Preventive and routine care for cats is something we believe in! Whether they are strictly indoor pets or indoor/outdoor, felines need regular wellness exams. However, statistics show that after their initial kitten vaccinations, pet owners tend to take cats to the vet about half as often as dogs.
This is a problem because cats instinctually hide symptoms of a disease, illness, and pain, which means unless your pet is getting regular exams, we won’t be able to catch health problems early when they are easier (and less expensive) to treat.
One of the main reasons cat owners cite for not taking their cats to the vet is that their cats hate it—often they’re so fearful they can be very hard to handle. However, as a certified Fear Free Practice and a certified Cat-Friendly Practice, we know how to make those vet visits less stressful and less difficult for both of you. Your pet’s health and comfort are always our number one priority and we’ve got a few helpful tips and tricks on our blog about making the car ride and the carrier less stressful for your cat. Our preventive and routine health services for cats include:
Annual Veterinary Exams
Our nose to tail (or tail to nose if that suits your pet better) exams will thoroughly evaluate general appearance, skin, lymph nodes and mucous membranes, as well as musculoskeletal, respiratory, nervous, circulatory, digestive and genital/urinary systems. If a problem is brewing, we can hopefully detect it early to improve the outcome.
We may also recommend preventative care blood work and/or urine testing to assess things we cannot see. Based on the information obtained, we will help you with a plan to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Vaccinations
Updated vaccinations are a highly effective way to prevent many common diseases and infections like feline leukemia, distemper, and rabies. While there are core vaccinations that we recommend for most cats, our veterinarians will customize a vaccination plan for your pet based on health conditions, lifestyle, and age. Click here if you would like to read more about vaccinations including their safety and effectiveness.
Dental Care
Most felines over age three have some signs of periodontal (dental) disease. Left untreated it can result in infection, inflammation, tooth decay and loss, and terrible pain. We offer comprehensive dental services including exams, dental X-rays, extractions and oral surgery.
Parasite Control
Preventing parasites is simple and efficient with preventive medications. Eliminating the problem when a pet is not protected can be much more expensive and difficult.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition supports all your cat’s bodily processes, bolstering their immune system and ensuring normal development. Many prescription foods are offered to aid in the treatment of various health conditions.
Microchipping
Even an indoor cat can escape, and a microchip is the surest way to give your pet a ticket home if he or she is lost. They are affordable, permanent and relatively painless to insert. Click here to read more about microchipping your pet.
Behavioral Evaluation
Changes in mood or behavior are often symptoms of underlying medical conditions. We can help identify the root cause and if there is not a medical reason for the behavior, assist you with training, medications and other solutions.
Senior Animals
At Chateau Veterinary Hospital, we love elder pets! We also know they have special needs and that regular preventative care is even more important for aging cats, which is why we recommend increasing exams to at least twice a year and completing regular blood screenings and lab work. As pets get older, they are prone to many age-related diseases and conditions that need to be managed to preserve their quality of life.
We want the best for your feline companions because we know how much they mean to you! If you have questions about our services or want to make an appointment, please give us a call at 504-467-6431.
