Voted Best Veterinary Clinic
Cats need and deserve the same level of veterinary care as other animals, yet they are less likely to receive it. Cats seem strong, independent, and like they can take on the world. But the reality is, even the toughest cats need preventative care and regular exams in order to live their best and healthiest lives.
Why Do Many Cat Owners Skip Annual Exams for Their Cats?
There isn’t one reason that cat parents put off making vet appointments. Many cats have independent and self-sufficient personalities. This can make it seem like they can take care of themselves and that they’re healthy, even if they’re feeling awful from illness or injury.
Another reason it can be easy to put off making an appointment is that many cats experience stress and anxiety when leaving their home, bolting the moment they see the carrier come out of storage. This can make cat owners feel guilty and wanting to spare their cat the stress of visiting the vet.
Choosing the Right Vet for Your Cat Can Make a World of Difference
Choosing a veterinary team certified in feline behavior and medicine can ease your cat’s stress and anxiety. As a Gold Standard Cat Friendly Practice®, Rivertown staff is trained to handle cats with care and compassion. We take extra measures to stay current on best practices for your cat’s medical care, including preventative medicine and ways to reduce stress from making your appointment to returning home.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are crucial for the health of your cat. Here are the best reasons to make visits to our office a part of your routine:
1. Cats Hide Pain and Discomfort
Cats developed the ability to mask pain and discomfort to survive in a world filled with predators. This helped them hide if they were weak or injured in the wild. While our house cats no longer need to hide their distress, it’s hard-wired into them. This makes it difficult for cat owners to recognize chronic pain or a hidden condition that can cut their cat’s life short. Annual physical exams can make up for your cat’s ability to conceal their suffering.
2. A Baseline Helps Us Care for Your Cat
When we have a record of your cat’s health, we can better assess their condition in an unusual or emergency situation. Establishing a baseline for weight and other physical characteristics can streamline diagnosis if an accident or serious health problem were to occur.
3. Bloodwork and Tests Find Hidden Health Issues
Many health problems are not visible to the naked eye. Bloodwork and other tests can give you a clear picture of your cat’s overall health. From organ function to intestinal parasites, regular vet visits can uncover health issues that can be treated or managed, allowing your cat to live longer and feel better.
4. Early Diagnosis Improves Chance of Recovery
Waiting until a cat shows signs of pain or illness means that the condition has progressed past being able to hide symptoms, which may mean the issue is severe. Delayed care can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase costs. Early diagnosis significantly increases your cat’s chance of recovering.
5. Vaccines and Parasite Prevention Keep Your Kitty Healthy
There’s no replacement for immunizations and preventative medications when it comes to protecting your cat from deadly diseases. Vaccinating your cat for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia, rabies, and other diseases can prevent suffering and extend their life. Using a prescription parasite prevention safeguards your cat from contracting heartworms, fleas, ticks, and the deadly infections that are spread through these disgusting bugs.
From Whiskers to Tail, a Thorough Exam is Just a Call or Click Away
Help you cat live their best nine lives. Call us at 651-430-2229 or make an appointment online. Worried your cat won’t enjoy a visit to the vet? As a Cat Friendly Practice®, we can provide you with advice on how to prepare your cat for their appointment, including reducing stress while loading them into the carrier, riding in the car, and more. Give your favorite feline a long, healthy life by making their appointment today.