August 22nd is a special day for our feline patients … it’s Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! We know, Fluffy would rather spend her time napping, sunbathing, or perhaps just quietly judging you. However, proper health care is just as important for cats as it is for people. A local Lexington, KY veterinarian offers some advice on taking your kitty to visit her doctor in this article.
Appointment Schedule
When your furry friend is just a kitten, she’ll need to visit us a few times. Fluffy will need her initial exams and vaccinations, as well as microchipping and spay/neuter surgery. Once your cat is an adult, she may only need annual appointments. Of course, this will vary a bit from kitty to kitty. If your furball is allowed to go outside, she’ll need to come in more often than indoor cat would. Once your feline companion reaches her senior years, she’ll become more susceptible to certain illnesses, and will benefit from more frequent visits. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.
Emergency Trips
Kitties tend to be a bit secretive when it comes to letting on that they don’t feel well. In fact, they often deliberately try to mask any signs of illness. This is because, in the wild, predators tend to focus on animals that look sick or weak. Therefore, it’s important to keep a close eye on your furball. Watch for things like hiding, poor grooming, changes in appetite, uncharacteristic behavior, fever, lethargy, respiratory issues, limping, litterbox issues, vomiting, weight changes, and/or unusual vocalizations. Call your vet right away if you notice any of these red flags. Fluffy could be very ill by the time you notice anything wrong!
Carrier
Fluffy should always be in a crate for travel. It’s much safer for both of you! Of course, if your kitty only sees her carrier before a dreaded car ride, she may get suspicious and wary as soon as she spots it. You can help her form a better opinion of the carrier by leaving it out between appointments. Add some comfy bedding, and give your furry pal toys, treats, catnip, and affection near it. If your cat is extremely nervous, you may want to use kitty-calming products for the trip.
Do you need to make an appointment for your feline friend? Contact us, your local Lexington, KY vet clinic, today!
