When it comes to convincing a cat that a trip to the vet is in their best interest, an owner may learn rather quickly that it’s in their best interest to buzz right off. It might seem like a victory to a cat, but unfortunately, they may lose a great deal in the long run. 

Because of their resistance to their travel kennel, transportation, and veterinary attention, many cats simply don’t receive the level of care that could prevent disease and ensure a long, healthy life. Cat wellness exams are designed to promote feline vitality, despite their strong objections. So, what’s a cat owner to do?

Facing Facts

There’s no denying that cats are crafty, especially when it comes to hiding any signs of illness or injury. They could be dealing with painful symptoms for quite some time before they become obvious.

Furthermore, as we mentioned above, they are highly territorial so any attempts to take them anywhere else could be met with ire. It is the combination that undermines the importance of  routine cat wellness exams.

We recommend having a dedicated notebook where you can jot down any changes to their behavior or habits. Check out our cat health checklist.

Starting Early

Crate train your cat as early as possible. A kitten is far more impressionable than an adult or senior cat, but all cats can learn to accept change. 

Entice your cat to enter their crate at their leisure. Make it a soft, supportive environment that doesn’t have to compete with household noise or traffic. Treats, bedding, toys and praise all make crate training easier. Over time, you can train your cat to endure/eventually enjoy short car trips. 

Importance of Cat Wellness Exams

Because young animals are more susceptible to illness, we typically see kittens once a month until they’re about 4-6 months old. 

Once a kitten receives his/her vaccinations, microchip, parasite prevention, and spay/neuter surgery, we see them once a year until about age 7. The chance to observe their behavior, assess appearance, and examine them helps us establish a healthy baseline for the future. If there are any changes between years, we can pivot to understand what’s behind them and make recommendations that influence and support future health. 

For example, if a cat’s weight is heavier than before, we can closely monitor necessary dietary changes/restrictions, and help reinforce lifelong healthy habits. 

Age Appropriate

Because most conditions that affect cats are due, in large part, to their age, we place an emphasis on preventive health. Cats age much faster than we do, so it’s critical that we stay in front of any possible age-related diseases, such as:

  • Kidney disease
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease

Another interesting point is that most cats over the age of three have at least one stage of periodontal disease (out of four). This is an irreversible condition but 100% preventable with annual cleanings and routine at-home care. 

Let Us Help

We understand how hard it can be to bring your cat in to see us, and we value every moment we have to help them.

If you have additional questions about our cat wellness exams, give us a call at (916) 726-2334. Our team can’t wait to see your cat!

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