Cats are very independent pets, which is one reason they’re so popular. However, Fluffy does need proper veterinary care in order to truly thrive. Healthy pets are happy pets! Read on as a Southern Utah vet discusses taking your feline friend to her doctor.
When your furry pal is a kitten, she’ll need to come in a few times, for her initial vaccines and exams, as well as microchipping and spay/neuter surgery. Parasite control is also important. Adult cats should come in at least once a year, though senior kitties and felines who go outdoors may need more frequent visits. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.
Kitties often try to hide signs of illness. This is because showing any weakness often attracts predators in the wild. Unfortunately, this instinctive behavior can make it hard for people to know when their pets are sick. You may not realize anything is wrong until your feline buddy is quite ill! Keep an eye out for warning signs, such as hiding, poor grooming, changes in appetite, litterbox issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and other unusual behavior. If you notice any of these red flags, contact your vet right away.
Most cats only see their carriers before car rides. Fluffy may immediately know that something is up when she spots it. Help your furball form a more ‘pawsitive’ opinion of her carrier by leaving it out between appointments. Put a soft blanket or pillow inside, and give your kitty toys or treats near it.
Most of our feline patients aren’t exactly thrilled to find their napping schedules disrupted by doctor’s appointments. Fluffy is definitely a homebody! That said, many cats are more upset about the car ride than the actual appointment. To make the trip a little easier on your kitty, play soft music and keep the windows cracked for ventilation. Also, try to avoid sharp turns, bumpy roads, and/or sudden stops and starts.
Even if Fluffy protests loudly all the way to the clinic and back, she’ll quickly calm down when she gets back home. Offer your feline pal a special toy or a yummy treat to get her motor started again.
Is your kitty overdue for an examination? Please contact us, your Southern Utah vet clinic, today. We are dedicated to offering the best veterinary care around.
