A Focus on Feline Health

Preventive health care is an important part of cat ownership, but it sometimes can be a challenge to get cats to the veterinary office. In fact, many cats will go into hiding the moment they see the carrier. Getting your cat to the vet can sometimes seem like a daunting task, but there are some steps you can take to make the process less stressful.

You can try these suggestions to make the carrier not only a familiar sight for your cat, but also a positive place for them:

• Put the carrier in an area where your cat spends a lot of time
• Make it more inviting by placing familiar soft bedding or clothing with your scent inside
• Put some of your cat’s favorite treats and toys inside

This process may take some time, but it will pay off if it means less stress for your feline friend. If we start acclimating them to their carriers when they are kittens, it will be even easier.

So why is it so important for cats to get regular check-ups? Just like dogs, cats age faster than we do. The first two years of a cat’s life are equivalent to the first 25 years of a human’s. After that, each additional year is approximately four ‘cat years’. Preventive care will allow our cats to live longer, more comfortable lives.

By far, the most important part of your cat’s preventive health care program is an annual physical examination. During a wellness visit, the doctor will provide a thorough examination of your cat’s coat and skin, eyes, ears, gums and teeth, heart and lungs, and palpation of the organs in the abdomen. Cats are programmed to hide signs of illness for as long as possible, and routine wellness visits may allow for earlier detection of disease.

Vaccinations are just one component of a good preventive care program. A variety of parasites can also pose a health risk for not only your cat but also for you and your family. Your veterinarian can help you decide which vaccinations and parasite control is best based on your cat’s lifestyle. It is important to note that indoor only cats are still at risk for certain parasitic infections, such as fleas that play a role in the transmission of Bartonella henselae, also known as Cat Scratch Disease.

At Kindler Animal Hospital, it is our goal to help you provide optimal wellness care for your cats. We truly believe that annual visits are an important way we can improve the quality of life for our feline companions. We invite you to contact us by phone at 740-695-9441 so we can help you with your cat’s preventive care program.

For the month of July, all new feline patients, or those who have not been seen here within the past 12 months, will receive one free dose of a broad spectrum parasite control product during their wellness visit.