There’s a pretty important holiday coming up, even if your feline pal would probably deny it if she could. August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! Fluffy is quite hardy, but she’s also small and fragile, and needs proper care to truly thrive. A Ellicott City, MD vet offers some advice on bringing your kitty to the vet in this article.
Basic Appointments
Preventative care is extremely important, both for pets and people. It’s much easier to protect pets from things like heartworm and feline leukemia than it is to treat these issues. We strongly recommend that all kitties be fixed. This is extremely important, as it helps prevent unwanted litters and fights pet overpopulation. Fluffy should also be microchipped.
Age-Related Care
Your kitty’s appointment schedule will change a bit as she ages. Kittens need a few appointments during that first year. When your furball becomes an adult, her lifestyle will play a huge role in determining how often she should come in. Most indoor kitties should be fine coming in once a year, or, in some cases, even every other year. Cats that go outdoors will need more frequent appointments, as will those with health issues. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Warning Signs
Cats are quite mysterious little furballs. (Actually, that’s an understatement, but we’ll save that topic for another day.) Fluffy often instinctively tries to hide signs of weakness, so you may not notice anything is wrong until she’s very sick. If you notice any changes in your pet’s appearance or demeanor, have her checked out immediately. Some things to look for include hiding, poor grooming, changes in food or water intake, litterbox problems, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, discharge, limping, lumps or bumps, fever, and/or lethargy. Uncharacteristic behavior, such as yowling from a normally-quiet cat, is also a red flag.
Tips
No matter what you’re bringing Fluffy in for, or how long it’s been since we’ve seen her, use the time to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on your kitty’s diet and care needs. Your feline friend’s needs will change a bit as she ages, so you may also want some information and tips on that. That’s what we’re here for!
Do you need to make an appointment for your feline buddy? Contact us, your local Ellicott City, MD, animal clinic, today!
