left untreated, these issues may also cause more severe health problems or make it almost impossible for your cat to eat.
Regular vet checkups often include a dental exam. If the vet feels your pet's teeth aren't in the best shape or sees clear signs of gum disease, they may recommend a specialized cleaning. Your vet can also offer advice on dental care routines to try at home.
5. Weight Management
Obesity is a serious concern for cats. It can lead to major health issues, including diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. The veterinarian will weigh your cat at the start of the exam and can assess their body condition. They will use this information to provide you with additional guidance on nutrition and exercise. These tips will help you to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
6. Behavioral Assessments
Does your cat constantly lick a beloved blanket, run and hide the moment they hear the slightest noise, or act aggressively on occasion? Changes in behavior or unwanted behaviors can signal an underlying health problem or result from a stressor in your cat's environment. The vet can address these types of issues, help you to understand your cat's behavior, and recommend treatment or management options.
Does your cat need an annual exam? Contact
Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic for more information.
