Cats are known to have a penchant for biting and scratching, but even the most fierce feline can be docile and affectionate when they’re feeling right. Like humans, cats need routine veterinary care to keep their wellness in check.
1. Preventative Medicine
Annual veterinary check-ups are an essential part of keeping your cat healthy and happy. Wellness exams allow veterinary professionals to perform routine tests, such as checking your cat’s teeth and listening to their heart and lungs with a stethoscope. These tests can determine if your cat has any health issues before they become serious. Routine wellness exams can also catch a problem early when it’s easier and less expensive to treat.
2. Vaccination
In addition to regular check-ups, all cats need vaccinations every year. These can include feline distemper, rabies, feline leukemia, and Bordetella. Don’t also forget to have your cat’s vaccinations updated every year. Most cats need rabies vaccinations annually, but some cats may need updated vaccines for other diseases as well.
3. Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are a parasite that can cause life-threatening anemia in cats, but your cat can be protected against them every year. Many veterinarians also recommend a heartworm test to ensure your cat isn’t already living with these parasites. Heartworm preventative may be given once a month, every three months, or once a year, depending on the type of prevention your veterinarian recommends.
4. Nutrition
Cats require a specially formulated diet since they have specific nutritional needs. Your cat’s diet may have to be altered as they age, so speak with your veterinarian about the right foods and nutritional supplements for your kitty. Nutrition is essential for normal growth, and proper nutrition can help prevent illness.
5. Spaying
Spaying is a routine procedure that many cats require. Some of the common health benefits of spaying your cat include preventing uterine and ovarian diseases, as well as decreasing their risk of developing breast cancer. Although spay surgery can be expensive, it may be worth the cost since it’s less expensive to prevent a life-threatening illness than to treat one.
6. Trimming of Nails
Most cats have an instinct to keep their nails neatly trimmed, but this can be difficult to enforce if you’re busy. Your cat can injure itself accidentally, and sometimes accidents can happen when your cat is agitated or stressed. Please speak with your veterinarian about any problems your cat may be having with its nails, and discuss the right ways to trim your cat’s nails at home properly.
7. Dental Care
Just like humans, cats can also get cavities. Luckily, routine dental exams can help prevent this from happening. A veterinarian can also perform cleanings and check-ups to keep a cat’s teeth healthy.
In conclusion, routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations can help you keep your cat happy, healthy, and safe from disease. So please don’t put your cat’s health at risk and take them to their annual veterinary visit as soon as possible to prevent any potential health problems in the first place.
