Is your feline pal overdue for a trip to the vet? Many of our furry patients don’t come in as much as they should. While Fluffy would no doubt rather take another nap than visit us, proper veterinary care is crucial to her health and well-being. Here, a Shawnee, KS vet discusses taking your kitty to the doctor.
Keep It Routine
As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It’s much easier to keep up with your pet’s wellness care than it is to treat full-blown medical issues. Most kitties should come in at least once a year for exams and vaccinations. However, senior cats, kittens, and cats that are allowed outdoors will need more frequent appointments. Fluffy should also be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.
Emergency Visits
Cats often try to hide signs of illness, so you may not notice anything wrong until your pet is quite sick. Hiding, poor grooming, withdrawal, respiratory issues, litterbox woes, uncharacteristic behavior, and/or a lack of appetite are a few red flags to watch for. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.
Make The Carrier Comfy
If Fluffy only sees her carrier before car rides, she may hightail it for her favorite hiding spot when she sees it. Keep the carrier out between appointments, so your kitty becomes familiar with it. Add soft bedding and a few toys to make it comfy and inviting.
Drive Cautiously
As you may know, most cats aren’t purrticularly fond of car rides. In fact, many of our feline patients are more unhappy about the trip over to the clinic than the appointment itself. Make the drive easy on Fluffy by playing soft music for her. You may also want to keep a window cracked, so she always gets fresh air. Try to avoid bumps, potholes, and sudden stops, starts, or turns. If your pet is extremely nervous, ask your vet about using cat-calming products, like pheromone sprays.
Purr Reactivation
Even if Fluffy is a nervous wreck in the car, she’ll probably calm down very quickly once you get her back home. Offer her a special treat or a new toy, and pay her some extra attention.
Do you need to make an appointment for your kitty? Contact us, your Shawnee, KS vet clinic, today!
