How to prevent health problems in cats with routine vet visits
We all know the saying, “Prevention is better than cure.” When it comes to general pet care and more specifically cat health and wellness, identifying cat health problems before it becomes advanced is very important. Even if your cat seems to be healthy, regular checkups and wellness exams will contribute to life-long health.
Although it can be stressful for both you and your cat to visit the vet, this isn’t a reason to miss regular checkups. By knowing what to expect, you can better prepare yourself beforehand.
Kittens
Kittens should have more routine checkups than adult cats; the guideline is a vet visit once every month until they are 4 months old. One of the main reasons for this is that kittens are not as resistant to certain illnesses when compared to adults, due to an immature immune system.
You can expect these checks during your visit to the vet.
Physical examination
- Measuring body weight
- Gently pressing on the kitten’s tummy (this is to evaluate several internal organs)
- Monitoring heart and lungs
- Checking kitten’s genitals for abnormalities
- Inspecting ears, gums, teeth, and eyes
- Checks for congenital abnormalities
Parasites
Kittens should be dewormed at the vet every 4 weeks until the age of 6 months, then 1 – 3 months after that. This is because kittens are protected by antibodies in the mother’s milk. Once weaned, they become very vulnerable to internal parasites.
Vaccinations
At the age of 6 – 8 weeks, take your kitten to the vet for the first set of immunizations against common cat diseases, such as rabies, calicivirus, and feline distemper.
Adult cats
Cats between 1 – 6 years are considered adult cats. During this age bracket, your cat should see the vet every 6 (depending on their age and medical history), so that their health can be monitored by checking for early symptoms of disease, administering vaccinations, providing preventative care, and giving you overall health advice when it comes to their nutritional needs as adult cats.
From the information gained from this checkup, the vet will decide if further tests are necessary.
Senior cats
From 7 years and older, your senior cat should see the vet twice a year, so that weight, dental and age-related issues can be identified early. If your cat displays unusual behaviour or is in obvious discomfort, make an appointment with your vet immediately.
Common health problems in cats
Obesity
Unfortunately, cat obesity is on the rise. Research estimates that the number of obese pets has doubled in the last decade, with up to 63% of cats now classified as obese globally. If you suspect your cat has a weight problem, a good cat health tip is to check how well you can see your cat’s ribs and hip bones. However, it is advisable to take your cat to the vet for a professional examination.
By doing this, you can discussion possible causes and solutions with your veterinarian. To help your cat lose weight is much more complicated than just feeding them less – you must ensure they don’t go hungry while still getting enough nutrients.
Talk to your vet about switching to Feline Cuisine’s Specialised Diet for Weight Management. With reduced fat content to help maintain a healthy body, as well as fresh meat inclusion for an amino acid balance to help build lean muscle, you can help your cat lose weight in a healthy way.
Joint problems
Joint pain is another common health issue that adult and senior cats may struggle with. If you notice any of these behaviours, make an appointment with your vet:
- Walking stiffly
- Avoiding stairs
- Reluctance to jump or play
- Walking stiffly
- Regularly hiding
- Poor coat condition
- Unexpected episodes of aggression
- Hiding more than usual
Remember to speak to your vet about specially formulated cat food for joint care, such as Feline Cuisine’s Specialised Diet for Joint Health. That way you can have the peace of mind your cat is receiving the right balance of Omega 3 and 6, as well as boosted joint health support with glucosamine and chondroitin.
References:
Why Do I Need to Take My Indoor Cat to the Vet?
Kitten Deworming Schedule: When, Why & How To Deworm Cats