While most pet owners bring their dog to their veterinarian for an annual checkup, some cat owners don’t visit veterinary offices as often, even though cats benefit from yearly checkups, too. Since many cats live indoors, people mistakenly believe that cats aren’t exposed to as many dangers and diseases as they actually are. Regular checkups are also important for things like maintaining a healthy weight and keeping teeth and gums healthy. Annual visits can help your veterinarian monitor your cat’s health and take preventive measures to keep your cat healthy, including:
Vaccines: Kittens need more vaccinations at an earlier age, and as your cat grows, your veterinarian will check with you on any lifestyle changes that may necessitate different vaccines. For example, if your cat has always stayed indoors, but eventually, you start to let them outside, new vaccines are recommended. Feline leukemia is only a danger for cats that are likely to come into contact with unfamiliar cats. This vaccine would become a recommended part of the health routine for any cat that goes outside.
Heartworm prevention: All cats, even an indoor cat, need a monthly preventive to guard against heartworm and fleas. It just takes one bite from a mosquito that’s snuck in an open door to cause heartworm, so it’s essential your cat sees the vet each year to stay up-to-date on heartworm prevention.
Weight: Your cat’s doctor and veterinary staff can detect increases or decreases in weight more quickly if they see your cat annually. Weight fluctuations can indicate underlying health issues and put stress on your cat’s internal organs. Excess weight can also lead to diseases like diabetes.
Dental care: Just like humans, cats can get tartar and plaque build-up on their teeth. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which can be uncomfortable and cause things like inflammation or bleeding from the gums. Your vet can recommend ways to support your cat’s dental care at home, like special food or pet-friendly toothpaste, or provide dental cleanings during your visit. If your cat does develop an oral disease, your vet will recommend the necessary medical care, like prescriptions or tooth extractions.
Health concerns in older cats: As your cat ages, your vet can use their medical history and information to determine if your cat is at risk for problems like kidney or thyroid disease. Symptoms can be vague and hard for most people to catch, but your vet is specially trained to recognize signs as they start to appear.
So don’t wait to get a handle on your cat’s health. Make a check-up with your veterinarian or the staff at SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center today. Learn more at spcatampabay.org
About The Author: Cynthia Mitchell is the Chief Veterinary Officer for SPCA Tampa Bay. She currently oversees medical operations for SPCA Tampa Bay. She has been a Florida resident since 2019, primarily working to develop shelter medicine programs and people development. Dr. Mitchell received both her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and her Bachelors in Animal Sciences from UC Davis.