Keep Them Purrin'
So your cat has given you many years of contentment and is now enjoying senior status.
Your cat ages about 4 times as fast as humans, so yearly wellness examinations are critical for seniors as changes in your kitty's health can quickly escalate. While traveling to the veterinarian might not be your cat's favorite pass time, even indoor cats have the potential to develop injuries and disease. By taking the proper steps now, you will be better prepared to catch illness before it can escalate into a major problem.
Your cat ages about 4 times as fast as humans, so yearly wellness examinations are critical for seniors as changes in your kitty's health can quickly escalate. While traveling to the veterinarian might not be your cat's favorite pass time, even indoor cats have the potential to develop injuries and disease. By taking the proper steps now, you will be better prepared to catch illness before it can escalate into a major problem.
Feline Instinct
Just like humans, pets can have days when they feel a little lethargic and under the weather, but it is natural instinct for your cat to try and disguise any signs of illness. They do this in the wild as showing any signs of weakness leaves them vulnerable to predators and open to attack. Unfortunately this can make it difficult to determine if they are feeling unwell or are suffering from a more serious illness.
Feline Wellness Examination
Typically, your senior pet should have a yearly, or very 6 months depending on the situation, comprehensive physical exam by a veterinarian. If you are a new client, please bring any documentation, including shot records with you. All clients, if possible, should try to bring a recent stool sample for your appointment.
Please inform the staff of any concerns or health issues that may have arisen since your last appointment. By communicating these changes to our team, the veterinarian will be able to examine these issues more closely and identify their underlying causes.
You loved one will be comprehensively examined by our veterinarians from nose to tail to check for any health issues. Typical the veterinarian will:
The staff will conduct fecal and blood tests in order to ensure that your cat is free of internal parasites. The blood tests will also check the function of your pet's internal organs.
Additionally, our staff will take this opportunity to discuss parasitic prevention, such as fleas, ticks and and yes even heartworms for your cat. Due to the climate in the San Diego area, these preventatives are required year round.
Please inform the staff of any concerns or health issues that may have arisen since your last appointment. By communicating these changes to our team, the veterinarian will be able to examine these issues more closely and identify their underlying causes.
You loved one will be comprehensively examined by our veterinarians from nose to tail to check for any health issues. Typical the veterinarian will:
- Check the central nervous center.
- Check and clean the ears, treating if required.
- Check joints and mobility.
- Check skin and condition of the coat.
- Check urinary and reproductive systems.
- Conduct a dental examination.
- Conduct an eye examination.
- Listen to the heart and lungs for abnormalities.
- Observe for alertness and response.
- Palpate the abdomen, checking for painful areas, growths or tumors.
- Physically check the body for unusual lumps.
- Monitor the weight of your cat.
The staff will conduct fecal and blood tests in order to ensure that your cat is free of internal parasites. The blood tests will also check the function of your pet's internal organs.
Additionally, our staff will take this opportunity to discuss parasitic prevention, such as fleas, ticks and and yes even heartworms for your cat. Due to the climate in the San Diego area, these preventatives are required year round.
Pet Care Counseling
Our veterinarians can assist you in any questions about pet food, house training, grooming, pet toys, or any other topic that concerns you about your senior cat.
Vaccinations
At Imperial Beach Pet Hospital, the veterinarians recommend a vaccination protocol for cats based on their lifestyle. The staff will review your pet's lifestyle and help you determine the appropriate protocol.
Spay or Neutering
Our veterinarians at Imperial Beach Pet Hospital recommend that once your cat has reached senior age and has not been spayed or neutered that they remain unaltered unless medically necessary.
Microchipping
The best way to ensure your loved one finds their way home is to microchip. This provides a permanent identification that Animal Shelters and Veterinarians routinely check when a lost pet is brought to them.