Why should my cat see a veterinarian for a check up and, more importantly, how am I going to get my stubborn cat to the vet office?
Every cat owner knows their feline can be fiercely independent, usually not requiring—or wanting—the daily care and attention that a dog desires. However, that does not mean that cats should not receive the same level of health care as dogs. Unfortunately, according to the American Humane Society, cats see a veterinarian half as often as dogs. But why?
Most likely, the top reasons are probably…
- The cat looks fine…never goes outside…eats and sleeps like a normal cat.
- Getting the cat into a carrier is near impossible
Cats need preventive healthcare because they age more rapidly than we do. Instinctively, cats are very clever at hiding pain and weakness as a way of protecting themselves.
Regular physical examinations—twice annually is optimal—help detect potential health concerns before they become more serious and costly to treat. Immunizations protect your cat (and you) from preventable diseases such as rabies, feline distemper, and feline herpes.
Even if you have an indoor cat, parasite prevention is important. Ticks and fleas can easily get in the house on another pet or clothing. Protection from ticks, ear mites, fleas, and a range of parasitic internal worms can avoid associated diseases and costly treatments. Testing for worms requires providing your veterinarian with a stool sample.
Speaking of testing, lab work is important in discovering medical issues such as diabetes or kidney disease which are common health concerns for an older cat. Talk to your veterinarian to understand why bloodwork is an important part of your cat’s care and which tests are appropriate for your cat.
If your cat has not seen a veterinarian in over a year, please call to schedule an appointment. As pet parents, we want our furry children to be with us forever.
The key to longevity is good health—which can require situations that you or your cat may not enjoy, but will not regret in the long run.
Here are some tips for bringing your cat in for a visit with a veterinarian:
- Acclimate your cat to the carrier and the vehicle
- Start training your kitten at an early age
- Make the carrier familiar at home by leaving it in a room where your cat spends time
- Place familiar soft towels or bedding in the carrier
- Consider a synthetic feline facial pheromone—ask our staff about the product Feliway to help alleviate some stress during travel
- Be patient
- Call our staff to discuss additional tips for your cat’s unique personality
A wide variety of cat carriers are available–find the design that works best for you and your cat.
Doylestown Veterinary Hospital has been recognized by the AAFP as a Cat Friendly Practice, a program initiated to improve the health and wellness of the growing number of pet cats. This select designation means our practice has taken extra steps to understand a cat’s unique needs and behaviors, implemented feline friendly standards, and completed a comprehensive checklist of performance criteria.
Call Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care at 215-345-6000 to schedule an appointment. Interested in a holistic approach to care? We offer a variety of holistic services including homeopathy.
