August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! Of course, we aren’t inviting all of you to bring your kitties in on that specific day. Our waiting room would be overflowing with cats! While that would be an adorable problem, the point of the holiday is to serve as a reminder of the importance of bringing your cat to see her doctor. Many cats don’t come in as often as they should! Here, a local McHenry, IL vet discusses bringing Fluffy in.
Your Kitty’s Veterinary Care Needs
Fluffy’s veterinary care needs will change as she grows. When your feline pal is a kitten, your bouncing ball of fur will need to be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Initial examinations, vaccines, and parasite control are also in order. Once your cat is all grown up, she may only need to come in once or twice a year. Then, when Fluffy becomes a senior, she’ll benefit from more frequent visits, as she’ll be more susceptible to age-related illness and disease. Throughout your cat’s life, our veterinary diagnostics services can help detect and monitor any health issues that may arise.
Schedule
How often your furball needs to come in will depend on her age, weight, health, and lifestyle. Kitties that go outdoors will need more frequent appointments than indoor kitties, while an elderly cat may need more visits than a five year-old feline. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Emergencies
Keep an eye out for signs of sickness. Cats can be sneaky about this, as they don’t like to let on when they don’t feel well. Some things to watch for are hiding, unkempt fur, lack of appetite, weight changes, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. Vomiting is also a red flag, as are respiratory issues, fever, lethargy, and litterbox issues. Call your vet right away if you notice any of these warning signs. It’s also important to be aware of more serious conditions such as Feline Leukemia, which require immediate veterinary attention.
The Trip
We probably don’t have to tell you that most of our feline patients are not very fond of car rides. Make the ride a bit easier on Fluffy by leaving her carrier out between visits, so she gets used to it. Comfy bedding, toys, and catnip will also help. Avoid sudden stops and starts, sharp turns, and, if possible, potholes. When you get back home, give your cat a yummy treat to get her motor started back up.
Please reach out to us, your McHenry, IL vet clinic, if ever we can be of assistance. We’re here to help!