Just like any other animal, cats need proper veterinary care to truly thrive. Although visiting us is not her favorite pastime, Fluffy will both look and feel better with regular veterinary care. Read on as a local Marietta, GA vet offers tips on taking your kitty to the vet.
Scheduling Visits
Your kitty’s veterinary care needs will change a bit as she ages. We recommend that our feline friends be microchipped and spayed or neutered while they are still little. It’s also important to keep your furball up-to-date with her exams, vaccinations, and parasite control products. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.
Emergency Care
In between appointments, keep a close eye out for signs of sickness. Some common ones are hiding; poor grooming; litterbox issues; respiratory issues; lethargy; sudden weight gain or loss; and uncharacteristic vocalizations or behavior. Cats often try to hide symptoms of illness, so call your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.
The Car Ride
Car rides are one thing that Fido and Fluffy vehemently disagree on. As far as Fido is concerned, car rides are one of the best things ever, along with bacon, belly walks, naps, beds, and new toys. Fluffy, on the other hand, thinks of cars as death machines hurtling her through space towards certain doom. Make your four-legged friend more comfortable on the ride by playing soft music. Keep a window cracked so that there is always fresh air circulating. Also, try to avoid bumpy routes and sudden stops and starts. If your kitty is extremely frightened of car rides, ask your vet about using cat-calming sprays.
The Carrier
Does your furry friend run and hide when you take her carrier out of the closet? Help your furball form a more positive opinion of her carrier by leaving it out between appointments. Add some comfy bedding and toys, and perhaps a little catnip. Then, to ensure that your kitty takes a nap inside it, tell her to stay out of it!
Purr Reactivation
Once you get your feline buddy back home, offer her a new toy or a special treat to get her little motor started again. A few extra cuddles or ear scritches may also be in order.
Do you need to make a veterinary appointment for your furry friend? Please contact us, your Marietta, GA pet hospital, anytime.
