by Anne Klepp, RVT
Although a large percentage of owners want to give the best care to their feline family members, many cats, particularly seniors, do not receive annual physical exams. Cats are complex creatures. They stress easily, don’t travel well and have learned through the hierarchy of the animal kingdom that it is not ok to show signs of disease or weakness. So they hide! They hide under the bed, they don’t go willingly into a carrier and they certainly do not easily show us when something hurts or is wrong with them. Let us help you make this transition from home to the veterinary clinic easier on you and them.
- Try to book their health exam at a time where the clinic is quieter.
- Always bring them in a carrier. It is easier to put them into their carrier if there is a large opening on top, if the lid comes off or if you leave it out in the house for a few days prior to the visit.
- When you arrive at the clinic, keep their carriers elevated off the floor. Covering them with a blanket also helps their stress level.
Cats should receive a physical exam at least once yearly. At this visit your veterinarian and their staff will discuss with you topics important to preventive care. This would include:
- proper nutrition guidelines
- oral care and preventive measures
- prevention of behavioral problems
- risk factors for disease.
As your cat ages, it is important to consider wellness bloodwork. This blood profile will look for parameters for diseases such as hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, anemia, infection or cancer. Many diseases only show symptoms once the disease process has progressed to the end stages. If detected early, there are many things that can be done with some conditions to help slow down the progression of the disease.
We look forward to seeing you and your cat soon as Brantford Vet Clinic celebrates cats!
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