Is it time to take your furry friend to the vet? Sometimes, people misguidedly assume that indoor cats do not need to go to the veterinarian. It is true that cats typically contract contagious feline diseases through contact with other animals outside. Nevertheless, vet visits for indoor cats are essential for many reasons, from administering vaccines to catching issues before they become serious.
Your feline companion can develop many conditions and illnesses that have nothing to do with the outdoors. These include weight, genetic disorders, hormone problems, tumors, etc. So, indoor cats need to see a veterinarian for regular checkups.
The outside world can still affect your four-legged friend even if your cat never leaves the house. An occasional stray may wander into your home or backyard. A neighbor’s pet may pay a visit. Perhaps you also have a dog that regularly goes out and encounters other pets. Rodents may also be part of your household without your knowledge. Even you may inadvertently bring danger from the outside world.
Your furry friend cannot talk to you. Cats are skilled at hiding illness and pain. Their instinct is to hide any signs of vulnerability or weakness. That skill keeps cats from being easy targets for competitors and predators in the wild.
Unfortunately, since cats are so good at hiding their problems, the problem may already be at an advanced stage by the time they start to exhibit symptoms. So, prevention is better, more effective, and far more straightforward than treatment.
It would help to take your indoor cat for regular vet visits to keep abreast of any changes in your kitty’s health. After all, even a subtle change could signal an illness that could be developing—a problem you should catch early and address before it is too late.
The frequency of veterinary visits may vary depending on your cat’s age and overall health. Newborn kittens should visit the vet monthly until they are four months old. By this time, kittens should be through with their necessary vaccinations. Once they reach the age of six months, it is an excellent time to get kittens neutered or spayed. After that, they usually will not need another vet visit until they turn one year old.
Ideally, it would be best to take your adult indoor cat for a wellness visit every six months. That will help your veterinarian get to know your furry friend, including its average weight and behavior. Fluctuations in these will help your vet notice illnesses early. Monitoring your cat’s health is a fundamental component of responsible pet care.
It would help if you took your senior cat for a checkup every six months. Senior cats with health issues need more frequent vet visits. After all, many feline diseases become more common as cats age. These include liver issues, kidney problems, and obesity. Regular veterinary visits will help your cat receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible.
Taking your indoor cat to see a veterinarian at least once a year is essential. That will ensure that your pet companion enjoys the healthiest and most comfortable life possible.
For pet care concerns, visit Circle of Life Animal Hospital at our office in Tampa, Florida. Call (813) 850-0600 to book an appointment today.
