Going to the doctor is rarely high on the fun list for anyone, even our feline friends. An unfamiliar location, full of new sights and sounds, not to mention the different people and animals going in and out of the building — no wonder our cats may become highly agitated over a routine checkup. And even though they may seem to be the picture of health at home, our furry friends still need to be seen by us at least once each year.
On average, cats visit veterinarians twice each year, but as many as 1/3 of all cats don’t visit the vet at all during a calendar year. During National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day on Aug. 22, we encourage you to bring your feline friend in for a preventive care exam in a cat-only environment.
During her preventive care exam, we will give her a ‘nose-to-tail’ checkup, examining her ears for parasites, eyes for retinal health and any signs of gum disease in her mouth. Then as with our human routine checkups, we will listen to her heart and lungs and also check her skin for any lesions or abnormalities.
But our clinic is for more than just routine checkup exams; we also offer grooming services. What better way to roll two trips into one and boost her mood than with a good grooming after her exam?
If your cat isn’t an old pro at visiting us regularly, here are some suggestions to lower her anxiety heading into her preventive care exam:
– Get her used to her carrier well before the day of the visit. Leave the carrier out with the door open and coax her inside with a tasty treat. Make sure you use a carrier large enough that she can move around comfortably inside. If the top can be removed for the exam, it will help your kitty feel that much more at ease while we make sure she’s healthy.
– Praise her for a job well done.
– Arrive at our office prepared and informed. If you have any questions regarding your kitty or her health, write them down prior to arrival. We also encourage you to take notes and to ask questions during her exam.
Preventive exams may seem redundant, but they save time and money in the long run in regard to your cat’s health.
During National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, we will be a cat-only clinic all day but available for non-feline emergencies and reopening to all of our four-legged friends the following business day. Give us a call to set up an appointment for your kitty to help her stay on the road to good health.