Did you know that August 22nd is officially Bring Your Cat To The Vet Day? Of course, Fluffy would likely insist that the 22nd is actually Give Your Cat Tuna Day or Buy Your Cat A New Bed Day, but we checked. Although coming to see us may not be your kitty’s favorite pastime, proper veterinary care is very important to her health and well-being. Read on as a Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses taking your feline friend to the vet.
Fluffy’s Appointment Schedule
Fluffy’s veterinary care needs will change as she ages. When your furball is a baby, she’ll need her initial exams and vaccinations. She’ll also need to get started on parasite control. We recommend that kittens be microchipped and spayed or neutered before they reach maturity, so you’ll want to schedule these procedures as well. Once your feline pal is an adult, she may only need to come in once or twice a year, for exams, parasite control, and vaccinations. Senior cats often need more frequent appointments, so their health can be closely monitored. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.
Emergency Care
In addition to the routine visits mentioned above, you’ll also want to bring Fluffy in if she shows any signs of illness. Some common ones include hiding, poor grooming, unusual behavior or vocalizations, and litterbox woes. Vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, and respiratory issues, such as coughing or sneezing, are also red flags. Cats often don’t show symptoms until they are quite ill, so don’t wait!
Making The Trip
Many cats get very nervous during veterinary visits. This is completely understandable: after all, the car ride alone can be quite frightening to a little furball! There are some ways for you to make it easier on Fluffy. First, add soft bedding and toys to her carrier. During the drive, play soothing music, keep a window cracked, and try to avoid bumps, potholes, and sudden stops or starts. If your kitty gets extremely nervous, ask your vet for advice on using cat-calming products, like sprays or treats. Finally, when you get back home, offer your feline buddy a new toy or a special treat to get her motor started up again.
Do you need to schedule an appointment for your kitty? Call us! As your Cherry Hill, NJ pet clinic, we are dedicated to providing excellent care.
