What Is Involved in a Cat Wellness Exam?
A wellness exam is the perfect time to discuss your cat’s daily habits, diet, and any problems you may have noticed. Your vet will discuss the following topics with you:
- The appropriate food and weight for your cat
- Behavioral issues
- Daily water consumption
- Your cat’s stool production, or litterbox habits
- The amount of activity your cat gets daily
- Whether or not your cat is alert and content
Cats should have a thorough dental cleaning around age 4. We will do a dental exam and look for any abnormalities in the mouth. By age 4 virtually all cats have some kind of painful dental issue. In addition to problems with their teeth, cats can develop tumors inside of their mouths and since they are so adept at hiding pain, especially dental pain, it is very easy to overlook these issues. However, make no mistake, dental issues are painful and seriously affect the quality of life.
How Often Should Cats Be Examined?
Your cat should be examined at least once per year. You may not be aware that kitty is not feeling well, and it’s better to stay one step ahead of any potential medical issues. Older or geriatric cats should have a semi-annual (twice yearly) wellness exam.
Why Might Additional Tests Be Recommended?
Cats age much quicker than we do, so doing yearly labs are advised. Cats can be prone to kidney disease a condition we see quite often. If we can catch the kidney disease early, we may be able to change their diet to control or reverse it to improve their quality of life. We will also check your cat for intestinal parasites by checking a stool sample. Depending on the condition of your cat, any symptoms you have noticed, concerns you have or test results, diagnostic imaging may also be recommended when appropriate to provide our doctors with the information necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and come to a recommendation for treatment.
Schedule A Wellness Exam for Your Cat
At Ingleside Animal Hospital, our veterinary staff is here to ensure that your cat is able to enjoy a long and healthy life as your companion. Call us today to make a cat wellness exam appointment with one of our veterinarians. You can reach us now at: (602) 833-7511