Did you know that August 22nd is Take Your Cat To The Vet Day? We don’t mean that all of you should make appointments for that specific day. Our waiting room would be overflowing with kitties! This day is just a reminder of the importance of keeping up with Fluffy’s veterinary care needs. Read on as a Savannah, GA vet offers some advice on taking your feline pal to the vet.

Basic/Recommended Care

Kitties are all unique individuals, and their care needs will vary a little, depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. That said, we recommend that all of our feline buddies be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current on their vaccines and parasite control. Regular exams and screenings are also important, as they can reveal medical issues that are just developing. It’s always much better when a problem can be diagnosed and treated early on!

Signs Of Sickness

In between appointments, you’ll want to keep an eye out for signs of illness. Cats can be secretive about this, so it’s important to know what to look for. Some red flags are hiding, poor grooming, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory issues, lethargy, fever, changes in food or water consumption, sudden weight gain or loss, lumps, bumps, lesions, skin/fur problems, discharge, limping, and litterbox problems. You may also notice behavioral changes, such as increased or different vocalizations. Some cats clamor for attention when they are ill, while others withdraw. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these things.

Travel Tips

You may have noticed that our feline friends are generally not big fans of car rides. You can make the trip a little easier on your furball. Put some comfy bedding in her carrier, and perhaps a few toys. You may also find it helpful to leave the carrier out between appointments, so your furball gets used to it. On the way over, play some calming tunes on the radio. Music soothes the savage beast … and the not-so-savage kitty. Crack a window and/or turn the air conditioner on, so your pet always has fresh air flowing back to her. If Fluffy gets really nervous in the car, ask your vet for advice on using pet-calming products, such as treats or sprays. Do you need to make an appointment for your feline pal? Contact us, your Savannah, GA animal clinic, today!