Preventing or catching diseases early on is better than treating them once they’ve already progressed. Preventive care for your cat saves your cat from additional pain and you from a larger financial hardship. December is National Cat Lover’s Month and at Regal Animal Hospital we’re kicking it off with preventive care measures and advice you can follow to keep your cat healthy.
Regular Exams
Just like for humans, regular exams are recommended for cats as well. If your cat is older or already has medical conditions, more frequent exams may be necessary. During the exam, go over these major areas of concern with your veterinarian:
- Stomach and intestines
- Breathing-coughing and shortness of breath
- Behavior problems such as aggression and other changes
- Feet and legs
- Fur and skin- hair loss, excessive grooming or shedding
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are another important aspect of preventive care for cats. There are generally agreed upon “core” vaccinations for cats and other vaccinations suited for certain cats (non-core or lifestyle vaccinations). Core vaccinations for cats include feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and rabies. Talk to your vet about any questions and concerns you have about vaccinations for your cat.
Parasite Prevention
When it comes to parasites, decisions for the best preventive care depend on a variety of factors including:
- Your cat’s age
- Whether or not your cat has fleas
- Cats on a heartworm preventive that manages intestinal parasites
- If your cat’s previously experienced parasites
- If your planning on breeding your female cat
- Cats frequently around children
Disease Screening for Elderly Cats
Screening tests for elderly cats are highly recommended for preventive care. Veterinarians use blood tests and other lab tests to test for common conditions and give an accurate diagnosis before a disease worsens or becomes irreversible. Additionally, many older cats are already on medications and may need tests to monitor their effects on their organs.
Preventive care helps your cat live a longer and healthier life. Make an appointment with Regal Animal Hospital in Lake Worth, Florida for quality care for your cat!