When Should Your Cat See a Vet?

Annual Physical Exams

Cats tend to hide their illnesses in the early stages. A veterinarian can detect signs of disease and treat or prevent problems from progressing. You should take your cat to your veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical examination.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations help protect your cat from severe and/or fatal diseases. Kittens should be vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Afterwards, cats receive yearly boosters. Vaccinations cost considerably less than the treatments for the diseases cats are vaccinated against. All cats should be vaccinated-even indoor cats!

Spaying & Neutering

Ontario animal shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed with the number of unwanted kittens and cats. Every year, thousands of cats are humanely destroyed because of overpopulation. A female cat can have 2–4 litters a year, with an average litter size of 2-6 kittens. The average age recommended to have your cat spayed or neutered is six months old.

Some signs that should cause you to seek veterinary attention for your cat:

• Straining in the litterbox
• Eliminating outside the litterbox
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive Coughing/Sneezing
• Lameness/Limping
• Breathing Difficulties
• Seizures
• Sudden Blindness
• Unusual Vocalizing
• Not Eating for 2 -3 Days
• Drinking more than usual
• Weight loss
• Any unusual behaviour for your pet

Call us today to book your cat an appointment!

Written by Dr. Adam Mahovlich, DVM