Preventative Cat Care at Central Providence Veterinary Hospital
Why is preventative care important for my cat?
Preventative care is important because we're trying to keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible by preventing diseases that we can.
How often should I take my cat to the vet for a checkup?
The standard is really having your cat come in once a year. Even if they're not due for vaccines, it's good to have a hands-on exam to see if there are any changes. This can change as your cat gets older or if it develops any diseases, in which case it may be recommended to have them come in more often.
What vaccinations does my cat need?
This can be somewhat cat-dependent. In general, the core vaccines are rabies and the feline distemper combo. Depending on your cat, other vaccines may be recommended based on their lifestyle.
How often should my cat be vaccinated?
This also depends on which vaccines they're getting. Once your cat is an adult and has had those core vaccines before, it's generally recommended to give them every three years instead of once a year. However, some of the more elective vaccines, like the feline leukemia vaccine, remain annual.
What are common preventative care treatments for cats?
Preventative care treatments are really divided into two components. One involves things we do at the clinic, such as annual exams, blood work to ensure metabolic function is well, fecal exams, vaccines, and preventions.
The other involves actions you take at home, like maintaining a healthy weight, keeping your pet active, and working on dental care, which can be tricky with cats. Additionally, it can vary based on your cat's specific needs.
How can I prevent my cat from getting fleas and ticks?
The best way to prevent fleas and ticks, even for indoor-only cats, is to give them a flea and tick prevention treatment.
What is the best way to prevent heartworm in cats?
Similar to flea and tick prevention, there are treatments you can give your cat to protect them against most of the parasites of concern.
How can I keep my cat's teeth healthy?
This depends on what your cat will allow. Ideally, you would brush your cat's teeth daily, or at least several times a week. Many cats don't like this, so there are dental treats, water additives, and food additives available to help slow down dental disease. When dental disease starts affecting underlying tissue, scheduling a dental cleaning is important.
What should I do to maintain my cat's weight and prevent obesity?
This can be challenging, especially for indoor-only cats that are less active. It's a combination of ensuring they receive an appropriate amount of calories and getting enough exercise. If concerned, consult your vet for a calorie count for your cat. Sometimes you may need to get creative to encourage activity in less active cats.
What are some signs that my cat needs to see a vet?
Any change from their normal behavior is important to check out. Cats are adept at hiding disease, so if you notice anything unusual, it's best to have them checked.
At a minimum, an annual visit is recommended, with bi-annual exams suggested as your cat ages.
What regular tests should my cat undergo as part of preventative care?
The basics include a thorough annual exam, a fecal test to ensure they haven't picked up anything (even indoor cats can be exposed), and annual wellness lab work to check metabolic function. This is particularly important as cats age, but issues can occur in younger cats, too, so yearly checks are recommended.
How can I prevent my cat from getting intestinal parasites?
Reduce exposure by keeping indoor-only cats and avoiding bringing in other pets or wearing shoes indoors. Many monthly preventatives cover several different intestinal parasites as well.
How can I protect my indoor cat from potential health risks?
It's a combination of having them come in for exams, working on dental care at home, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise program, and ensuring they're up to date on vaccines and preventions. If your cat is due for a visit, schedule an appointment. Your vet can also help tailor a preventative care plan for your pet.
Your pet’s health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call (704) 318-2228 or email [email protected] to learn more. If you are ready to join our family, schedule your visit below.