Adult Cat Health
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Cats age a lot faster then we do. By the time they are one, we estimate them to be 15 in "human years". After this rapid growth in the first year of life, they do slow down and we begin to estimate that one cat year equals 4 human years.
Although taking your cat to the vets is not fun (but then again - who really likes going to the doctor?), after your cat's initial "kitten series" it is still important that we see them on a regular (i.e. annual) bases for wellness exams. With regular exams, we not only build a strong doctor-client relationship but we have the opportunity to see what is "normal" for your cat and catch diseases or health concerns (such as weight management or dental health) early. This chart explains our preventive healthcare plan for adult cats. As always, these are general guidelines only and we will tailor our protocol(s) to meet your cat's individual needs. |
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At your cat's vet visit...
We would like to see your cat every year, starting at one year after their last set of vaccines at 12 weeks of age
Your cat will require a one-year vaccine booster so the timing of this visit is to coincide with this need. After the one-year booster, annual wellness exams are important to cat health.
Because we all lead busy lives, reminder postcards and/or phone calls will be sent out so please ensure that, in the event of a move, your contact information is kept current.
Perform a comprehensive physical examination
Although age is not a disease, with aging comes diseases. Physical exams help to establish what is normal for your cat and also to catch changes (such as weight gain or bad teeth) at the earlier stages where there are more options for intervention
Give your cat their required booster vaccines
A single vaccine does not provide life-long immune protection so boosters are given to "remind" the immune system what it needs to protect against. Depending on the lifestyle of your cat (i.e. indoors only, goes into boarding, supervised outdoor access, or free roamer), we will make appropriate vaccine requirements.
Some cat diseases, such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are more important in young cats whereas other diseases, such as Rabies, are a concern throughout the lifespan of your cat.
Establish a deworming protocol
All cats should be dewormed once-a-year in case of exposure to parasites. For cats that are active hunters, travel to heartworm or flea endemic areas, or are considered at higher risk, more frequent deworming protocols may be required.
Go over any questions or concerns about your cat
Concerned about abnormal litter box use or if your cat's bad breath is normal? Talk to us! Let us know what your concerns are as we are happy to discuss them and work together on finding a solution that works.
We will also take the opportunity of this visit to discuss any updates on cat health in general.
Plan for dental care
By the age of 3, most cats will require more aggressive dental care then can be achieved with home dental care. More aggressive dental care includes a proper cleaning under general anesthetic.At the time of a wellness exam, we will evaluate your cat's mouth to determine when to anticipate a cleaning is required.
FIV/FeLV screen your cat
FIV (cat AIDS) and FeLV are two deadly infectious diseases that are found in our environment. All cats should be screened. If screening was not done at kittenhood, or if your cat has participated in "at risk behaviour" such as a cat fight, we may recommend getting your cat screen for retroviral infection.
Microchip your cat
If your cat does not have permanent ID, a microchip can be placed at any time
Your cat will require a one-year vaccine booster so the timing of this visit is to coincide with this need. After the one-year booster, annual wellness exams are important to cat health.
Because we all lead busy lives, reminder postcards and/or phone calls will be sent out so please ensure that, in the event of a move, your contact information is kept current.
Perform a comprehensive physical examination
Although age is not a disease, with aging comes diseases. Physical exams help to establish what is normal for your cat and also to catch changes (such as weight gain or bad teeth) at the earlier stages where there are more options for intervention
Give your cat their required booster vaccines
A single vaccine does not provide life-long immune protection so boosters are given to "remind" the immune system what it needs to protect against. Depending on the lifestyle of your cat (i.e. indoors only, goes into boarding, supervised outdoor access, or free roamer), we will make appropriate vaccine requirements.
Some cat diseases, such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are more important in young cats whereas other diseases, such as Rabies, are a concern throughout the lifespan of your cat.
Establish a deworming protocol
All cats should be dewormed once-a-year in case of exposure to parasites. For cats that are active hunters, travel to heartworm or flea endemic areas, or are considered at higher risk, more frequent deworming protocols may be required.
Go over any questions or concerns about your cat
Concerned about abnormal litter box use or if your cat's bad breath is normal? Talk to us! Let us know what your concerns are as we are happy to discuss them and work together on finding a solution that works.
We will also take the opportunity of this visit to discuss any updates on cat health in general.
Plan for dental care
By the age of 3, most cats will require more aggressive dental care then can be achieved with home dental care. More aggressive dental care includes a proper cleaning under general anesthetic.At the time of a wellness exam, we will evaluate your cat's mouth to determine when to anticipate a cleaning is required.
FIV/FeLV screen your cat
FIV (cat AIDS) and FeLV are two deadly infectious diseases that are found in our environment. All cats should be screened. If screening was not done at kittenhood, or if your cat has participated in "at risk behaviour" such as a cat fight, we may recommend getting your cat screen for retroviral infection.
Microchip your cat
If your cat does not have permanent ID, a microchip can be placed at any time
