When we think of taking our cats to the vet it is often because we want a resolution to a medical concern. Sick cats are not the only ones that should visit the vet, as healthy cats can benefit too. Veterinarians not only treat illnesses and injuries but also offer a wide range of preventive veterinary services, for healthy cats, that can help your cat continue on the path of wellness.
Physical Examinations
All cats, whether indoor or outdoor, can benefit from an annual general physical examination with a veterinarian. During a physical exam your veterinarian will listen to your cat’s heart and lungs, examine their eyes, ears, mouth and skin, palpate the abdomen for any physical abnormalities, and check your pet’s body temperature. Physical examinations allow veterinarians to assess your cat’s body condition and can point out areas of concern that you may otherwise be unaware of. These visits allow veterinarians to detect disease processes early which can be of benefit to your cat. Detecting disease early can allow you to treat these conditions with diets and medications in the early stages, prolonging the amount of time it takes the disease to progress.
Dental Examinations
A pet’s mouth is often one of the most overlooked areas of their body. Dental disease can not only affect your cat’s ability to obtain proper nutrition, due to dental problems, but can also lead to other organ dysfunction. Bacteria in the mouth can gain quick entry into the circulatory system when gum disease is present. These bacteria can harm the liver, kidneys and heart causing irreversible damage. Taking your healthy cat to the vet for regular dental examinations can allow you to stay on top of their dental health and treat any dental concerns promptly before they cause too much damage.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are given to help prevent often fatal diseases in pets. These vaccinations reduce your cat’s risk of acquiring these diseases or help to limit the severity of certain diseases. Depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors your veterinarian will vaccinate your cat against such diseases as: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Herpes Virus, Panluekopenia, Calici Virus, Chlamydia, and Rabies Virus, most commonly. The best time to vaccinate your cat is when they are already healthy and their immune system is not already compromised. Visiting your veterinarian for vaccines will help to keep your cat healthy.
Parasite Prevention
Healthy cats can acquire both intestinal and external parasites and some of these parasites can be transmitted to humans. Visiting your vet on a regular basis for parasite prevention can keep you and your cat healthy and parasite free. A regular annual fecal analysis, performed by you veterinary clinic, and deworming treatments can help keep adult cats free from intestinal parasites. Also, keeping your cat on a regular anti-flea and heartworm prevention medication can also keep them healthy and happy throughout the year. These parasites are much easier to prevent rather than treat once an infestation has already occurred.
