August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! We know, Fluffy probably wouldn’t be particularly enthusiastic about it. However, making sure that your feline buddy sees the vet regularly is very important! A local Bel Air, MD vet discusses Fluffy’s veterinary care needs in this article.
Exams
Making sure your kitty is examined regularly is very important. Regular exams give your vet a good ‘snapshot’ or baseline for Fluffy’s health. This makes it much easier to spot minor changes that could indicate a medical issue is developing. Your vet may also notice other warning signs, such as lumps or lesions.
Vaccinations
Keeping your kitty up to date on her vaccinations! There are now vaccines available for many dangerous viruses and diseases, such as rabies, Bordetella, and feline distemper. It’s much easier—not to mention cheaper—to protect your beloved pet from these threats than to try and treat them.
Parasite Control
Fleas and ticks can carry dangerous viruses. They also transmit other parasites, which can infest both people and pets. There are many different options available for parasite control, from powders to sprays and collars. Ask your vet for more information.
Spay/Neuter Surgery
We strongly recommend that all cats be fixed. It’s best to do this before Fluffy is full-grown, but the procedure can safely be performed on adult kitties as well. This will help curb unwanted behavior, such as spraying. You also will be spared the sound of your kitty’s amorous love songs. (If you’ve ever heard an amorous furball ‘singing’ to attract a mate, you’ll know that this alone is reason enough to schedule an appointment!) Spay/neuter surgery also helps prevent unwanted litters.
Dental Exams
Just like people, kitties can suffer from a variety of dental issues. Some, such as stomatitis, are very painful, and can be very detrimental to your furball’s health and well-being!
Emergency Trips
Keep a close eye out for signs of illness. Some common ones are hiding, poor grooming, fever, lethargy, respiratory issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. Cats don’t always let on that they are sick right away, so Fluffy could be quite ill by the time you notice something is wrong. Call your vet immediately if you see any of these red flags.
Please call us, your Bel Air, MD vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
