Tips for Taking Your Cat to the Vet

August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! We know, Fluffy would rather be celebrating Take Your Dog To The Vet Day, or perhaps Give Your Cat Tuna Day. However, proper veterinary care is crucial for your kitty’s health and well-being. A Galena, MD vet offers some helpful tips on bringing your feline pal to her doctor in this article.

Keep Up With Wellness Care

It’s much easier to prevent illnesses than it is to treat them after they’ve developed. Keep up with Fluffy’s appointments! We recommend that most cats come in at least once a year. However, some furballs may need more frequent visits. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Emergency Visits

In between appointments, watch for indications that your feline buddy isn’t feeling well. Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, so you may not see any red flags until your furry friend is quite ill. Hiding is a common one. Other things to look for include poor grooming, loss of appetite, weight changes, respiratory issues, lethargy, litterbox issues, vomiting, fever, and/or uncharacteristic behavior or vocalizations. (Note: it’s worth mentioning that kitties are, of course, full of adorable quirks. If Fluffy has taken a sudden interest in batting bottlecaps around, you probably don’t need to worry. However, if your normally-friendly furball is suddenly withdrawn, she may be ill.)

Ask Questions

When you schedule or confirm your appointment, be sure that you’re clear on what you need to do or bring. In most cases, you likely won’t have any special instructions. However, if Fluffy is having surgery, she may need to skip a meal. You may also be asked to bring in a stool sample in some situations. Also, don’t be shy about asking for care tips. That’s what we’re here for!

Make The Ride Easy

Most of our feline patients are definitely not fans of car rides. Fluffy should always be crated for travel: it’s much safer for both of you. You don’t want your kitty getting under your feet while you’re driving! Make the crate comfy by adding soft bedding and some toys. If it’s cold or hot out, make sure the car’s temperature is comfortable before you bring your furball out. Keep a window cracked for air flow, and drive carefully.

Please contact us, your Galena, MD pet hospital, anytime. We’re here for you!