Veterinary Care
What does the vet need to do before I bring my cat home?
Cats should be blood tested for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus before they are put in a house with other negative cats. A fecal test and necessary dewormings should be done for intestinal parasites. Ear mite treatment may also be needed. Vaccines should be up-to-date and the kitty should be examined for fleas.
How often should I take my senior cat to the Vet?
All cats should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, regardless of whether or not they need vaccines. Exams are critical for all cats at least annually. Senior cats should be seen every 6 months. Remember, cats instinctively hide symptoms of illness in order to avoid predators.
Does my cat need vaccinations?
Senior cats should have a Rabies virus vaccine every three years because it is required by law. An FVRCP vaccine protects against 3 other viruses that are highly contagious between cats. If your cat is around any other cats, they should have this vaccine every 3 years as well, but they should not be given during the same year as a rabies vaccine.
Does my cat need routine parasite tests?
Cats should be tested for parasites in their stools even if they live indoors and should receive routine flea preventative medication, especially if you have other pets.
Does my cat need routine bloodwork?
Getting blood values checked annually is a good idea, especially as your cat ages. You'll want to keep track of your cat's organ function to ensure that she can live a long, healthy, happy life and intervene on any problems as early as possible.
How often does my cat need professional teeth cleaning?
Cats don’t brush or floss on their own. Therefore, they need cleanings regularly, every year to 3 years in most cases.
Should I have my cat spayed/neutered and/or declawed?
Veterinarians often recommend neutering and declawing at the same time. All cats should be spayed/neutered to prevent accidental reproduction, roaming, aggression, marking, and even reproductive cancers. Declawing, however, can lead to many behavioral and even physical problems and should be avoided at all costs.
Should my pet be microchipped?
Microchipping is advised for all pets, and can be done any time. The procedure is quick and painless, and senior cats from shelters will often come with a microchip already implanted. Microchips will provide a permanent ID for your cat, since a collar or tag can easily fall off or get caught and ripped off outdoors. Always be sure to update your contact information if you move, get a new phone number, or transfer ownership of your cat to a new person so the chip tells shelters, animal control, or a veterinarian who to contact to get the cat back home
Does my cat need pet insurance?
Yes! Pet insurance is a low monthly cost and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in a single emergency room situation. Pet insurance can cover routine veterinary care, emergency injuries or illnesses only, or some combination of both. Dental and chronic conditions can be covered by some plans as well. Be sure to evaluate your plan carefully so you know what is covered and what isn’t, and whether any hereditary, genetic, or pre-existing conditions are excluded.
How do I know if my cat is sick?
Watch for anything out of the ordinary--you know your cat! Cats do 5 primary things: eat/drink, urinate/defecate, sleep, play, and groom themselves. If there are any changes in the normal pattern, take your kitty to the veterinarian!
- Signs of Emergencies
- Seizures, collapse, fainting, straining to urinate or defecate, eye injuries, swelling of the face, poisonous bites or bites from other animals, open/bleeding wounds, feeling too hot or too cold, breathing problems
- Signs of Illness
- Losing weight, failure to gain weight, changes in appetite, drinking more or less, urinating more or less, hair loss, behavior changes
How will I know when it’s time to euthanize my cat?
If your cat is not eating or drinking, and has a poor quality of life, you may want to consider euthanasia if you and your vet have tried everything possible to restore her to good health. It is an individual decision.