August 22nd is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. In honor of this day, we would like to discuss the importance of regular veterinary check-ups for your cat.
- Preventive health exam
Regular trips to the vet involve so much more than just updating your cat’s vaccines. The most important part of the visit is the physical exam. A thorough physical allows the veterinarian to examine all your cat’s body systems to make sure they are healthy. The doctor will check the eyes, mouth, ears, skin, and lymph nodes. They will also listen to the heart and lungs and palpate the internal organs. The frequency of your cat’s preventive care examinations depends on your cat’s age and health status. Kittens and senior cats need to go more frequently than young adult cats.
- Laboratory testing
In addition to a physical, your veterinarian may decide to run blood work, stool testing, urine testing, x-rays and/or other lab work to check the health of your cat’s internal organs. This is usually recommended on an annual basis for senior cats – those that are older than 7 years. This testing can help to spot illness early, when it is easier and less expensive to treat.
- Vaccines
A series of vaccinations is required for kittens younger than 4 months. Once they are adults, cats need their rabies vaccines updated by law every 1-3 years. Continuing with the distemper series into adulthood can be done, but vaccine titers are favorable over giving unnecessary vaccinations. You should discuss the benefits and risks of all vaccinations with your veterinarian.
Scheduling regular veterinary exams for your cat is a great way to be proactive about her health.
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