February is National Cat Health Month! Of course, for us, every month is Cat Health Month. Taking your kitty to her doctor is absolutely crucial for her health and well being! And don’t forget to mark your calendar for Bring Your Cat To The Vet Day – it’s a great reminder to schedule that appointment. In this article, a Rancho Santa Fe, CA vet offers some tips on bringing your feline friend in to see her doctor.
Regular Appointments
Your furry pal’s care needs will change a bit as she ages. Kittens will need to come in a few times, for their initial exams, vaccines, and parasite control. We also strongly recommend that all cats be fixed and microchipped. Once Fluffy is fully grown, she may only need to visit once a year, for wellness care. Of course, outdoor kitties will need more frequent visits, as will senior furballs. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.
Emergency Trips
Just like any other animal, cats are prone to illness and disease. Keep an eye out for signs that something isn’t right with your kitty. Some common red flags include hiding, poor grooming, fever, lethargy, respiratory issues, vomiting, and litterbox woes. Fluffy may try to hide signs of illness. These can also be easy to miss, just because she sleeps so much. However, contact your vet right away if you notice anything off, especially if your cat requires critical care. The sooner a medical issue is diagnosed and treated, the better!
The Car Ride
While there are a few cats out there that enjoy going for drives, most of our feline patients are definitely not fans of car rides. To minimize the stress on your kitty, add some comfy bedding and toys to her carrier. You’ll also want to play the radio softly, and keep the window cracked, so fresh air keeps flowing. Try not to stop or start suddenly and, if possible, avoid sharp turns, potholes, and bumps.
Prevention
As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s very true for our animal companions! Keep your feline pal healthy by offering her good toys, lots of playtime, fresh water, and a clean litterbox. We also advise doing some petproofing, to make your home safer for your furry buddy. Last but not least, keep Fluffy safe and sound indoors!
Do you need to make an appointment for your feline buddy? Feel free to contact us anytime! As your trusted veterinary clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, we are committed to keeping your pets healthy and happy.
