Routine healthcare and preventative healthcare are just what your cat needs to live a long and happy life, and at the United Veterinary Center, that is just what we offer. At our pet care clinic, cats, dogs and all animals alike are treated with the utmost care and professionalism.
Our highly educated and trained staff knows precisely what each animal needs to maintain good health, and we want to do everything in our power to educate you on those needs so that you too can help your feline live the best possible life. While we will take care of your cat’s vaccinations, parasite control and dental care, it is up to you to ensure that your cat stays on a healthy diet, that they are properly groomed and that your home is a safe environment for your pet. Our vet will advise you on all of these issues, as well as address any questions or concerns you might have regarding your cat’s wellbeing.
The Importance of Routine Veterinary Care for Felines
If your cat is just a baby, she needs to see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until she is about 4 months old. However, as she grows from kitten to cat, she will only need to visit the vet once a year. During each visit, our cat care professionals will perform a thorough examination, nutritional assessment and body conditioning test. We will also administer any vaccinations and prescribe any medications we feel that your feline will benefit from. These yearly visits also give you an opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns you have regarding your kitten’s health.
As your cat ages, you will need to schedule more clinic appointments—at least two a year. Illness is more common in geriatric cats, so more frequent examinations will allow us to spot afflictions early on and prescribe a proper treatment plan. If necessary, we may put your cat on a wellness program, such as routine blood tests to watch out for early liver or kidney disease.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control
Vaccinations and parasite control are a major part of your feline pet care plan. Cats are commonly subject to internal parasites such as roundworm, hookworms and tapeworms, all of which can cause internal damage to your cat, not to mention the pain your cat might experience. Some external parasites kittens commonly get include fleas, ticks, mange mites and ear mites. These external parasites can transmit diseases to your cat, as well as cause major discomfort for them.
To keep your cat parasite free, our veterinary practice will put your cat on a parasite control plan that includes checking for parasites at each annual exam and administering medications that will keep parasites at bay.
Just like with dogs and humans, vaccinations are another critical component of your cat’s vet care. Vaccinations will help stimulate your feline’s immune system to fight infection before it becomes disease. Our cat care professionals will administer boosters yearly to ensure ongoing protection.
Dental Care
Cats, like humans, need routine dental care to ensure that their gums and teeth are in good health. Proper dental hygiene can prevent plaque or tarter build up, which is the leading cause of gingivitis and tooth loss in animals. If your cat’s teeth are not properly cared for, it could lead to tooth loss, which would impact what they are able to eat.
Spaying and Neutering
Unless you plan to use your cat in a breeding program, they should be spayed or neutered at 6 to 7 months old. Male cats that are not neutered spray urine to mark their territory, and female cats that are not spayed become aggressive over time. Additionally, non-spayed or neutered cats tend to wander and can become subject to car accidents or other injuries. Additionally, a non-spayed or neutered cat is subject to more health issues in older age.
Work With Our Cat Care Clinic
At the United Veterinary Center, our veterinary professionals provide full care for cats, dogs and any other pets. If you want your cat to live a long, healthy and happy life, reach out to our clinic to see how we can help make that possible.