Caring for your cat’s health

By Dr. Melisse Conway

Most pet owners don’t realize that cats need an annual checkup and regular visits. People mistakenly believe that cats aren’t exposed to dangers and diseases since they live mainly indoors.

Regular checkups and annual exams are important for such health considerations as maintaining a healthy weight, preventing disease and keeping teeth and gums healthy. Make an appointment in February, which is National Cat Health Month.

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 ask about 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, your vet will recommend different vaccines, like one for feline leukemia, which is a danger for cats that are likely to come into contact with unfamiliar cats. Kittens should get the rabies vaccine as soon as they turn 12 weeks old.

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.

Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heartworm-disease-in-cats

Spay or neuter: Cats can become pregnant as young as 5 months old, so it’s important to spay or neuter them at a young age. Kittens should be at least 2 pounds or more before being spayed or neutered. It’s never too late to spay or neuter adult animals, but be aware that senior pets may face a greater risk of post-operative complications.

Weight: It’s common for cats to have weight issues, and your vet can detect increases in weight more quickly if he or she sees your cat annually. Weight gain can put stress on your cat’s internal organs and lead to diseases like diabetes.

To make an appointment for your cat, please call our Vet Center in St. Petersburg at (727) 220-1770