Proper veterinary care is absolutely crucial to your feline friend’s health and well-being. While it’s probably safe to say that Fluffy would prefer not to have to interrupt her busy napping schedule, coming in to see us is definitely in her best interests. A local Vinton, VA vet offers some tips on bringing your kitty to the vet in this article.

Appointment Frequency

Fluffy’s veterinary care needs will change over the course of her life. Kittens need to come in several times within that first year. That adorable ‘toddler’ phase is a critical time in your pet’s life! Exams, microchipping, parasite control, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgery should all be on the agenda for a baby furball. Adult cats may only need to come in once a year, though outdoor cats and kitties with health issues will need to visit us more often. Senior cats will benefit from more frequent appointments. Ask your vet to recommend a good schedule.

Emergency Care

At home, keep an eye out for signs that your furry friend isn’t feeling well. Cats try very hard to mask signs of illness, so you may not notice anything is wrong until Fluffy is quite sick. Some things to watch for include hiding, poor grooming, lack of appetite, unkempt fur, crankiness, breathing trouble, discharge, runny eyes, fever, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are also some behavioral clues to watch for. Your kitty may also just not seem like herself. For instance, chatty cats may be uncharacteristically silent when sick, while normally-quiet kitties may clamor for attention.

The Trip

Most of our feline patients are homebodies, and are definitely not fans of car rides. Telling Fluffy that the car isn’t actually a robot that’s trying to kidnap her probably won’t do much good, so you may want to try a few other ways of making the ride easier. Put some comfy bedding and a few toys in her carrier. If it’s hot or cold, have the car cooled off or warmed up before you bring her out. On the way over, try to avoid sudden stops or starts, speed bumps and potholes, and sharp turns. Cracking a window and playing the radio may also soothe your furry buddy.

Is your cat due for an appointment? Contact us, your Vinton, VA animal clinic, for all your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!