Regular examinations, also known as “wellness visits,” can prevent suffering in your cat before it starts, help you save money, and teach you more about your companion. In reality, preventive care, or taking your cat to the vet before they become ill or injured, is the best course of action.
Here are three good reasons for taking your cat to the vet on a regular basis.
Preventative Care
Preventative care is important if you want your feline friend to live a long and healthy life. During routine visits, the vet may inoculate or immunize your pet to avoid illness. Vaccinations may prevent your kitten or cat from contracting severe or fatal diseases such as rabies, feline leukemia, and feline distemper.
A veterinarian may also check your pet for fleas, ticks, and other external parasites as part of preventative treatment. They will prescribe treatment or make recommendations if required. You may also be instructed on the best methods for keeping fleas and ticks away from your cat.
These can include:
- Regular deworming and flea treatments
- Fecal testing to check for internal parasites
- Heartworm testing (depending on your area)
Remember, ticks and fleas can cause problems in pets, so prevention is essential.
Checking your cat’s weight is another component of preventative care during wellness exams. Because obesity can cause health problems, your veterinarian may suggest a special diet if your cat needs to lose weight.
Your veterinarian’s routine blood tests can also help your cat avoid health problems. Blood tests in a vet lab will evaluate organ performance and potential medical issues such as diabetes. Health issues can be treated early on to avoid severe complications later on.
Dental Care or Treatment
Cats require routine dental care to maintain good oral health. During routine checkups, your veterinarian can look for any issues. They may discover indications of problems, such as gum disease or tartar and plaque buildup. If gum disease is not discovered and treated early on, your cat may develop an infection requiring specialized care.
Furthermore, your cat and dog dentist in Norristown, PA may educate you on the most effective method to help your cat maintain oral health. You may be shown how to brush your cat’s teeth correctly and advised on special dental treats, such as dental chews, to help eliminate tartar. Your veterinarian may also counsel you on signs that your cat has a problem with its teeth and gums.
During regular vet visits, your veterinarian may request dental x-rays for your pet. Routine dental cleaning may also be helpful.
Recognizing and Correcting Behavior Issues
Is your once-docile cat abruptly becoming aggressive? Has your feline companion abandoned the litter box in favor of the bathtub? Is your furniture a victim of your cat’s continuous scratching and destroying missions? Behavioral issues may necessitate the assistance of a professional, namely your cat’s veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may pose some questions during a cat check up to get to the bottom of behavioral issues. Have you lately relocated? Have you introduced a new pet or cat to your family? Have you lately altered your cat’s diet? Your vet may diagnose the issue and suggest remedies.
Conclusion
Your vet will set aside time to discuss any results with you after your cat has been examined and has received its annual vaccinations.
Your veterinarian will also take the time to discuss available treatment options with you if they discover any indications of sickness or injury. If your cat receives a clean bill of health, your veterinarian might give advice or suggestions about your pet’s diet and exercise routines, oral hygiene, or the best way to avoid parasites.
