Wellness Exams for Your Cat
Cats are such secretive creatures that when they get sick, they don’t always show it. It is important for cat owners to regularly take their cat to the veterinarian for wellness exams. The vet will check your cat for any illness or disease, and will vaccinate them against contagious diseases.
A typical trip to the vet’s office will begin with finding your cat and getting him into a carrier or safe place in which to travel from your home to the vet. Make sure you have all the past records of vaccinations and medical treatment if this is your first visit with a new veterinarian. Your cat will be weighed when you get to the office. A large increase or decrease in a cat’s weight will be a red flag for the vet to look into underlying causes.
Examination
The doctor will then examine your cat. He will check the heart, lungs, teeth, eyes, ears, and skin, and will palpate the abdomen. Checking these vital stats can help determine the health of your cat, and will alert the vet to any hidden health problems. Eyes should be clear from ulcers or scratches, ears should be free from mites and infection, and if your cat should happen to have fleas, this will be seen by looking through the fur. A tarter-filled mouth can be cause for concern, and your vet might recommend that you have your cat’s teeth cleaned.
A simple wellness exam will usually end with vaccinations for your cat, maybe a nail trim, and a simple blood test and stool sample to check for things like feline leukemia or internal parasites. This will also be the chance for owners to ask any questions they may have about the care of their pet. Some clinics will give an informational talk about how to care for you cat, if it is your first visit.
If the doctor finds a potential problem in the physical exam, or if the owner brings up any concerns, the doctor may want to do more extensive blood work or tests on your cat. These will tell them if your cat has a feline disease such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or cancer. Wellness exams are important to the health of your cat. By making annual wellness visits you will be on your way to providing your cat with a long, healthy life.
