Annual Checkups

• Your veterinarian should first examine the cat from nose to tail to evaluate his general physical state. The vet should always check for such symptoms as nasal or eye discharge, sneezing and congestion, which can indicate an infectious illness such as an upper respiratory infection.

• Ask if your cat is overweight. Your veterinarian may offer some nutritional guidance and recommend an exercise regime.

• A good cat tree, toys and a partner in crime (preferably another Kim’s Catwalk Maine Coon Cat) should keep everyone in shape running the household.

• If you recently adopted an adult cat, your vet may recommend some diagnostic tests. Your new cat should undergo a blood test to screen for two common viral infections: feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Both can cause chronic and sometimes fatal infections, tumors or anemia because they suppress the immune system. Unfortunately, cats can catch these viruses easily through contact with an infected cat's blood, urine or saliva, so this test is important for multiple-cat households.

• Your pet's doctor may also test for intestinal parasites with a fecal exam. Worms are uncommon to indoor cats but it’s not a bad idea to play it safe.

• Your cat will likely endure a vaccination during the visit. Although it may hurt a little, you'll be forgiven shortly after your cat returns to the comforts of home.

• Once your cat passes these tests with flying colors, your veterinarian will explain ways you can keep your cat healthy and happy. This may include feeding a nutritious diet, keeping vaccinations up to date, spaying or neutering (if it hasn't been done already), keeping teeth clean, checking periodically for intestinal parasites and keeping free of external parasites like fleas and ticks.

• Your veterinarian is also your ally in preventing behavioral problems. During the annual visit, you might discuss common problems like spraying and scratching. There are products that can deal with the cat's natural inclinations.

• Make it clear to your vet that you don’t condone declawing and it is not an option.  To read the problems and horrors view this .pdf file.

• Diarrhea in adult cats is a common sign of intestinal parasite infection, hairball gastritis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Waxy debris in the ears may be evidence of ear mites. Hair loss in patches or scratching can indicate a flea infestation, allergies, or ringworm (a fungal infection).

• If your cat's gums are red or bleeding, if there is tartar buildup or bad breath, or if there’s a reluctant to eat dry food, it's probably time to schedule a dental cleaning. Ask your vet to describe the procedure and to explain why it's important to keep a cat's pearly whites looking and feeling good.

• I’m happy to help in anyway that I can. You can email me with questions whenever you like.  I will often have an answer for you, and then, if you wish, you can confirm that information with you vet during your appointment. Your vet should talk to you about your cat's overall condition and explain anything they noticed in particular. If your cat has any health problems, you'll talk about how to treat them. You may also discuss common symptoms and diseases in cats.