Did you know that August 22 is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day? While Fluffy would probably rather celebrate Give Your Cat A New Toy Day or Offer Fluffy Tuna Day, regular veterinary care is crucial to her health. Read on as a Myrtle Beach, SC vet discusses taking Fluffy to the vet.
Fluffy’s Veterinary Care Needs
Your cat’s health care needs will change as she grows. Baby cats will need to come in for their initial vaccinations and parasite control, as well as microchipping and spay/neuter surgery. Once your furball is all grown up, she may only need to see the vet once or twice a year, for checkups, vaccines, and parasite control. When your feline friend enters her golden years, she may need to come in more often, so your vet can monitor her health and watch for any signs of potential medical issues. Pets with specific health problems will also need more frequent appointments. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Signs of Illness
In between scheduled appointments, watch your kitty closely for signs of illness. Cats often try to hide signs of sickness, so Fluffy may not show symptoms until she’s very ill. Some of the things to watch for include hiding, lack of appetite, poor grooming, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.
The Car Ride
Fluffy and Fido differ widely on their opinions of car rides. Dogs often think going for a drive is the best thing ever. Cats? Not so much. To help keep your furball calm and comfy, put soft bedding and a few toys in her carrier. While you’re driving, try to avoid routes that have a lot of bumps, and don’t start or stop too quickly if you can help it. It may also help to keep a window cracked, and turn the radio on for your furball to sing along to. If your kitty is extremely nervous, ask your vet for recommendations about using cat-calming products, which can be found in most pet stores. Finally, when you get your feline friend home again, give her a new toy or a special treat. Do you need to schedule an appointment for your kitty? Call us today! As your Myrtle Beach, SC veterinary hospital, we are here to help!
