{"id":2415,"date":"2022-06-21T08:19:50","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T12:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mypetsanimalhospital.com\/wp1\/?p=2415"},"modified":"2022-06-21T08:19:51","modified_gmt":"2022-06-21T12:19:51","slug":"why-cats-need-regular-veterinary-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypetsanimalhospital.com\/why-cats-need-regular-veterinary-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Cats Need Regular Veterinary Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
Cats have a reputation as self-sufficient and independent beings. This perception, though often true, has created a myth cats do not need to see their veterinarian as often as dogs. This myth is false. Cats do need to see their veterinarian regularly. Their health and quality of life benefit greatly from regular veterinary care.<\/p>\n
Kittens like all newborns need to visit the veterinarian often for the absolute best start to life. They should visit their veterinarian once every three to four weeks for the first 16 weeks. Depending on lifestyle, family history and disease common to where you live, vaccines will begin at 6 to 12 weeks of age.A series of vaccines which protect against infectious and life threatening diseases are appropriate. Three to four weeks later, a second set of vaccines are administered. During this stage, your veterinarian will check for gastrointestinal parasites from a stool sample.<\/p>\n
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Your veterinarian will examine your kitty’s heart, lungs, eyes, mouth and skin looking for congenital abnormalities and other signs of ill health. Between 8 and 12 weeks of age, your kitten should undergo testing for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus<\/a>. A rabies vaccine is given at three months with a booster administered at one year of age. Spay or neuter<\/a> should be performed between 6 and 12 months of age. If there are concerns regarding a kitten’s socialization, raising them at any one of these appointments is encouraged.<\/p>\n Adult cats between the ages of 1 to 9 years should undergo a comprehensive examination by their veterinarian annually. During this annual appointment, a stool sample check for parasites should be conducted. In addition, vaccines will be updated as needed. Other topics you should discuss with your veterinarian include any medications or supplements your cat is receiving. It is also a good idea to let your veterinarian know what brand of food your cat eats. Having this information will help your veterinarian better understand your pet’s health. It will also help in formulating an appropriate treatment plan.<\/p>\n Annual wellness bloodwork on your adult cat will facilitate in early detection of disease. This information is important and helps your veterinarian to better address health issues before they become more serious. During these annual exams, your cat’s weight and body condition will also be assessed. Cats who are overweight may have mobility and life quality issues which need to be addressed. Your adult cat’s oral health will also be evaluated. Signs of plaque and periodontal disease<\/a> are identified at annual exams. 85% of cats six years and older show signs of periodontal disease. If your cat goes outside, he should be on year round heart worm and flea and tick prevention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n