What will my veterinarian be looking for during my cat's wellness exam?
Our team of veterinarians will check out your cat's ears, eyes, and teeth. They will listen to the heart and lungs. They will also look at the skin and coat and your cat's joints. As they are doing this, they are making sure that there are no signs or abnormalities.
Vicky
Villa Park Veterinary Hospital
Will my cat's wellness exam require any specific lab work or procedures?
To make sure your cat is fully healthy, lab work and procedures need to be done. We always recommend that you bring in a fecal sample to the appointment. The veterinarians will also recommend blood work to check for heartworm disease, feline leukemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus.
How does wellness exams impact the longevity and health of my cat?
Cats are notoriously good at hiding pain and other health issues. Just like us, as we get older, health concerns can arise. For cats, that could be anything from kidney issues, diabetes, and even heart disease. The earlier these are caught gives a better chance of treating and maintaining these issues.
When should I bring in my cat for a veterinary wellness exam?
Our recommendation is to bring your cat in at least once a year for wellness exams. However, if you have a kitten, you may need to come in more than once a year to get vaccine boosters and even to spay or neuter. As I mentioned, cats are really good at hiding health issues. If you think there is a health concern, contact us immediately.
What are some common signs and symptoms that my cat might not be feeling well?
A few of the most common ones are weight loss, urinating outside of the litter box, coughing, and vomiting are all symptoms that may indicate that your cat might not be feeling well.
What are some possible environmental factors that can affect cat wellness?
A cat that is allowed outside has a greater chance of injury. One of the scariest parts of the outside world is fleas and ticks. Even indoor-only cats can have allergies and could get into things they shouldn't, such as toxic plants.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (630) 832-1666, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Wellness Exams - FAQs
Vicky
Villa Park Veterinary Hospital
What are some things I can do to maximize cat wellness at home?
You can keep your cat healthy by ensuring they have proper nutrition, are up to date on vaccinations, and are on yearly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Make sure they are getting proper exercise, both mentally and physically, and groom them if needed.
What can I do to provide my cat with the best nutrition possible?
Find a well-balanced diet and ensure a good mix of wet and dry food. When you come for your cat's wellness exam, ask our veterinarians what they recommend for feeding your cat. There are many options on store shelves, so ensuring your cat gets proper nutrition is key.
How can I keep my cat from becoming overweight?
To avoid having an overweight cat, increase your cat's activity. Provide a cat tree or a platform for climbing. You can also get a food puzzle or a meal dispensing toy, which come in many different shapes and colors.
How do I keep my indoor and outdoor cat healthy?
Your cat needs to be up to date with their rabies vaccination. Also, ensure they are current on both their heartworm preventative and their flea and tick. After they have spent time outside, check their skin and coat for any foreign objects, especially burrs. You may also wipe them down with pet friendly wipes.
How often should I brush my cat's teeth?
Ideally, you should brush your cat's teeth twice daily, although we understand this can be difficult for cat owners. A more realistic range is a few times a week. Brushing is great for dental care, but some cats don't like it when you get close to their mouth. If your cat allows you to brush, do it a few times a week. If not, you can try a dental chew or water additives to help freshen their breath.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (630) 832-1666, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram