Taking Your Cat to the Vet

August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day! Of course, given the option, Fluffy would rather celebrate Spoil Your Cat Day, Hug Your Cat Day, or Take Your Dog To The Vet Day. We know that most of our feline patients would rather stay home and take yet another nap than come visit us. However, proper veterinary care is crucial to your kitty’s health and well-being. A Fort Collins, CO vet discusses taking Fluffy to the doctor in this article.

How often your pet needs to come in will depend on her age, lifestyle, and health. We recommend that all furballs be fixed, spayed or neutered, and kept current on vaccines and parasite control. Generally, adult kitties should come in at least once a year. If Fluffy is a senior, is allowed to go outdoors, or has medical issues, she may need to come in more often. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Most cats are not particularly fond of car rides. There are some ways to make the trip a bit easier on your kitty. If Fluffy only sees her carrier before appointments, she may immediately be on edge when she spots it. Leave the carrier out between appointments, and put comfy bedding and some toys in it. On the ride, keep a window cracked, and play some soft music for your furball to meow along to. Also, try to avoid sharp turns, bumps, and sudden stops or starts. If your feline pal is extremely nervous, ask your vet about using cat-calming products.

If you know or suspect that your pet is sick, schedule an emergency visit right away. Cats tend to be very secretive when they are ill, and often try to mask signs of illness. Some warning signs to watch for are hiding, poor grooming, respiratory issues, uncharacteristic behavior or vocalizations, vomiting, diarrhea, litterbox issue, and changes in food or water consumption.

Even if your kitty protests all the way to the clinic and all the way back, she’ll likely calm down very quickly when she gets back to her domain. Get Fluffy’s motor going again by offering her a yummy treat or a new toy. Some extra cuddles may also be in order.

Please reach out to us, your Fort Collins, CO vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!