Yearly cat veterinarian visits are critical to the ongoing health and well-being of your cat. Your vet will want to check you kitty, from top to bottom, to be sure he is in good health. Depending on the vet’s recommended cat vaccination schedule, your cat may be due for some inoculations. This is a good time to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your vet.
Just like with a typical human check-up, your vet will want to look in your cat’s ears and eyes. He will also want to check the cat’s mouth, checking for plaque and tartar buildup and gauging the overall oral health of the cat. If needed, your vet may recommend you bring your cat back for plaque removal; this will not usually be done at the same time as a regular exam because anesthesia is necessary, which requires your cat to be fasting.
Your vet will want to weigh your cat at his yearly cat veterinarian visits, and this is an ideal time to discuss weight and nutrition issues. Chances are, if your cat has a weight problem your vet will initiate the discussion. If you have any concerns, however, be sure to voice them. Whether you think your cat may be underweight or overweight, it is important to discuss this with your veterinarian and determine if any specific course of action is needed.
During yearly cat veterinarian visits, the doctor should check the cat’s urogenital area and discuss any issues or concerns you may have. If you have not had your cat spayed or neutered, be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian. Your vet will also listen to your cat’s heartbeat and respiration, as well as palpate his stomach and listen for any intestinal noises. Your vet should also feel each of the cat’s legs and paws, checking for any weakness, unusual growths, etc.
Vaccinations are also an important part of yearly cat veterinarian visits. Following proper cat vaccination schedules is important. Vaccinating your cat helps keep him healthy. Many cat health problems can be easily prevented. Immunity is critical to your cat’s well-being, and regular inoculations ensure his immune system works properly. Feline vaccinations can be separated into Core and Non-Core classes. Core vaccinations are those that are recommended for all kittens and any cats for whom vaccination records are not available. Core vaccines protect against serious, life-threatening illnesses that are widespread throughout the cat population. There are normally standard cat vaccination schedules for core vaccinations. Non-Core vaccinations are those which owners should discuss with their vet, depending on variables like geography, environment of the pet and other similar factors. These vaccines protect against less serious diseases that are generally not life-threatening. The vaccination schedules for non-core vaccines may vary, based on the needs of your pet.
Yearly cat veterinarian visits help ensure your cat stays healthy. Preventive care, as well as early diagnosis of any conditions, is important for the long and healthy life for your cat.
