{"id":1294,"date":"2022-10-20T20:10:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T20:10:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=1294"},"modified":"2022-10-20T20:10:38","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T20:10:38","slug":"cat-wellness-exams-are-100-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/cat-wellness-exams-are-100-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Wellness Exams Are 100% Worth It"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to convincing a cat that a trip to the vet is in their best interest, an owner may learn rather quickly that it\u2019s in <\/span>their <\/span><\/i>best interest to buzz right off. It might seem like a victory to a cat, but unfortunately, they may lose a great deal in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of their resistance to their travel kennel, transportation, and veterinary attention, many cats simply don\u2019t receive the level of care that could prevent disease and ensure a long, healthy life. Cat wellness exams are designed to promote feline vitality, despite their strong objections. So, what\u2019s a cat owner to do?<\/span><\/p>\n

Facing Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no denying that cats are crafty, especially when it comes to hiding any signs of illness or injury. They could be dealing with painful symptoms for quite some time before they become obvious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, as we mentioned above, they are highly territorial so any attempts to take them anywhere else could be met with ire. It is the combination that undermines the importance of\u00a0 <\/span>routine cat wellness exams<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

We recommend having a dedicated notebook where you can jot down any changes to their <\/span>behavior or habits<\/span><\/a>. Check out our <\/span>cat health checklist<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting Early<\/span><\/h3>\n

Crate train your cat as early as possible. A kitten is far more impressionable than an adult or senior cat, but all cats can learn to accept change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Entice your cat to enter their crate at their leisure. Make it a soft, supportive environment that doesn\u2019t have to compete with household noise or traffic. Treats, bedding, toys and praise all make crate training easier. Over time, you can train your cat to endure\/eventually enjoy short car trips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Importance of Cat Wellness Exams<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because young animals are more susceptible to illness, we typically see kittens once a month until they\u2019re about 4-6 months old.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a kitten receives his\/her vaccinations, microchip, parasite prevention, and spay\/neuter surgery, we see them once a year until about age 7. The chance to observe their behavior, assess appearance, and examine them helps us<\/span> establish a healthy baseline for the future<\/span><\/a>. If there are any changes between years, we can pivot to understand what\u2019s behind them and make recommendations that influence and support future health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if a cat\u2019s weight is heavier than before, we can closely monitor necessary dietary changes\/restrictions, and help reinforce lifelong healthy habits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Age Appropriate<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because most conditions that affect cats are due, in large part, to their age, we place an emphasis on preventive health. Cats age much faster than we do, so it\u2019s critical that we stay in front of any possible age-related diseases, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n