Why Does Your Cat Need to See the Vet Every Year?
Veterinarians recommend all cats, even those that seem perfectly healthy, be evaluated by a veterinarian at least once a year. Why?
Let’s talk about the real, tangible reasons your cat should be seeing the vet on an annual basis.
General Exam
Your cat is more than the sum of their parts! A comprehensive exam with an experienced veterinarian and veterinary technician ensures your cat’s physical health is evaluated comprehensively.
During an exam, your veterinarian will take your cat’s temperature and fully examine their eyes, ears, nose, skin, teeth, nails and fur for signs of illness. Just as importantly, they’ll weigh your cat. Obesity is particularly dangerous in cats, and your vet will want to know how to advise you if your cat’s carrying around extra weight.
Behavioral Issues
Veterinarians don’t just care about cell counts and blood pressure readings, they also care about your cat’s behavior. Why? Because behavioral anomalies can often be a sign of an underlying illness. Cats hold physical ailments especially close to the chest which makes catching them early on extra difficult.
Behavioral issues can also be unpleasant to deal with – for both you and your cat. Neither of you have to live with the disruption caused by issues like anxiety or aggression. Talking to your veterinarian can open up options you hadn’t considered.
Vaccines and Boosters
Core vaccines for cats are designed to protect against respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. Core vaccines for cats includes Rabies (1 year), FVRCP, and FeLV. Optional feline vaccines you and your vet may want to discuss can include Bordetella, Chlamydophila felis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Diagnostic Testing
Early detection is key to successfully treating almost all feline diseases. An annual fecal diagnostic test checks for heartworm, which is almost always fatal in cats. It can also look for roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, giardia, and coccidia, all of which your cat can have without presenting any symptoms. Many of these parasites can also be passed on to humans! The diagnostic results will also tell us about kidney, liver, and immune system function and screen for diabetes.
Ear & Nail Attention
Ear cleaning and nail trims aren’t just for aesthetics. Regular ear cleanings remove debris that can cause staph infections, Pseudomonas, yeast infections, and even dangerous MRSA. Untrimmed nails can grow into your cat’s paws, cause gait imbalances that lead to arthritis, and even exacerbate neurological conditions.
