February is National Cat Health Month! While our feline friends deserve to be healthy all year, this is a good chance to shine a little light on Fluffy’s health care needs. A Hendersonville, NC veterinarian offers some insight on this below.
Veterinary Care
Of course, Fluffy’s vet is going to be the ultimate authority on her condition. Most cats should come in at least once a year for exams. However, some kitties may need more frequent appointments. We also recommend that your furry buddy be fixed and microchipped. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.
Gauging Fluffy’s Condition
While you really should rely on your vet to let you know how your furry friend is doing, you can get an overall idea just by paying attention to her. Fluffy’s eyes should be clear and bright … at least, when they’re actually open. Your kitty should have soft, smooth fur. Her body should be supple, and her weight should be within the normal range. Temperament is also a good indication. Healthy cats may be all over the place as far as purrsonality, but they should be alert, curious, and responsive.
Signs Of Sickness
This is one area where kitties can be pretty purrplexing. Fluffy often instinctively tries to hide signs of illness. That can make it hard to tell when your pet isn’t feeling quite right. Keep an eye out for warning signs. Some common ones include hiding, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. Other red flags include litterbox issues, unkempt fur, sudden changes in weight, increase or decrease in water intake. Uncharacteristic behavior is also a clue. Your furball may just not act like herself if she doesn’t feel well. For instance, she may be more cuddly than usual, or vocalize more or less than she normally does. Call your vet right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The sooner an issue is treated, the better!
Wellness Care
Keep up with your feline pal’s parasite control and vaccinations. These can protect your cute pet from dangerous parasites and diseases, some of which have the potential to be fatal. As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is definitely true when it comes to kitty care!
Is your feline buddy due for an exam? Contact us anytime! As your local Hendersonville, NC veterinary clinic, we are here to help!
